Canada - Remote Starting System - Parasitic Battery Draw

Bulletin
2939

Issue Date
November 26, 2007

Market
Canada

Title:
REMOTE ENGINE STARTER (RES) ECU PARASITIC DRAW

Component
ENGINE ELECTRICAL

Models
'06 - '07 RAV4 & '07 Camry, & Tundra

INTRODUCTION:
Some vehicles equipped with a Remote Engine Starter (RES) may exhibit a discharged battery condition after short term storage due to parasitic draw. Use the procedure in this TSB to assist with the diagnosis of excessive parasitic battery draw to correctly identify if the Remote Engine Starter (RES) ECU is the cause.

APPLICABLE VEHICLES:
- 2006 - 2007 model year RAV4 vehicles.
- 2007 model year Camry, and Tundra vehicles.







PARTS INFORMATION:







REQUIRED SSTS:


NOTE:
- Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling SPX/OTC at 1-800-933-8335.







WARRANTY INFORMATION:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:







1. Before proceeding, determine the battery state of charge (SOC) using the GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station. If necessary, charge or replace the battery.
2. Loosen the negative (-) terminal of the battery cable so it becomes easier to remove from the negative (-) battery post later (Figure 1).

NOTE:
DO NOT remove the terminal completely. Make sure there is continuous electrical contact at all times.







3. Measure the vehicle standby current (initial).

A. Turn the key to "IG-ON" then back to "OFF". Remove the key from the ignition switch. Close all doors (Figure 2).







B. Using the remote control, press the unlock button one time. Open and close the driver's door within 30 seconds (Figure 3).
C. Wait for 5 minutes.

CAUTION:
Verify that the amperage draw does NOT exceed the meter amperage rating. Otherwise, you may cause damage to the meter.







D. Place the negative (-) terminal of the multimeter to the negative (-) terminal post of the battery and the positive (+) terminal of the multimeter to the clamp of the negative (-) terminal battery cable (Figure 4).

HINT:
Clip type leads will ensure continuous contact with terminals.

E. Remove the negative (-) terminal clamp from the negative (-) terminal post of the battery.

NOTE:
The terminals of the multimeter MUST be in continuous contact before and during removal. Otherwise, the ECUs will wake up and you must return to step 3A.

F. Record the parasitic current draw.
- If the current value is OVER 75mA, go to step 4.
- If the current value is LESS than 75mA, then the RES ECU has NO problem. This TSB does NOT apply. Inspect for other causes of excessive current draw.







4. Measure the vehicle standby current (without RES ECU).

A. Disassemble the vehicle to gain access to the RES ECU. Refer to ETAS/TIS, applicable model and year RES installation instructions for vehicle-specific disassembly and ECU location information.
B. Disconnect the 20P connector from the RES ECU (Figure 5).
C. Repeat steps 3 A - F.
D. Record the parasitic current draw.

- If the current value is OVER 75mA, then the RES ECU is NOT the root cause. This TSB does NOT apply. Inspect for other causes of excessive current draw.

- If the current value is LESS than 75mA, order a NEW RES ECU and replace.







5. Reassemble the vehicle.

A. Reconnect any disconnected connectors.
B. Verify the panels fit together properly with NO uneven gaps between them.
C. Position the negative battery cable at the original factory position and tighten the nut (Figure 6).

Torque: 4.1 N-m (4.15 kgf-cm, 36 in.-lbf)

NOTE:
Do NOT touch the positive terminal with any tool when replacing the cable.

6. Re-initialize any affected power systems.

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.