Brakemaster is Draining Battery on a 2008 Saturn Vue
Question:
I have a 2008 Saturn Vue XR and had the 9160 Brakemaster installed by Camping World mechanics and techs. I did not use the car for about 5 days. Went to use the car and my car battery was dead. I took car to my local GM service center and they tell me there is a draw on the battery. They say it has something to do with the Brakemaster system, as it is drawing about 400 milliamps and there should not be a draw of more the 50 milliamps. Can you share any explanation for the supplemental braking system drawing down the battery when not being used in the car?
asked by: Bill B
Expert Reply:
This is strange because the Brakemaster, # RM-9160, has only one electrical component and that is the breakaway switch. It would not draw any power unless you pulled the pin out. If it is drawing power then something is either wrong with the switch or there is a wire somewhere that is possibly damaged and shorting out. But that would draw more current than 400 milliamps.
You can disconnect the breakaway switch from the vehicle battery and see if that stops the draw on the battery. Also, when flat towing your 2008 Saturn Vue it looks like you will need to pull a fuse. Consult the owners manual to confirm. Using a fuse bypass, # RM76511 makes this as easy as flipping a switch.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass - 13" - 20-Amp Mini-Fuse
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Fuse Bypass
- Custom
- Mini Fuse
- Engine Compartment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster BrakeMaster for RVs w/ Air or Air-Over-Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Deka Lead Quick-Disconnect Battery Terminal - Universal Polarity
- Video: Deka Wiring DW05312 Review
- Q&A: Why Would Roadmaster Invisibrake Drain Vehicle Battery
- Shop: NOCO GEN On-Board Battery Charger - AC to DC - Waterproof - 2 Bank - 12V - 10 Amp
- Shop: EZ Coupler RV Sewer Fitting Kit w/ 4-in-1 Adapter, Hose Coupler, and Bayonet Fitting - Red
- Shop: BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Line Kit
- Shop: Replacement Foot Pad for Lippert Hydraulic Ground Control Leveling System - Qty 1
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2015 Chevy Malibu LS
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: battery charger
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: base plates
- Q&A: Why Disconnect Battery to Flat Tow Vehicle Behind Motorhome
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit Review
- Video: Deka Wiring 12-2-1 Review
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: battery disconnect
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Parts Needed For Flat Towing a 2024 Ford Maverick Behind a 2010 Winnebago Journey With Air Brakes
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Video: Review of Brake Buddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Kit - BB54FR
- Search Results: battery disconnect switch
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow A 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Behind a 2022 Newmar Kountry Star With Air Brakes
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Kit Installation - 2021 Ford Ranger
on Tow Bar Braking Systems
