Flat Tow battery discharge

[SRFoster]

My 2019 AWD can be flat towed and manual says no fuse needs to be pulled but needs charging. I have done this but the battery still drains on long trips. I have worked on this for three years and have found a fix. I was looking at the draw from each fuse and found that the radio fuse F42, from the inside fuse box, had a large draw even with the radio off. After removing the fuse, I drove 8 hours and the battery stayed fully charged. If you are having a discharge issue with the 2019 and newer Equinox, try pulling the F42 fuse. Worked for me.

 

[2019 Equinox]

I have a 2019 FWD, having same problem, we have a charge line, and have towed 10,000 miles or more, after have problem, I have stopped every 2.5 hours and ran the car for 10 to 15 minute, last time out, after driving 3 hours battery was dead. May try pulling F42, thanks for the informatio.

 

[Jim-Carol]

Newbe here.. Have 2018 Premiere. Was towing fine with charge line for 4 to 6 hours. Now doesn't and have to jump. Battery would go to 12.2 volts when sitting overnight but still start. Replaced battery yesterday. Did some trouble shooting yesterday . Charge line had 14 + volts but battery after driving car all day read 12.2 and would not take any charge....seems like battery monitor system is not letting take charge. Wired charge line to one of the empty spaces under battery cover. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[Gatewood]

My 2019 AWD can be flat towed and manual says no fuse needs to be pulled but needs charging. I have done this but the battery still drains on long trips. I have worked on this for three years and have found a fix. I was looking at the draw from each fuse and found that the radio fuse F42, from the inside fuse box, had a large draw even with the radio off. After removing the fuse, I drove 8 hours and the battery stayed fully charged. If you are having a discharge issue with the 2019 and newer Equinox, try pulling the F42 fuse. Worked for me.

We pulled F42 fuse on our Equinox, drove 225 and it started right up!!!! So glad for the information. It's been a frustrating problem. Thanks for the fix!!!

 

[chasfm11]

We have a 2018 FWD Equinox and have towed it since 2019. The first few years, there wasn't a problem and I could drive the motor home 12 hours a day with the Equinox coupled. Three years ago, I arrived home to a dead Equinox battery and I have not been able to keep the Equinox battery charged while towing since.

I have learned the the onboard charging system deliberately does not bring the battery to full charge. It is a design "feature". I followed the instructions for running the charge line from the tow bar manufacture where I bought the kit but now wish that I had used a heavier wire than the one they provided. I wondering if the current flow across the charge line is not enough to overcome the current loss on the Equinox. Also, I wonder if something that was supposed to "time out" within 30 minutes of starting to tow is no longer timing out.

My plan is to put my Equinox in towing configuration, wait 30 minutes and then measure the current drain. I will then try to see how much current is flowing across the charge line. I've carefully checked all of the charge line connection points for any corrosion but this could be a poor ground problem between the motor home and the Equinox. I'm going to see what fuse 42 does in my model and may pull it during my testing to see if it makes a difference. I appreciate that tip.

I greatly appreciate any other ideas. FYI, We are in Texas and it is sometimes necessary to run the genset to operate the roof air conditions while driving. I've wired the charge line to the genset/converter output temporarily and the Equinox battery stayed fully charged. I don't understand the possible difference between the converter output and the alternator output from the motor home engine. The diesel alternator is high capacity - 200amps