Experiencing Battery Drain When Flat Towing 2013 Chevrolet Spark

Updated 02/10/2015 | Published 02/09/2015

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Question:

I have a tow system installed in my 2013 Spark. When I tow I must put the key in ACC to free the steering wheel. This turns on the panel lights and drains the battery while towing. This is where the TD704 would be useful. The problem is I cannot locate the fuse that controls the lights. There is a relay for ACC... Could you help me locate the fuse that disables the relay. That would be the fuse for the TD704.

asked by: Samuel C

Expert Reply:

Since the owner's manual isn't clear as to which fuse will disable the accessory relay in your 2013 Chevrolet Spark, I have a couple options for you. You could contact your local Chevrolet dealer to see if they can provide this information for you. If it is determined that you have to pull a fuse when flat towing, check out the included link to see if we have a fuse bypass system that would work for you. This would eliminate the need to pull the fuse every time that you tow. Another option is to run a 12V battery charge wire, like # 10-1-1, which would provide a maintenance charge to the battery on the Spark. I would just need to know what type of connector is on your tow vehicle, as well as the one on the front of the Spark, in order to determine what parts would be needed.

In addition, if you are using a breaking system that draws power from the battery in the Spark, this could also be causing the battery drain. Running the battery charge wire will reduce the amount of discharge on the battery. With this type of breaking system it is also recommended that you stop about every four hours, start the towed vehicle and let it run for a bit to keep the battery charged.

expert reply by: Leah S