Grand Caravan FWD V6-3.3L VIN 3 Flex Fuel (2002)
Power Interrupt Connector/Switch: Description and Operation
IOD FUSE
All vehicles are equipped with an Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) fuse that is removed from its normal cavity in the Integrated Power Module (IPM)
when the vehicle is shipped from the factory Dealer personnel are to remove the IOD fuse from the storage location and install it into the IPM fuse
cavity marked IOD as part of the preparation procedures performed just prior to new vehicle delivery.
The IPM has a molded plastic cover that can be removed to provide service access to all of the fuses and relays in the IPM. An integral latch and
hinges are molded into the IPM cover for easy removal. A fuse layout map is integral to the underside of the IPM cover to ensure proper fuse and
relay identification. The IOD fuse is a 15 ampere blade-type cartridge fuse and, when removed, it is stored in a fuse cavity adjacent to the washer
fuse within the IPM.
The term ignition-off draw identifies a normal condition where power is being drained from the battery with the ignition switch in the OFF
position. The IOD fuse feeds the memory and sleep mode functions for some of the electronic modules in the vehicle as well as various other
accessories that require battery current when the ignition switch is in the OFF position, including the clock. The only reason the IOD fuse is
removed is to reduce the normal IOD of the vehicle electrical system during new vehicle transportation and pre-delivery storage to reduce battery
depletion, while still allowing vehicle operation so that the vehicle can be loaded, unloaded and moved as needed by both vehicle transportation
company and dealer personnel.
The IOD fuse is removed from the IPM fuse cavity when the vehicle is shipped from the assembly plant. Dealer personnel must install the IOD
fuse when the vehicle is being prepared for delivery in order to restore full electrical system operation. Once the vehicle is prepared for delivery
the IOD function of this fuse becomes transparent and the fuse that has been assigned the IOD designation becomes only another Fused B(+)
circuit fuse. The IOD fuse serves no useful purpose to the dealer technician in the service or diagnosis of any vehicle system or condition, other
than the same purpose as that of any other standard circuit protection device.
The IOD fuse can be used by the vehicle owner as a convenient means of reducing battery depletion when a vehicle is to be stored for periods not
to exceed about thirty days. However, it must be remembered that removing the IOD fuse will not eliminate IOD, but only reduce this normal
condition. If a vehicle will be stored for more than about thirty days, the battery negative cable should be disconnected to eliminate normal IOD;
and, the battery should be tested and recharged at regular intervals during the vehicle storage period to prevent the battery from becoming
discharged or damaged. Refer to Battery System for additional service information.
