Battery Discharge Protection Relay: Description and Operation

Battery Saver

NOTE: OE provides no description/operation for the Battery Saver Relay for 95-97 models. This information is for the 98 model and may be applicable to the earlier models.

The battery saver relay is controlled by the generic electronic module (GEM) and is located in the fuse junction panel.

The battery saver relay is designed to supply B+ voltage to the following:


dome and map lamp switches

visor lamps

glove box lamp switch

interior lamp switch

interior courtesy lamp relay

delayed accessory relay


The function of the battery saver relay is to prevent excessive battery drain by interior lighting circuits.


The GEM supplies a ground signal to the battery saver relay anytime one of the wake-up inputs of the GEM is activated to operate the battery saver relay.

A wake-up command is sent when:


any door becomes ajar or is opened or closed.

the ignition key is inserted or removed.

the ignition switch is turned from OFF to RUN.

the ignition switch is turned from OFF to ACC.

a wake-up request is received from the remote anti-theft personality (RAP) module (if equipped).

The GEM will maintain the ground input with ignition in RUN or for 40 minutes from the last input activation with ignition in the OFF position. After 40 minutes the ground signal is discontinued.


This de-energizes the battery saver relay preventing B+ voltage supply to the controlled switches and circuits.