I am wondering what amount of draw I should have on my batteries with everything turned off.

I disconnected both positive battery cables and checked with a test light between the positive terminal on one battery and a positive cable and the light came on. I then tested the amperage and with the meter set at 10a it read .11. Is this normal? It seems high.

I disconnected all of the positive connections at the relay on the passenger fender and it didn't change anything. I also went through and pulled every fuse and still no change.

Any input appreciated. Thanks.

 

It's called parasitic draw. Your reading doesn't seem to high just of the top of my head. If I remember correctly it is once you start going over 0.4 or so amps that you should be hunting down the problem. Someone else may know the exact number but for some reason 0.4 (or 0.5?) amps sticks out in my mind. If you want to know the source, reconnect your positive cables and then disconnect the negatives. Place your multimeter leads between the cables and the negative post (your reading should stay about the same) and then start pulling fuses one at a time until your reading goes down which will point out the component that is drawing. For all you know it's from the hood being open and the underhood light switch being triggered.

 

Don't forget the radio usually draws a small amount to save your stations and keep the clock running. I don't know how much that is, but keep it in mind.

 

I thought it might be the light under the hood, but I disconnected it and there was no change. I guess if .1 amps is normal I wont worry about it.

 

Does it run the battery down when it sits?

 

It was running the batteries down in a few hours, but I traced that to the alternator being bad. I got a new alternator and now it seems to hold a charge overnight. I'm just making sure the draw I have now isn't excessive.

 

a little off topic, but my pops has an 85 benz 300sd, been thru 3 battieries and 2 alternators. As soon as temps get below 2degrees celcius the battery drains overnight and cant crank. if its warm out it will sit for weeks with no problem, any idea?