Battery drain?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Battery drain?
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 1
From: On the prairie
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.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 4
From: MI
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?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JohnB1986
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Feb 28, 2012 04:23 PM
RussB
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Sep 14, 2009 12:33 AM
bozzchem1
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Feb 22, 2004 10:44 AM
