High Current Drain?
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High Current Drain?
With EVERYTHING I can find turned off, I am seeing 0.24-0.27 amps drain from the batteries. This seems to be very high to me, or is this normal for my truck??
2000 F250 7.3L PS, auto, SuperCHips program, 3 pillar gauges (EGT,boost,tranny temp). NOT on recall list for cruise control problem according to Ford.
2000 F250 7.3L PS, auto, SuperCHips program, 3 pillar gauges (EGT,boost,tranny temp). NOT on recall list for cruise control problem according to Ford.
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From: Virginia
That is high. But wait awhile before you do your test. The newer trucks are like the cars now, where it will let you operate the electric windows and other stuff for so many minutes after you turn the truck off. This is controlled by a "battery saver" relay which is controlled by a timer. If this battery saver relay is on, it will draw more current till it times out.
Are you having dead battery problems?
Are you having dead battery problems?
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Battery goes down when stored for a month or more, not sure of the exact time. The batteries are new and test OK.
I'll check before I start the truck today just to see if there might be a timer involved, but I had the truck off for a long time while I was looking for the problem, and it remained with a high drain.
Also, there is an initial 1-2 seconds when the current exceeds 1 amp when the battery is first connected, then it dies back to the 0.24-0.27 levels. Hard to get an exact reading on it since I have only a digital meter now. Where is my old Triplett when I need it?
I'll check before I start the truck today just to see if there might be a timer involved, but I had the truck off for a long time while I was looking for the problem, and it remained with a high drain.
Also, there is an initial 1-2 seconds when the current exceeds 1 amp when the battery is first connected, then it dies back to the 0.24-0.27 levels. Hard to get an exact reading on it since I have only a digital meter now. Where is my old Triplett when I need it?
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From: Virginia
I have read recomendations to dealers from the car manufacturers, that if a new car is going to sit without being started for more than 20 days, the batteries should be disconnected.
Just for your info, I have also read usually the worst offending cars have a max battery drain of about .070 amps. Most are around .012-.020 amps. You may be ok if you happened to get your decimal place mixed up. A bad drain would probably weaken the battery overnight or in about 2 days.
Just for your info, I have also read usually the worst offending cars have a max battery drain of about .070 amps. Most are around .012-.020 amps. You may be ok if you happened to get your decimal place mixed up. A bad drain would probably weaken the battery overnight or in about 2 days.
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Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, my decimal is correct, so I probably do have a problem considering your numbers for normal drains. The batteries do get weak in a week or so (2 batteries) but will start the truck OK. With 0.25 amps I figure my total drain at about 180 AMP/HOURS for one month, and that is a lot!
I am certain I don't have any lights on, so I am beginning to suspect a relay being energized. ??? Suggestions welcomed!
I am certain I don't have any lights on, so I am beginning to suspect a relay being energized. ??? Suggestions welcomed!
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