Is it possible to get a parasitic draw on a vehicle?
Parasitic draw on one’s vehicle can be a nightmare and often happens at the most inopportune time. But it needn’t be the mammoth task you initially envisioned and is wholly within the realm of the layman, as long as there is a multimeter to hand.
Do you need a multimeter to test parasitic draw?
There are a slew of multimeters on the market, from cheap Chinese-made testers and Craftsmans up to high-end Flukes. A basic device is all you’d need for a parasitic draw test with a multimeter. Just make sure it can test amperage, has an auto ranging mode, and is at least a known brand.
How does parasitic draw affect the battery life?
Along with being a nuisance and potentially leaving you stranded, even minimal draw can wear down a vehicle’s battery over time, often leading to performance issues and possibly a slow death. The key to good battery life is to nip any parasitic draws in the bud and also ensure the battery keeps charge above 12.4V.
How to check current draw on car stereo?
I hope you still have the wiring instruction for the stereo. If you wire the new one the same way…you’ll have the same problem. As ok4450 says check the current draw of the stereo. The easiest way to do this is pull the stereo fuse and connect the ammeter probes directly to the fuse socket terminals.
When to look for a parasitic power draw?
Your battery could be near the end of its service life and it should be recycled and replaced with a new one. If the battery test shows that it is still good, then it’s time to start looking at a parasitic power draw. While you’re under the hood (or at Advance Auto Parts), test the alternator.
How to test parasitic draw on a car?
Wait at least 60 minutes to allow all systems to enter sleep mode. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be left with the doors closed and the ignition OFF for an hour before beginning the test. 3. Select Ammeter, and then connect the leads.
What causes parasitic draw on a multimeter test?
Parasitic Draw Test with a Multimeter. On occasion, a battery may experience significant drain long after the engine has been shut off. The result can often lead to a flat, caused not by a faulty battery or through something obvious like the headlights being left on. It typically happens due to a short circuit that can be tricky to pin down.
Along with being a nuisance and potentially leaving you stranded, even minimal draw can wear down a vehicle’s battery over time, often leading to performance issues and possibly a slow death. The key to good battery life is to nip any parasitic draws in the bud and also ensure the battery keeps charge above 12.4V.