How to test for parasitic draw on Harley Davidson Softail?
To test for a parasitic draw, place your multimeter to the amps setting in series with the battery. Do not turn your ignition on during this test. Remove the positive battery cable and attach one multimeter lead to the cable. Attach the other lead to the positive battery terminal. Read the current moving through the meter.
How to test parasitic draw via Fuse Voltage drop?
This test will show you how to quickly pinpoint the source of the draw using voltage drop across fuses. This method is fast and efficient in comparison to monitoring current and removing fuses. Using this method prevents the vehicle from waking up during the test, causing you to have to start over from sleep mode. Text instructions below video:
Where is the fuse on a Harley Davidson Softail?
Looking inside the fuse box, you’ll see a 40 amp fuse. This is the main fuse protecting the circuit between battery positive and the starter motor. There should be 12 volts on both sides of this fuse with the ignition on. Touch the positive test lead to the fuse blade and the other to a good ground. 12 volts should display on your meter.
Is there a parasitic draw on a battery?
Using a low amp clamp and a digital volt ohm meter (DVOM), confirm there is a parasitic draw. Note the amount of draw you find. Our subject vehicle has a parasitic draw of 60 milliamps. This is enough to discharge the battery. With our confirmed fault, we head to the interior fuse panel to pinpoint the source of the draw.
To test for a parasitic draw, place your multimeter to the amps setting in series with the battery. Do not turn your ignition on during this test. Remove the positive battery cable and attach one multimeter lead to the cable. Attach the other lead to the positive battery terminal. Read the current moving through the meter.
Looking inside the fuse box, you’ll see a 40 amp fuse. This is the main fuse protecting the circuit between battery positive and the starter motor. There should be 12 volts on both sides of this fuse with the ignition on. Touch the positive test lead to the fuse blade and the other to a good ground. 12 volts should display on your meter.
This test will show you how to quickly pinpoint the source of the draw using voltage drop across fuses. This method is fast and efficient in comparison to monitoring current and removing fuses. Using this method prevents the vehicle from waking up during the test, causing you to have to start over from sleep mode. Text instructions below video:
Using a low amp clamp and a digital volt ohm meter (DVOM), confirm there is a parasitic draw. Note the amount of draw you find. Our subject vehicle has a parasitic draw of 60 milliamps. This is enough to discharge the battery. With our confirmed fault, we head to the interior fuse panel to pinpoint the source of the draw.