Battery drain?

[James P]

I'm kinda slow when it comes to auto electrical demons. :Do No:

Where/how would I hook up a multi-meter to check if something is draining current from the battery when everything is turned off and it's just sitting there?

I think I have all the shorts chased down, but I don't want to wait till the next morning to find out I missed one when it won't start. :puzzled:

Thanks for your time.

[r72gs]

Remove the neg battery cable. Now put a voltmeter (or a test light if thats all you have) between the battery neg post and the negative cable. If you show voltage or the test light lights or even glows, you have a draw.

[James P]

[homer voice]DOH!![/homer voice] :Dou:


Thanks Karl. If I told you the different ways I was trying to use the meter to find any draw, you'd laugh your a$$ off.

[Michael Evans]

To see how much of a current draw all you have do is do as described above with a multi-meter set on Amps if you meter allows.

Most meters will allow up to a 10 amp draw through them (which is a lot).

I would think .2 or less Amps is acceptilly for a daily driven car, but not for one that will sit for an extented amount of time.

The ideal amount is zero with the key off, doors, trunk and hood shut.