Parasitic draw is a condition where a vehicle’s battery is being drained by an unknown electrical source, causing a decrease in battery life and even a complete drain if left unchecked. Testing parasitic draw is necessary to identify the source of the issue and fix it. This article will explain how to test parasitic draw in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before testing for parasitic draw, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need a multimeter, an amp clamp, and a set of jumper cables. The multimeter will measure the current being drawn from the vehicle’s battery, while the amp clamp measures the total current draw. The jumper cables will be used to connect the multimeter and amp clamp to the vehicle’s battery.
Step 2: Connect the Multimeter and Amp Clamp
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to connect the multimeter and amp clamp to the vehicle’s battery. Connect one end of the jumper cables to the vehicle’s battery and the other end to the multimeter and amp clamp. Make sure the connections are secure and that the multimeter and amp clamp are both set to the appropriate settings. Once the connections are secure, you are ready to begin testing.
Step 3: Test for Parasitic Draw
Now that the multimeter and amp clamp are connected to the vehicle’s battery, it’s time to begin testing for parasitic draw. Start by turning off all the vehicle’s accessories, like the radio, air conditioning, and interior lights. Once everything is turned off, take a reading from the multimeter and note the result. If the reading is higher than 0.1 amps, then there is a parasitic draw present.
Step 4: Identify the Source of the Parasitic Draw
Once you have determined that there is a parasitic draw present, the next step is to identify the source of the draw. Start by checking the fuses. If a fuse has blown, then it could be the source of the parasitic draw. If not, then you may need to check the wiring and other components, such as relays, solenoids, and switches. Once you have located the source, you can repair or replace it in order to fix the issue.
Step 5: Testing for a Complete Drain
If you suspect there is a complete drain on the vehicle’s battery, then you will need to perform a discharge test. To do this, connect the multimeter and amp clamp to the vehicle’s battery and take a reading. Then, disconnect the negative battery cable and take another reading. If the reading is higher than 0.1 amps, then there is a complete drain.
Step 6: Troubleshooting the Complete Drain
Once you have determined that there is a complete drain, you will need to troubleshoot the issue. Start by checking the fuses again, as they are the most common cause of a complete drain. If the fuses are all intact, then you may need to check the wiring and other components, such as relays, solenoids, and switches. Once you have located the source, you can repair or replace it in order to fix the issue.
Step 7: Reconnect the Battery Cable
Once you have identified and repaired the source of the parasitic draw, it’s time to reconnect the battery cable. Make sure that the connections are secure and that the multimeter and amp clamp are both set to the appropriate settings. Once the connections are secure, you are ready to start the vehicle.
Conclusion
Testing for parasitic draw is a simple but important process for ensuring your vehicle is running correctly. By gathering the right supplies, connecting the multimeter and amp clamp to the vehicle’s battery, testing for parasitic draw, and troubleshooting any issues, you can easily identify and repair any parasitic draw issues. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your vehicle is running safely and efficiently.