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Battery Drain by WhateverUSMC
Started on: 02-21-2014 03:51 PM
Replies: 6 (178 views)
Last post by: WhateverUSMC on 02-22-2014 12:19 PM
WhateverUSMC
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Report this Post02-21-2014 03:51 PM Click Here to See the Profile for WhateverUSMCSend a Private Message to WhateverUSMCEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I know there is some info out there on this, but I need help with the multimeter. I want to test the battery. It is a new battery, but at this point, I don't think I have anywhere else to check. I've disconnected the lid light, checked the fuses (no sparks), headlight motors are fine, everything is off.

I was hoping that someone could tell me what to set my multimeter to. Different websites say 'ohms', or volts, but I can't seem to find any concensus. Would really appreciate the help, as this is driving me batty.

TY
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Gall757
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Report this Post02-21-2014 04:37 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Gall757Send a Private Message to Gall757Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Testing the battery, and testing for battery drain are 2 very different things. Which one do you want to do?

To test the battery, take it to an auto parts store where they can put a load on it ....you can't do that with a multi meter.

To look for battery drains, set the multimeter to Amps. start high (for safety) and go lower to the milliamp range. A normal drain is 50 milliamps, or 5% of one Amp.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 02-21-2014).]

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rogergarrison
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Report this Post02-21-2014 05:00 PM Click Here to See the Profile for rogergarrisonSend a Private Message to rogergarrisonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Lets see if I remember this right. Disconnect the ground battery cable at the battery and connect a test light between the cable end and the battery post. It will lite up if theres a drain. Pull fuses one at a time till it goes out and you found whats draining it.. If I got it wrong, someone will correct me Im sure...
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theogre
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Report this Post02-21-2014 05:29 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
See my Cave, Battery Leaches

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

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James Bond 007
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Report this Post02-21-2014 05:40 PM Click Here to See the Profile for James Bond 007Send a Private Message to James Bond 007Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I once had a massive power drain,turned out to be the headlight motors. The headlights functiond normalley,no unusual noises. I disconnected the single power wire to the right and left healight motors (dont pull the fuse or you'll lose your brake lights) and the problem went away. A stuck fan relay could cause this problem too,but you'de notice that.A bad diode in the alternator could allso cause this problem.Be sure to check Ogres Cave.
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NetCam
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Report this Post02-21-2014 08:55 PM Click Here to See the Profile for NetCamClick Here to visit NetCam's HomePageSend a Private Message to NetCamEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Can-Tech makes a good cheap solution for finding which circuit has the drain, easy to use too, Harbour Freight sells it for around $13.

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WhateverUSMC
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Report this Post02-22-2014 12:19 PM Click Here to See the Profile for WhateverUSMCSend a Private Message to WhateverUSMCEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Turns out, the drain was from a bad aftermarket radio install. Goes to show ya; check the blatantly obvious first! Thanks, all!
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