Parasitic battery test

[thewal]

I was having some battery issues running low, and decided to do a parasitic test as per the video Eric did Thanks by the way.

And i was wondering if this is ok for a 03 civic lx with a compustar alarm starter combo. Also have an aftermarket deck and amp installed i did a video of my test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSv91I7Lhok&feature=youtu.be

is this normal draw?

in the morning when i wake up its down to 11,7 volts.

is it the battery that is going bad or thats enough draw to kill it?

thanks

Topic

[Dustin Hicks]

[quote=”thewal” post=47192]I was having some battery issues running low, and decided to do a parasitic test as per the video Eric did Thanks by the way.

And i was wondering if this is ok for a 03 civic lx with a compustar alarm starter combo. Also have an aftermarket deck and amp installed i did a video of my test

is this normal draw?

in the morning when i wake up its down to 11,7 volts.

is it the battery that is going bad or thats enough draw to kill it?

thanks[/quote]

For any electrical problem, you MUST start with a known good battery. 11.7 volts is too low for a battery reading, ensure it is fully charged and then load test the battery. If it’s good, then check the charging system. Only then would you do a parasitic test.

Parasitic Load Test:
1. Make sure all lights, accessories and ignition are off.
2. Check all doors to be sure the interior lights are off.
3. Start the vehicle and drive about 10 minutes, turning on all lights and accessories, including the radio.
4. Shut off the engine and all lights and accessories, including the under-hood, glove compartment and trunk light.
5. Connect the ammeter (preferably an inductive clamp around style), wait at least 10-20 minutes for all computers and circuits to go into ‘sleep’ (shut-down) mode. Do not open any door or trunk lid during this time, or you’ll have to start the wait time again.
6. Take meter reading. Normal range is 10 to 30ma (0.01 to 0.03 A) Maximum allowable is 50ma (0.05 A) Anything higher indicates a possible problem that should be corrected.

[thewal]

thanks, what about the after market alarm, stereo and Amp? Do you do the test with all that disabled.

[Dustin Hicks]

[quote=”thewal” post=47201]thanks, what about the after market alarm, stereo and Amp? Do you do the test with all that disabled.[/quote]

No. The idea is to test the car as if it were sitting overnight. Don’t disable these for the test, do disable them one at a time to find what’s causing the draw.

[thewal]

ok thanks I will do that.

[Dustin Hicks]

[quote=”thewal” post=47205]ok thanks I will do that.[/quote]
By the way, a good wiring diagram really, really helps. That said, I’d expect that any draw is coming from the aftermarket installations (my experience).

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[Author]

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