Parasitic draw
Parasitic draw So, I tracked a parasitic draw to the ignition fuse. On this circuit is the starter relay, ignition relay and ignition switch. Nothing on the meter changed when I pulled the relays. So can it be possible for the ignition switch to pull 2 amps. Also, everything is still in working order. No issues other then the battery draining after two weeks. How would one test the ignition switch.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 265
From: Bossier City, Louisiana
Two amps?? That's a whole lotta' current and relays don't pull that much current. I'd investigate a little more deeply. I'd get my alternator tested at the parts store for excessive alternating current (the "ripple test") leaking past blown rectifier diodes in the bridge rectifier. Or, hook up a good multimeter and test this yourself with the engine running. Temporarily re-install those relays for now.
Set the multimeter to its lowest AC volts setting. Engine running, black probe at the negative post, red probe at the positive post. Expect to see a VERY small number here for AC volts. Think .04 volts AC at the battery . . . a tiny amount. Way less than a tenth of one volt.
If your meter screen is giving you an oddball, hard to interpret, auto-ranging number, go do this test on a known good different vehicle so that you have a point of reference. Then go back and test the two amp drain vehicle again.
Rick
Set the multimeter to its lowest AC volts setting. Engine running, black probe at the negative post, red probe at the positive post. Expect to see a VERY small number here for AC volts. Think .04 volts AC at the battery . . . a tiny amount. Way less than a tenth of one volt.
If your meter screen is giving you an oddball, hard to interpret, auto-ranging number, go do this test on a known good different vehicle so that you have a point of reference. Then go back and test the two amp drain vehicle again.
Rick
Last edited by B52bombardier1; Jul 18, 2021 at 08:54 AM.
