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Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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kevinjensen68
New User
May 20, 2010, 2:07 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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1994 Ford F250, 7.3l powerstroke, 160k
Hello guys, new to the forum and need some help
This is where I am. I have quite a few of accessories on my truck, lights, amp/subs etc, and I have a draw. This is not a normal draw from what I can come up with, talked with a couple different mechanics everyone says to start pulling fuses, well I have. I have a diesel so two batteries, pulled both neg. straps, put a test light from the strap to the post to do the "drain test".
Well, on a normal drain its a steady dim or bright light, mine is different. It starts really bright and within two seconds or so goes dim to nothing. I have pulled every fuse on the truck, relay powers, and still just have that bright to dim affect. Anyone ever seen this or can explain to me what is going on? Checked the alt, batteries are new and charged, im lost thanks for any help.
( Edit - Just removed hidden hyperlink - original text TomG)
Kevin
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 20, 2010, 9:11 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 20, 2010, 3:20 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.
You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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kevinjensen68
New User
May 20, 2010, 9:09 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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Thank you very much hammer, I have this: http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_9990000031937611P?vName=Tools&cName=ElectriciansTools&Lighting&sName=Multi-Meters%20&%20Meters&psid=FROOGLE&sid=KDx20070926x00003a
multimeter, think it will be adequate for reading this? Sorry I just have never used a meter before all new to me. Also, when I hook the meter in, should it be on a negative or pos. side? and should the other battery be completely unhooked? thanks!
Kevin
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 21, 2010, 2:26 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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That meter appears to have an amp scale but I can't see for sure. Yes, disconnect one of the batteries completely and measure the other one. Which lead you connect is not real important. It will just read either positive or negative but the reading will be the same either way.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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kevinjensen68
New User
May 21, 2010, 4:52 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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Thought I had everything set up right, when I pull the neg. cord and run a jumper it sparks a bit so something is pulling on it, hooked meter in and was working then I started to mess with it (learning by mistake I suppose) and blew the fuse in the meter, so gotta make a run to radio shack sometime this weekend then try it again, not quite sure what setting on the meter to use...
Kevin
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 21, 2010, 5:12 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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Most meters can only carry about 10 amps so make sure you don't try to start it or anyting while it's going through the meter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Sidom
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/ Moderator
May 22, 2010, 8:45 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Truck electrical drain, cannot track down
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1st I'd want to know if you are having any kind of problem with the system.........
On any computer system that is normal......That is what it looks like when a module "goes to sleep", granted a few are faster and most are A LOT slower but it's just the system powering down......
A test light will work to find a drain BUT if the drain is pointing to a circuit with a BCM or other module on it, it's best to switch to amp meter or probe like HT suggested so you aren't chasing your tail.....
So....other than the light on your test light staying on....what problem are you having?
(This post was edited by Sidom on May 22, 2010, 8:46 PM)
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