Testing for current draw.

[docgab]

Howdy folks, I have an electrical issue. I have a big time draw that can kill a battery in no time flat. I understand how to test while pulling fuses I do believe. The multimeter just takes the place of the negative battery cable?

What I really need to know is how to isolate and test if it is my starter, or alternator, or something else along those lines that might be drawing this current.

All input greatly appreciated!

 

[GNERGY]

You have to use the amp meter feature on your meter. Hook it up between your ground cable and battery and then just start either pulling fuses or disconnecting stuff till the amp meter goes to 0.
Tarey

 

[Skigirl]

Cig lighter and overhead light (because of the door switch) are often culprits and easy to check right away.

 

[5280k5]

I usually disconnect the pos. battery cable and hook my test light up between the cable and the battery and start tracing out circuits till the light goes out. Makes it nice because you can see the light from inside as you disconnect fuses/wires. There will always be a very small draw from your radio/clock but this will cause a very dim glow from a test light but a draw strong enough to kill a battery will cause a fairly bright glow. FYI it is acceptable on an older vehicle to see approx. 6-10 millamps on a multimeter for a draw with everything off. Newer vehicles will get upwards of 25-30 milliamps because of all the computers and can take almost an hour to go into a full shutdown or sleep mode.