Title: Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (i.e., parasitic draw); determine the needed action.
Course: Automotive Technology III (20104-III) > Section: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: Diagnosis and Repair

Diagnosis should include

- measuring the draw, according to manufacturer standards, using an ammeter with a fused jumper lead
- determining the cause by isolating the excessively drawing circuit by methodically disabling/disconnecting portions of the circuits or components from maxi fuses to mini fuses.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the typical allowable range for a parasitic draw?
- What is a key-off load?
- How would a technician perform a parasitic draw test?
- Why might a technician need to conduct this test?