Title: Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (i.e., parasitic draw); determine needed action.
Course: Automotive Technology III (20104-III) > Section: Electrical/Electronic Systems: General-Electrical System Diagnosis

Diagnosis should include

- measuring 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 maxifuses to minifuses.

ASE Education Foundation
2017 Automobile Service Technology (AST) Level
VI. Electrical/Electronic Systems
A. General: Electrical Systems Diagnosis
Task 8

Process/Skill Questions:

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