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parasitic draw

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Old Nov 21, 2013 | 03:55 PM
  #1  
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parasitic draw

How many mili amps sould be ok for are cars when its off. If I dont drive it for 2 or more days its dead
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Old Nov 21, 2013 | 04:44 PM
  #2  
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Re: parasitic draw

Originally Posted by Sojer
How many mili amps sould be ok for are cars when its off. If I dont drive it for 2 or more days its dead


I would say 50-100 but im not a good source of info.
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Old Nov 21, 2013 | 07:30 PM
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From: Detroit, MI
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: parasitic draw

50 Ma
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 10:29 AM
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Re: parasitic draw

where did you get that, that seems like too much, i would think like 10-20ma would be normal
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Old Nov 23, 2013 | 05:39 PM
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Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
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Re: parasitic draw

If your battery is dead in two days don't concern yourself with an exact number. Have the battery and alternator tested for free at any auto parts store. If those check out pit the meter in mine and start pulling fuses and go from there.
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Old Nov 26, 2013 | 05:53 PM
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Re: parasitic draw

Anything over .05 amps is considered too much of a draw.
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Old Nov 26, 2013 | 06:45 PM
  #7  
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From: Detroit, MI
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: parasitic draw

Well it can't be a alt because it charges and its new can't be the battery also new. And it only happens when the car sits. I know its no lights or radio ac (all gone but the lights)
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Old Nov 26, 2013 | 06:47 PM
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Car: 1989 G92 IROC-Z
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Re: parasitic draw

.03mA is considered the standard. There is a formula for checking current draw depending on what size battery is in the car. Only sitting 2 days then dying should be WAY easy to spot by pulling fuses until your amperage stabilizes at an acceptable draw. Are you using an amp clamp or a meter?
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Old Nov 26, 2013 | 10:07 PM
  #9  
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From: Desert
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Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 with 3.73s
Re: parasitic draw

Originally Posted by Sojer
Well it can't be a alt because it charges and its new can't be the battery also new. And it only happens when the car sits. I know its no lights or radio ac (all gone but the lights)
Even new alternators can be bad. The alternator itself can be a source of parasitic draw.
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Old Nov 26, 2013 | 11:03 PM
  #10  
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From: Detroit, MI
Car: 1987 IROC-Z red t-top
Engine: Nothing much
Transmission: I wish t56
Axle/Gears: 9bolt 3.27 4sale
Re: parasitic draw

Originally Posted by Tibo
Even new alternators can be bad. The alternator itself can be a source of parasitic draw.
True I hope not I will look I have a cheap oreillys multi meter so not sure if it can do it but I can get to a better one
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Old Nov 27, 2013 | 09:53 AM
  #11  
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From: Austin, TX
Car: 1989 G92 IROC-Z
Engine: 5 Liter 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: parasitic draw

If it has milli-amps it will work. Anything can cause it. Starter, alternator, window motors, circuitry etc. Buy an amp clamp, put it around the negative cable of your battery, shut the doors and take the key out of the ignition, unplug the hood light and wait for it to stabilize. If you have to, shut the door LATCHES and no the doors to keep access into the car and fuses. Start yanking until the amperage goes WAY down 1 by 1
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