[Mk2] [Turbo] how do i test what is draining my battery?

[mistertwo_2008_uk]

Since i have had the car everything was fine, then i had a alam fitted, then battery started to drain *it never did before!*, so i left it a while, purchased a new battery, and tested the alternator... its running at 14-15v when on tick-over.... so i`m guessing thats right,

Question is my alarm fitter says that there is a possibility the alternator is draining that batter, if a diode pack or something, and i need to test how much drain is acctually occuring.

i have a multi-meter just dont know what the process is of testing the drain!


HELP?

Thanks

Daz

[Mr2_NA]

Hmmm, id say it was the alarm draining the batt. If it was fine before it was fitted it leaves me to suspect thats the culprit

[mistertwo_2008_uk]

i do to. i would like to know what the voltage drain is now.... and then after they dis-connect it!

i just dont have a clue how to test the ammount of current being drained!

I also suspect the alarm but this installer is adament!

Thanks

Daz

[greglebon]

Set your multimeter to DC AMPs (10A range)

CAUTION! DO NOT try to start the engine with the following setup...!

With ignition OFF:

Disconnect the battery "+" terminal.

Connect the red meter lead to the "+" batt terminal.

Connect the black meter lead to the terminal you removed from the battery.

Should be around 30-50mA, with your alarm on......if you have, say, 100+mA, then you have a possible drain......

Pull the alarm fuse: the drain will drop if its the alarm...

Pull some more fuses, and see if the drain goes away....

etc.

etc....

[mistertwo_2008_uk]

Thanks for the reply.

I`ll do this tomrow if i get a early finish!

Daz

[PW@Woodsport]

Just to add to gregs spot on advice,don't forget to swap the red lead on your multimeter from its current position to the AMPS socket or it won't read properly.... it is probably plugged into the socket for measuring volts and ohms.