Provides an Easy Method to Connect a Multimeter to the Vehicle Electrical System to Diagnose Hidden Battery Drain.
Replaceable in-line fuses protect both the meter and tester in the event a high current source on the vehicle is left on. The multimeter is bypassed with the switch during connection in case of a power surge. The tester and meter can remain connected until other computer systems shut down, isolating the drain. As a convenience, stacking banana connectors are used on the tester. This allows voltage to be measured on various locations on the vehicle during the drain test, using standard test leads.
Applications:
Provides an easy method to connect a multimeter to the vehicle electrical system to diagnose hidden battery drain.
Instructions:
1. Connect the tester to the Amp and Common sockets on the multimeter and use the DC Amps setting.
2. Turn off ignition, blowers, lights and any other accessories. Make sure all doors are closed.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnecting the positive is also an option. The negative battery terminal is preferred as extra caution is required when using the positive battery terminal to prevent shorting the tool on the vehicle. Note: For side mount, non-post batteries, install a bolt in the battery to ensure a good clamp connection.
4. Set tester switch to ON (I). Connect one tester clamp to the disconnected battery cable and the other to the battery post the cable was removed from. Wait 10 seconds to wake the computer.
5. Turn OFF (O) the tester switch, allowing current to flow through the meter. The tester and meter can remain connected until all other computer systems shut down, isolating the hidden drain. Normal current draw varies between 20mA and 50mA (0.050A). Note: If the reading drops to 0.000A, one or both of the tester fuses may be blown because a high current source on the vehicle was left on.
Note: To use additional test leads, the Parasitic Drain Tester must already be connected to the negative battery terminal. The additional black test lead is then stacked on the common port of the meter and must be probed to the chassis ground or negative battery terminal. Plug the additional red test lead into the "V" (voltage) port and it may be used to probe for voltage around the vehicle.
