Battery draw amount?

[Richard McAlister]

Anyone know what the usual amp draw with all systems shut off (lights, engine, ignition, etc) from the battery should be? I suspect my battery is being drained abnormally overnight.



To check, should I pull the positive cable and measure the amps between the battery post and the cable?



thx

 

[Todd Z]

NEVER PULL THE POSITIVE cable first......... You will fry the 4x4 module and other electrical.



You can do that with the negative cable.



the ST has a built in timer that shuts off electrical after 20 min or so. I would almost bet if the brake lights or something isn't stuck on, the alternator or battery is shot.



Todd Z

 

[Richard McAlister]

Todd,



Thanks for the warning about the positive cable.



Battery shows 12.7v with engine off, 14.2v at idle (via OBD guage). I replaced the battery 14 months ago with an AutoZone Duralast Gold for preventative maintainence, then again 2 months ago (under warranty) for this reason (after having to jump it a couple of times). I can't imagine two AutoZone batteries in a row being faulty. I garage the truck at night, and have checked for lights being on.



Guess I'll pull the negative cable and see what the amp draw is.:sad:

Any idea what normal should be for it?

 

[EddieS'04]

I gave up on the AZ gold batteries. They arent' what they used to be. Going on 2 years with the advance gold. Decided to try it at the last failure, when I found a $40 coupon online.

No idea of amp draw.

 

[Taylor Corn]

Batteries are a crap shoot. Had an Advance Auto battery that didn't last 2 years, got full refund. Went to Ford next, lasted 39months, and got prorated battery back. I've used Autozone with success in other vehicles. Initial indications look good for your current battery.