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Car Battery DrainTOOLS · GUIDES · CLEAR NEXT STEPS

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Measure and isolate draw

A parked-current measurement is useful only when the vehicle is in the expected sleep state and the instrument is set up correctly. Start with the manufacturer procedure, record the units and baseline, then compare repeat measurements after the same sleep period.

What to record first

  1. Confirm the meter or clamp range and never crank with a series ammeter connected.
  2. Record the baseline and each measured circuit reduction separately.
  3. Repeat the remaining-current measurement rather than assuming separately measured drops add together.

Keep your readings together in the parasitic draw calculator, or compare a different symptom in the complete guide directory.