Battery: Tools and Equipment

The parasitic load test device (SA9130Z) is used with a digital multimeter. The test device is used to measure parasitic current drain from the battery with the ignition and all accessories off. The load tester, constructed with one ohm resistance and built-in circuit protection device, opens when the current exceeds approximately one amp. When the circuit is opened, the user is alerted by a red light-emitting diode (LED) indicator. The parasitic load test device is put into the circuit between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable so it effectively becomes a load in series with all other vehicle loads.

IMPORTANT:
^ The ignition key must be removed from the cylinder before load testing. The key minder circuit, activated by the key cylinder switch when the key is in the ignition cylinder, adds 20 milliamps of current draw.

^ The fog lamp switch must be in the Off position before load testing. In the On position, the fog lamp switch consumes about 6 milliamps of current draw regardless of the park ignition switch position or whether the key is in the ignition.

^ The ignition key must be removed from the cylinder before parasitic load testing. The key-minder circuit is activated by the key cylinder switch when the key is in the ignition cylinder, which adds 20 milliamps of current draw.

^ The I/P cluster will draw 40 milliamps for 20 minutes after the ignition is switch off.