Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load Test

TOOLS REQUIRED
^ J 38758 Parasitic Load Test Switch Tool
^ J 39200 Digital Multimeter

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

NOTE: The parasitic draw test switch should never be turned to the OFF position with the engine running. Damage could occur to the attached ammeter or the vehicle electrical system.

Battery (Parasitic) Load Test:

2. Connect the J 38758 male end to the negative battery terminal.
3. Turn the test switch knob to the OFF position.
4. Connect the negative battery cable to the J 38758 female end.
5. Turn the J 39200 to ON.
6. Road test the vehicle with all of the accessories on.
7. After the road test, with the ignition still in the ON position, shut down all power accessories including the Electronic Climate Control head.
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
9. Remove the ignition key.
10. Set the ammeter to 10 A.
11. Connect the J 38758 to the test meter terminals with alligator clips.
12. Turn the J 39200 to OFF.
13. Allow the current reading to stabilize for 20 minutes.
^ A reading below 25 mA is acceptable.
^ If the current reading is at or below 2A, perform the following steps:
13.1. Turn the J 39200 to ON.
13.2. Switch the ammeter to a lower scale.
13.3. If necessary, use a more accurate meter.

IMPORTANT: Always turn the test switch tool knob to the ON position before removing each fuse to maintain continuity in the electrical system and to avoid damaging the ammeter due to an accidental overload (i.e. opening door to change a fuse, etc.).

13.4. Turn the J 39200 to OFF. If the reading is above 25 mA, begin removing fuses one at a time until the readings fall within specifications.
13.5. A total reading below 20 mA is normal, and a reading between 20-25 mA is acceptable.
^ A zero reading indicates a problem with the meter, the scale being used, or a connection.
^ A reading above 100 mA may suggest the following:
- Grounded wires
- Sticking relays
- A light is ON.
14. When the cause of the current draw has been located and repaired, perform the following:
14.1. Repeat steps 11 and 12 above in order to verify the repair.
14.2. Turn the J 39200 to OFF.
14.3. Remove the J 38758.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

14.4. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tighten
Tighten the negative battery cable to 6 N.m (53 lb ft).

15. Reprogram all applicable accessories as required.