How to check for electrical drains

[ABE]

I think the sticky on this subject that is now closed needs to be updated. When the neg terminal is removed and then re-connected via an ammeter to the neg battery terminal the PCM will command all system monitors to function and there will be a fairly large draw. The PCM will check for expected actions and if none are received after 20 to 30 mins or so will command the sensors to go to sleep mode progressively. There will be a large drop in the amps when all systems are in sleep mode. Then you can start to remove fuses to check for abnormal current draw.

I think the monitored systems need over 200 milliamps to monitor for expected actions with nothing going on and sleep mode should have about 40 milliamps if all is ok. You cannot open doors or anything in this mode.

[mark v]

Please PM me what you want me to add or correct or post it here. As soon as I fix it I will then delete this post.

I just want the How to, to be as perfect as it can get for others to follow easy.

[ABE]

Well I am not too good at writing procedures. I wrote what I think you need to add.

It would probably help to have 2 stickies: maintaining and changing the battery being one on its own, and the electrical drain being a second.

There are two battery tests not included that are critical: Load test and a specific gravity test. The voltage of a battery is useful but a faulty cell may allow a high voltage and no power.

The electrical drain should also address the alternator diode failure which can quickly flatten a battery.

The best practices that I have seen evolve from a starting thread that gets peoples input and research and results in an edited resulting thread reflecting it all.

Sorry but I hope this helps.

[mark v]

Ok I opened the thread up.

I put your suggestions in where I think it may be correct.

Please post there and I will adjust as necessary.

I thank you for all your help you have given and suggestions.

http://www.ford-forums.com/general-t...al-system.html