From: dhky@shaw.ca   
      
   "Tony P"  wrote in message   
   news:6pShi.126382$hj5.100197@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...   
   > Thank you John I will try this.   
   >   
   > "John Fields"  wrote in message   
   > news:hdrf8313bpeq3qjhi1bjnj2rvo259572k7@4ax.com...   
   >> On Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:03:38 GMT, "Tony P"   
   >>  wrote:   
   >>   
   >>>I want to check the current that my car is using whilst at rest (brand   
   >>>new   
   >>>battery goes flat over two days).   
   >>>Will a multimeter be of use and if so what range would I need to use?   
   >>>   
   >>>Battery is 55ah   
   >>   
   >> ---   
   >> Two days is 48 hours, so if your battery's rated for 55AH and it   
   >> goes flat over that time, it's probably delivering an amp or so to   
   >> the load.   
   >>   
   >> You could use a multimeter to make the measurement, but use the   
   >> highest range you have available.  For cheap multimeters that's   
   >> usually 10 or 20 amps, DC.   
   >>   
   >> What you'll need to do is make sure the ignition and accessories are   
   >> all off, (including the interior lights, and also unplug anything   
   >> you may have plugged into the cigarette lighter socket) then   
   >> disconnect one of the battery terminals from the battery and connect   
   >> the ammeter between the battery and the disconnected terminal.   
   >>   
   >> The meter will then display whatever current the battery is   
   >> delivering.   
   >>   
   >>   
   >> --   
   >> JF   
   >   
      
   And after this, you may have to reprogram the radio (as many are designed to   
   lock out if power is removed so that they are of no use to thieves. Be sure   
   you have the code to reset it.   
      
      
   --   
      
   Don Kelly dhky@shawcross.ca   
   remove the X to answer   
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