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GENERAL INFORMATION Parasitic Load Explanation & Test Procedures * PLEASE READ THIS FIRST * GENERAL INFORMATION The term Parasitic Load refers to electrical devices that continue to use or draw current after the ignition switch is turned to OFF position. This Vehicles produced since 1980 have memory devices that draw current with ignition off for as long as 20 minutes before shutting down the Follow test procedure for checking Parasitic Loads to completion. A brief overview of a suggested test procedure is included along with some TESTING FOR PARASITIC LOAD The battery circuit must be opened to connect test switch (shunt) and ammeter into the circuit. When a battery cable is removed, timer circuits CHRYSLER IGNITION OFF DRAW (IOD) TEST To test for excessive IOD, verify that all electrical accessories are OFF. Turn off all lights, remove ignition key, and close all doors and decklid. 1. Raise the hood and disconnect both battery cables, negative first. 2. Reconnect the negative cable and connect a typical 12-volt test light (low wattage bulb) between the positive cable clamp and the positive battery post. Remove the engine compartment lamp bulb. If the test light does not light, proceed to step 3 . If the test light does light, proceed to step, 4 . The test light will indicate IOD greater than 3 amps. After higher amperage IOD has been corrected, proceed to step 3 . 3. ith 12-volt test light still connected (not lit), connect an ammeter (milliampere scale) between the positive cable clamp and the positive battery post, disconnect test light, refer to instructions provided with ammeter being used. A reading of 30 milliamperes or less indicates 4. Locate the fuse panel and remove fuses or circuit breakers one at a time, and observe ammeter after each fuse or circuit breaker is removed. If test light goes out and the reading drops below 30 milliamperes when a certain fuse or circuit breaker is removed, that circuit 5. If IOD is detected after all fuses and circuit breakers have been removed, disconnect the 60-way connector at the Single Module Engine Control (SMEC), located outboard of the battery. 6. If excessive IOD is detected after all fused circuits and SMEC have been verified, disconnect the B+ terminal from the alternator. If reading drops below 30 milliamperes, reinstall all fuses and circuit breakers, reconnect B+ terminal at alternator, reconnect battery, and 7. Install engine compartment lamp bulb. TEST PROCEDURE USING TEST SWITCH 1. Turn ignition off. Remove negative battery terminal cable. Install Disconnect Tool (J-38758) test switch male end to negative battery cable. Turn test switch knob to OFF position (current through meter). Install negative battery cable to the female end of test switch. NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or CAUTION: Always turn ignition off when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers or jumper NOTE: Memory functions of various accessories must be reset after the battery is reconnected. CAUTION: IOD greater than 3 amps may damage millampmeter. |