checking for battery drain

[l1ttle_d3vil]

can anyone confirm - in stupid-mans - terms how to check a car battery for excess drain while the car isn't running. all I know is it has something to do with checking the amps.

but exactly which setting do I use on the multimeter?
what is the ideal result / reading I should get back?

I've been working thru a few problems with a new project car, as soon as the batt is connected the ignition has power etc (with all switches/key etc off). Pretty sure I got it sorted now but want to check to be 100% sure.

cheers
-Matt

[NZ_AE86]

Set your Meter to Amps and make sure you move the red lead to the 'amps' socket. Disconnect the neg. terminal from your battery and put one lead on the battery and the other on terminal. The reading should be close to 0.02 depending on your stereo/alarm etc.

[l1ttle_d3vil]

one lead from the neg batt post to the neg batt terminal which I've disconnected?

[Bling]

yeah, you are basically putting your meter inline on the negative side. This is so that any current being drawn has to pass through the meter and can be measured

[hsmidy]

just hope its not drawing more than 10amps, or your multi meter wont be happy with you....(mind you id hate to know whats going on if it was drawing more than 10 amps)

[Bling]

yeah never turn ya car on while doing this

[l1ttle_d3vil]

looking good, no matter which setting I had the multimeter on (just to make sure, I tried them all) it was 0.0amps. I realise the clock or something should have power, but the ignition/dash wiring has been majorly modified and is almost non-existent so I'm guessing this reading is correct.

[ChaosAD]

And definately dont try to measre the cranking amps with it