Parasitic current draw, help please.

[ruston]

It will , or should not draw that all the time, when the ECU goes to sleep it should drop.
Reactivating the ECU will show the draw again.

This may help.
http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/3/RTPGE/public/july12/hoganmuller_02a_0712.pdf

 

[Lloyd Barwick]

Trying to not have a flat battery after 4 days Rob, which is what was happening. Then after fitting a new battery I got a considerable 'flash' when connecting the NEG lead. That's what got me started on this little adventure.

 

[Lloyd Barwick]

Thanks Ruston I hadn't realised this. I'll connect it through my mutimeter tonight and check it after 30mins. Apparently all the test circuits in the ECU should have gone to sleep by then. They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, which is certainly true of me and electronics.

 

[ruston]

A clamp meter would be better than a multi meter in series ( if you are using it as an ammeter), as replacing the neg will power up the ecu.
The ecu needs power all the time, so you will get a reaction from replacing the leads on the battery . It should not be a substantial flash though , more a gentle protest lol.
Remember you will also be powering up the accessories that have a memory, and the likes of the alarm, central locking etc.

PS. Is the new battery holding up, and have you checked the alternator output and the belt tension?