Battery Woes

[PacificEd]

What a weird name for a manufacturer.

 

[NDMstang65]

You do not need a DMM if you are trying to test for parasitic drains on a battery...you need a clamp meter as it is what measures current. A digital multi meter will tell you nothing but what resting voltage is..

You've got a parasitic draw somewhere, it might be in the ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column that might not be turning off all the way, or you have something staying on.

 

[old_man]

You do not need a DMM if you are trying to test for parasitic drains on a battery...you need a clamp meter as it is what measures current. A digital multi meter will tell you nothing but what resting voltage is..

You've got a parasitic draw somewhere, it might be in the ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column that might not be turning off all the way, or you have something staying on.

A DMM can measure current as well. You just put it in series with one side of the battery. Be carefull not to turn on any large current devices with it hooked up or you could blow the fuse in your meter. I use a cheap $3 HF meter for this just in case.

 

[NDMstang65]

Really good way to get yourself shocked too...bad idea.

There's a reason that they have clamp meters. Use the proper tool for the job..they are not horribly expensive and a great tool to have.

 

[jeepgeek2002]

i was thinking of installing a Battery Switch to stop all drain to the battery:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Battery-Master-Switch/p_4872.a_1

 

[Lowrange2]

Really good way to get yourself shocked too...bad idea.

There's a reason that they have clamp meters. Use the proper tool for the job..they are not horribly expensive and a great tool to have.

My dad was looking for one of these and can't find one that's not 2-300 bucks.

You have a link on one that's not horribly expensive?

 

[souske]

If you have the $ fluke
I have been happy with my craftsman thus far

 

[Lowrange2]

If you have the $ fluke
I have been happy with my craftsman thus far

?

I didn't say I had one. I can't afford it. I used one frequently when I installed stereos back in the day. I wish I could afford to have one.

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

Fluke's are crazy nice, but crazy expensive. Buddy of mine works for Duke Energy and brings home a very nice Fluke when he needs to track down electrical problems.

I picked up a nice little Craftsman digital one a couple of years ago for around $25 that has served me very well.

 

[souske]

Sorry, didn't mean to pee in your wheaties

I agree, Fluke makes the best meter as far as I am aware, got to use one back in avionics school.
However, like you, I have an XJ, and thus limited funds.
Just saying my $50 ish craftsman multi meter has been a good unit for what it is

 

[NDMstang65]

My dad was looking for one of these and can't find one that's not 2-300 bucks.

You have a link on one that's not horribly expensive?

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Extech/MA1500/?qs=zS8Kl81wrHqxM5rO6e3fzA==

$155 bucks isn't horrible I don't think at least for a solid DC clamp meter. But they don't stock it anymore and that's where I got mine from. Ill have to do some digging later on.

Edit: Just found this one for 170 bucks..

http://www.ambientweather.com/exexex730.html

Edit2: Here's a mili amp one

http://www.amazon.com/GTC-CM100-Current-Clamp-Meter/dp/B001TCWL1E

 

[Lowrange2]

Thanks, That's what I was looking for.

 

[Jamescad04]

Thanks for all the help! You guys rock! Yeah and Im cheap I dont have the cash for a Fluke I should have specified I'll spend around 50 bux for a decent one.

 

[t-frady]

I have a $600 fluke clamp for work I won
Wonder if it will read dc amps hummmm
My battery is low too but dont crank but about once a month
Cranks just turns over slow
Prob needs a trickle charge
I have 3 flukes and 2 ideal meters only bought one.... School is good

 

[Shorty]

Greenlee makes a quality multi-meter that won't break the bank. The DM-60 should do anything you need it to and last you a lifetime.

Thanks for all the help! You guys rock! Yeah and Im cheap I dont have the cash for a Fluke I should have specified I'll spend around 50 bux for a decent one.

DM-60 was around $50-$60 the last time I checked.
I'm not sure about the function of the Craftsman ones, but I'd be willing to bet they are still made by a relatively decent manufacturer.
I wouldn't be afraid to recommend either of them for the price, but if you think you might want something in the next range, the Greenlee DM-800 is where I recommend spending the $$$$. It has served me well for years and does anything I need it to.

I use a Midtronics inductive pickup (clamp meter) for current draws/parasitic drains, but that's only because it's what I have at work-- the method described by Oldman will work with a decent multi-meter equally as well and there is really little chance of shocking anyone if used correctly (we're talking about miliamps here...)