Voltage draw at the battery

[gnorthey]

Hello,

I have a '95 Lumina with a 3.1 V6.

In older cars and other vehicles I am familiar with, when you have the key in the off position there is virtually no voltage drawn from the battery. (some times a dash clock or such would draw a little) I was replacing the alternator and when I hooked up the negative lead to the battery terminal, there was a fairly substantial arc. I have not had the time to check with a voltmeter or test lamp but I am wondering if this is normal for newer cars. The alternator is new, the battery is in pretty good shape and the car has been starting fine but I am concerned that I may draw down the batter?

Is there an acceptable voltage range for this? Thanks in advance for any info.

Gary

[richtazz]

the normal amperage draw with everything off is about 20mA. Any more and you have a parasitic draw.

[gnorthey]

Originally Posted by richtazz

the normal amperage draw with everything off is about 20mA. Any more and you have a parasitic draw.

Very good. Thank you.

[gnorthey]

Well I removed the negative lead to the battery and put my multi-tester (set at 250mA) in series with the positive test lead on the negative batterty cable and the negative test lead to the battery post and it pegged my meter then blew the meter fuse. So it looks to me like I got something drawing big power.

I plan to start checking circuits by pulling fuses one at a time from the front right fuse panel.

Anything to stay away from?

Thanks again,
Gary

[richtazz]

no, you will not harm anything by pulling fuses. The worst you'll do is have to reset the clock and radio presets.