Tell me if I'm doing this right with my multimeter (UPDATE)

[Tinstar]

I'm trying to measure the parasitic drain on my battery. I know how to do it with a multimeter but I'm not positive about the digital reading after the measurement.

I've got my meter set to DC current with the leads on COM and the 10A MAX ports. I take the reading between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable. The battery is at 13.4 volts (fully charged). Everything is turned off, no lights, no radio, key off, etc. etc. etc. Everything is as it should be to check the current draw. I know there should not be any more than 1/2 of an amp draw reading (unless there's something wrong). That half amp is the parasitic drain and keeps the radio setting, computer/s, etc. active.

Now for my question about the readout: My reading is 0.24 on the 10 amp scale OR 2.5 on the 200m scale. As I understand it, I have 1/4 amp draw. Am I correct in my assumption? If so, all is good and there is no out of the ordinary parasitic drain.

[time2roll]

Tinstar wrote:
I guess I need to correct my original post.

I just watched a YouTube video and it says I should have no more than 50 milliamps. That makes me have a draw 5 times higher than the max it should be. I think........

Go to your 12v fuse panel and start pulling from the stack of fuses. Note the reading after each pull.

[rgatijnet1]

Tinstar wrote:
I guess I need to correct my original post.

I just watched a YouTube video and it says I should have no more than 50 milliamps. That makes me have a draw 5 times higher than the max it should be. I think........

What have you included in the drain calculation?
The radio, the CO detector, the smoke alarm, the LP detector, the engine ECM, microwave, any entertainment items that may have a memory, and so on?

[Tinstar]

I guess I need to correct my original post.

I just watched a YouTube video and it says I should have no more than 50 milliamps. That makes me have a draw 5 times higher than the max it should be. I think........

[rgatijnet1]

Be sure that you are taking the measurements with the leads connected to the terminals mechanically. If you are holding the leads so that your body can pass some of the current the reading will be off a little bit. In other words, just the lead tips should touch the terminals. 1/4 amp sounds about right.

[siggyd777]

0.24 0n the 10A scale is 240mA,or about 1/4 of an Amp.

2.5 on the 200mA scale is only 2.5 mA, almost like nothing,does not make any
sence. This low reading may not be a real reading since you are exceeding
the 200 mA range,if you are drawing a 1/4 Amp.
Siggy

[siggyd777]

0.24 0n the 10A scale is 240mA,or about 1/4 of an Amp.

2.5 on the 200mA scale is only 2.5 mA, almost like nothing,does not make any
sence. This low reading may not be a real reading since you are exceeding
the 200 mA range,if you are drawing a 1/4 Amp.
Siggy

[ScottG]

Yes, you have a 1/4A or 250 mA draw.

[KD4UPL]

.24 on the 10 amps scale is about a 1/4 amp. I don't think the 200 ma scale will work on most meters when using the 10A jack. I would ignore that number.