[JQ1]

I recently had a problem with one of my batteries. I"m also pretty sure it was the batteries cause when I started(jumped out) the truck it ran fine. It would not start on it's own even after charging them with a 60 amp charger that I have. Upon turning it off...I could not crank it back up. Just turn once and would start clicking away.
So I went to Walmart and changed(under warranty) my batteries. While I was installing my new batteries... I used my meter to verify there wasn't a short in the truck, were it was causing excessive current draw and thus was killing my batts. My meter picked up 10ma (miliamps) that was going in the harness that headed to the Relay box under the hood. Could the relays be causing this current draw? And is 10ma acceptable? I always thought that when the truck was off....there wasn't supposed to be any current draw, but this is my first diesel and I wanted to make sure. Never bothered checking before now cause I never had a problem with the batteries before.

Oh...and after installing my new batteries..it cranked right up. I also noticed my front lights were brighter, so that could of been another clue that there was a short somewhere.I'm thinking a battery.

 

[jimsbcs]

It was probably one of your batteries shorted out. happened to me also. two sets in four years. one shorted out and would pull the other one down too.
Not sure about the 10ma draw that you are showing never tried checking mine to see what it draws. someone else will probably pipe in though. Jim

 

[Bill Gisse]

Battery Current Draw

There should be some current draw with every thing turned off, the doors closed and the hood light bulb removed if you have the hood open when making measurements.I think 10 ma is the most you should see. Your battery supplier should have been able to tell you if you had a shorted battery. Shorted batteries are not unusual, pays to buy the best batteries. I use red tops, maybe not the best but up there cllose to the best.

 

[packratt]

Hook your tester back up and pull the plug from the alternator(s). The diodes can go bad and suck the juice from the batteries when the engine is off. Alt will still charge correctly when the engine is running.

 

[JQ1]

The alt. was the first thing I tested when I put the harness back. I got O current draw from there. Thx for all the answers guys!!

 

[zr2yz125]

10mA is at the high end of normal for a vehicle. My gasser is drawing about 20mA (due to having a 2nd Class 2 network installed for NAV), and I dont have any trouble starting it with "What's the cheapest battery ya got for this thing"