Dead Battery

[Gunzz]

Can someone tell me how to test for amperage being drawn from my batery when the vehicle is off? I am thinking to disconnect the positive battery and place an ampmeter between the battery and the positive cable to see the draw. Would this be correct?

I figured if this worked I could go around to each item drawing power, disconnect the fuse and see how much it does draw.

I have a beefed up audio video system that I am sure draws power for memory. Also an alarm system, the vehicles computer, etc... The battery is pretty new and have not had an issue with it after changing it. But due to me being away and no use for a week + couple days the battery was fully dead. I'm hoping it's my audio system that way I can just pull the fuses when the truck sits for a while.

[Planohummer]

You need to get a shunt that goes between cable and battery that you can open and close to test current flow. you won't get valid readings using a DVOM solely to bridge the gap between battery and cable. you'll also discover this after you fry the DVOM(or at a minimum pop the internal fuse)doing the test.
once you get a shunt, don't forget that the modules need 45 minutes to shut down fully after key turned off.

[Gunzz]

Can you tell me where to get a shunt. Is it a Radio Shack item or a product from a car part store? Thanks for the info

[Planohummer]

NAPA carries them in this area. look for an equivalent wherever you are. get one with at least 50 amps capacity.

[Gunzz]

I will thanks