Re: Re: Re: Solenoid leaking voltage

Posted by Bob M on January 28, 2001 at 12:53:02 from (66.24.99.103):

In Reply to: Re: Re: Solenoid leaking voltage posted by Sam on January 28, 2001 at 12:21:26:

Sam - If you using a good quality (high-impedance) hand held voltmeter, the voltage readings you are seeing may be meaningless. What drains down a battery is CURRENT draw, not voltage appearing at a certain point.

If you have a multimeter with a DC current range, try this: Set the meter to its highest DC current setting. Disconnect the cable running from the battery to the starter. Now connect one lead of the meter to the cable terminal and the other to the battery terminal. You should get a reading of "0". Now step the meter down one range at a time until you get a current reading.

Chances are you will find the normal leakage thru the solenoid is on the order of a milliamp or two. This is enough to show a voltage reading on a high impedance voltmeter, but way too low to have any effect the battery holding it's charge.

WARNING!! DO NOT turn on any electrical load (lights, ignition, etc) while running this test! Doing so could trash your meter - proved it myself a couple of times...

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