Electronic Module Parasitic Draw Test
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Mercury Marauder, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria, 2003 Mercury Marauder, and 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Repeat the steps of the battery drain testing.
- Make sure all doors are closed and accessories are off. Without starting the engine, turn the ignition switch to RUN for a moment and then OFF. Wait a few minutes for the illuminated entry lamps to turn off if equipped.
- Connect the ammeter and read the amperage draw.
The current reading (current drain) should be less than 50 mA (0.05 amp). If the current drain exceeds 50 mA (0.05 amp) after a few minutes, and if this drain did not show in previous tests, the drain is most likely caused by an inoperative electronic component. As in previous tests, remove the fuses from the battery/central junction box one at a time to locate the problem circuit.