Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
11-12-2006 | 07:49 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
Sure, jim. And thanks.
Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
hose).
Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
the preset memory, I guess).
When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
hose).
Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
the preset memory, I guess).
When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
11-12-2006 | 07:49 AM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
Sure, jim. And thanks.
Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
hose).
Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
the preset memory, I guess).
When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
hose).
Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
the preset memory, I guess).
When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
11-12-2006 | 01:16 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
sharx333 wrote:
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
11-12-2006 | 01:16 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
sharx333 wrote:
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
11-12-2006 | 01:16 PM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
sharx333 wrote:
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
11-12-2006 | 01:16 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
sharx333 wrote:
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
> Sure, jim. And thanks.
>
> Last week, the battery drained overnight on my '95 Civic 1.6L. I took
> the battery to be recharged at a shop, and we found that the water
> level was low. But I suspected a "ground" somewhere, because I had just
> sprayed the engine with a degreaser and rinsed it (low pressure garden
> hose).
>
> Since my ammeter only goes up to 0.25A (250 mA), and I read on some
> posts that the current could go over 1A, I tried the bulb trick first.
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> When I disconnected the radio, the bulb was finally very dim. I tried
> the ammeter and expected less than 80 mA (from the battery FAQ link,
> thanks to TeGGer). But I still got 170 mA or so. I've checked all the
> possible bulbs, and I think a bulb would pull more than that.
>
> I finally concluded that there was no parasitic drain at all, but I'm
> puzzled as to what could be making that extra load.
>
well, first, you have to eliminate the battery as a problem - if it's
draining itself, it's no good.
after that, 170mA is a 2W bulb at 12V [hence bulb glow]. that drain
seems high for the ecu memory [what you'd have left after disconnecting
the audio.] i'd continue looking for leakage. check both sets of fuses
pulling each one individually and connect the meter probes between the
slots.
11-12-2006 | 02:19 PM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
In rec.autos.makers.honda sharx333 <emil.santos@gmail.com> wrote:
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
11-12-2006 | 02:19 PM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
In rec.autos.makers.honda sharx333 <emil.santos@gmail.com> wrote:
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
11-12-2006 | 02:19 PM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
In rec.autos.makers.honda sharx333 <emil.santos@gmail.com> wrote:
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
11-12-2006 | 02:19 PM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
In rec.autos.makers.honda sharx333 <emil.santos@gmail.com> wrote:
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
specs, but I think you found your culprit.
> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
> the preset memory, I guess).
I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
11-12-2006 | 02:26 PM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Parasitic Drain - Bulb Trick
dold@XReXXParas.usenet.us.com wrote:
> In rec.autos.makers.honda sharx333 <emil.santos@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
>> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
> A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
> to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
> specs, but I think you found your culprit.
>
>> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
>> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
>> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
>> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
> Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
> few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
> There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
>
> A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
> heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
> power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
> with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
> amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
>
> Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
>
but the 170mA is /after/ the audio is disconnected! yes, the audio
needs to be addressed, but there's still unusually high residual drain.
> In rec.autos.makers.honda sharx333 <emil.santos@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I don't know the exact rating of the bulb (aftermarket dome/trunk
>> light), but it glowed brightly. (All doors/trunk was closed, key off)
>
> That might be a low wattage lamp, and glow brightly at a low current draw.
> A stoplight bulb is a better choice, perhaps. I could look at autozone.com
> to find the dome light bulb number, and then sylvania.com for the bulb
> specs, but I think you found your culprit.
>
>> I tried pulling underhood fuses and even disconnecting the alternator,
>> with no result. Then I tried pulling the cabin fuses, and I found that
>> it was the Pioneer head unit that was pulling most of the power (for
>> the preset memory, I guess).
>
> I think you are indicating that 170mA made the bulb glow dimly, and the
> Pioneer made it bright. That's not good. The pioneer should only draw a
> few milliamps in standby. There should be a figure in the manual.
> There should also be a standby control on the Pioneer.
>
> A voltage supplied to the Pioneer that is always on is expected to be a
> heavy current feed for the amplifier, that also draws a tiny amount of
> power in standby. There should be another switched control that comes on
> with the radio or ignition that cause the Pioneer to turn on its
> amplifiers. I think yours is switched on all the time.
>
> Or maybe not... ;-) Check the manual for some specs on the Pioneer.
>
but the 170mA is /after/ the audio is disconnected! yes, the audio
needs to be addressed, but there's still unusually high residual drain.