What is the method for checking car electrical leakage?

[Erik]

The method for checking car electrical leakage is as follows: 1. Observe the color of the battery's inspection hole and check whether the battery's appearance is intact and whether there is any leakage; 2. Use a multimeter to measure whether the battery voltage and power generation are normal. The normal voltage is above 12 volts, and it should not drop below 10 volts after continuous discharge for 10 seconds; 3. Remove the negative terminal of the battery, set the multimeter to the current measurement mode, connect the red probe to the negative terminal of the battery, and the black probe to the negative terminal post. Observe the current reading and compare it with the maintenance data to see if it is within the normal range. If the measured current is too high, it indicates an electrical leakage fault in the car; 4. Turn off all electrical devices in the car, ensure the doors and trunk are locked, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, wait for 20 minutes, and then connect one end of the test light to the negative terminal wire and the other end to the negative terminal post. If the light turns on, it means the electrical devices and circuits are still leaking electricity, and you should check the relays and fuses at this time.

[McBrynlee]

With years of experience in auto repair, I've encountered numerous electrical leakage issues. The first step is to use a multimeter to measure current: turn off the engine and all electrical devices, disconnect the negative battery terminal, and connect an ammeter in series to check the current value. Normally, it should be below 50 milliamps; if higher, troubleshoot the faulty circuit. Then, pull out fuses one by one to identify the problematic component by observing the current drop, such as door lock sensors or mirror memory functions that often leak current. Common causes include improper modifications or aging wiring, like poorly installed GPS devices. Regular checks are crucial—test the current at least quarterly to prevent premature battery failure and ensure driving safety. If all else fails, consult a professional shop with diagnostic tools to avoid minor issues turning into major repairs.

[DelCooper]

I learned my lesson when my car had a power drain issue—it wouldn't start after just three days of sitting. Here's a simple method I figured out: Buy a small multimeter, turn off the engine and all lights/radio, disconnect the battery negative terminal, and measure the current. If it exceeds the standard, start troubleshooting. Pull fuses or relays one by one to see which one causes the current to drop, easily pinpointing the problem—like a trunk light not fully off or a faulty alarm. In my case, it was a loose dome light wire; I tightened it myself and saved big bucks. To prevent power drain, make it a habit to close doors properly and turn off the mirror memory switch when exiting. Watch for unusual noises or lights staying on—early detection means fewer headaches.

[DaniellaMarie]

Safety comes first when detecting electrical leaks. My experience is to wear insulated gloves during operation, first ensure the vehicle is completely powered off and the engine is shut down, then use an ammeter to measure the current between battery cables. The normal value should not exceed 0.05A. If it's higher, don't rush to take action—find the cause first. Methods include pulling out fuses step by step to observe current changes, which can help isolate the leakage path. Be careful to avoid touching exposed wires to prevent short circuits that could harm the vehicle or people. Electrical leaks are often caused by aftermarket accessories or aging components. If you can't troubleshoot it yourself, seek a technician promptly—don't take risks. For safety, using a digital multimeter is more reliable.