What is the method to check for car battery leakage?

[VanElle]

Here are the methods to check for car battery leakage: 1. Observe the color of the battery's inspection hole and check if the battery's exterior is intact and if there is any leakage; 2. Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage and charging rate to ensure they are normal. The normal voltage should be 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 battery's negative terminal wire, and the black probe to the negative terminal post. Observe the ammeter reading and compare the measured current value with the maintenance data to see if it is within the normal range. If the measured current is too high, it indicates a 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, then connect one end of a test light to the battery's negative wire and the other end to the negative terminal post. If the light turns on, it means the electrical devices and wiring are still leaking, and you should check the relays and fuses at this point.

[McAaliyah]

Recently, my car's battery has been draining quickly after parking. A simple troubleshooting method is to first turn off all lights and electrical devices including the radio and dome light, then use a digital multimeter set to the current measurement mode with proper series connection. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and measure the current - normal reading should be below 50mA. If it's higher (e.g., above 0.1A), it indicates a parasitic drain. You can locate the source by gradually removing fuses and observing value changes. The issue is usually caused by faulty electrical switches or unexpected power consumption from aftermarket equipment. After each operation, I recommend charging the battery and taking a highway drive to maintain battery health and avoid misdiagnosis.

[JulianaDella]

As an experienced driver, when encountering a sudden battery drain, the most straightforward method is to use a test light or ammeter to measure the discharge when the vehicle is stationary at night. If the reading exceeds 0.5 amps, it usually indicates a hidden leakage point, such as loose door control light wiring or aging power supply in the glove box. I also recommend turning off all power sources and waiting a few minutes to observe any changes. Additionally, installing a voltage monitor for long-term monitoring can help detect issues early and prevent breakdowns on the road.

[Jonah]

I enjoy fixing my own car and checking for electrical leaks. It's essential to have a multimeter. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and connect it in series in the circuit. Set it to the 10-amp range and read the current. If it's higher than the baseline value, say 0.3 amps, pull each fuse one by one to see which one causes the current to drop quickly. Once you find the issue, replace it immediately. It's simple and effective.