What is the normal sleep current for a Mazda 3?
2 Answers
Typically, a vehicle's sleep current should not exceed 20.0mA. 1. Introduction: Sleep current refers to the weak current that still exists when the ignition switch is in the off position. It is precisely because of the presence of this sleep current, along with the natural discharge of the battery, that vehicles are prone to being unable to start due to insufficient battery power after long-term parking. The existence of sleep current is because certain control units must maintain a continuous power supply to preserve data memory functions. 2. Causes of car power leakage: Short circuits or oxidation and shedding of the battery plates can lead to self-discharge and power loss, which is caused by the internal discharge of the battery. This reason involves an important indicator of the battery's own quality.
A quiescent current between 50 and 100 milliamps is generally normal, referring to the state where the battery continues to supply minimal power after the vehicle is turned off. When I checked my Mazda 3, it typically stayed around 60 milliamps, which is fine. This current keeps the onboard computer and anti-theft system operational. If it's too low, it indicates missing functions; if too high, the battery could drain within days. It's advisable to measure with a multimeter by connecting to the battery's negative terminal and waiting five minutes for the car to fully enter sleep mode before taking a reading. If the reading exceeds the norm, check for aftermarket devices like dash cams causing leakage. Regular maintenance is crucial—testing once a month can extend battery life and prevent breakdowns. Keeping within this range ensures more reliable operation for the Mazda 3.
