TechTip #2: A Needle In A Haystack - Pinpointing The Cause Of Parasitic Drain

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

You are making such a positive impact on the auto repair world ! The teaching techniques / communication skills employed in this tutorial are unlocking an ocean of knowledge ! It is absolutely helpful ! Thanks Pete !

[@vincedelpezzo8209]

Pete I admire your persistance and diagnostic logic, you have added much to my diagnostic ability

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thanks - I'm glad it's been helpful.

[@Z14kt12timandjes1]

I appreciate these videos. Very informative. I also appreciate the positive messages from the stickers on your toolbox.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thanks Timothy!

[@nickayivor8432]

SUBSTANTIAL Pete Meier motor age Helpful video thank you very much 👍 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Thanks Pete. I wish I had the low current inductive tester years ago. Would have been a big help.

[@louiedelagarza1127]

Thanks Pete your a.great teacher God bless

[@stewartboucaud9919]

Great job, Pete.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JM-qy5yd]

Great job! Solid advice!👍

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@jerryking1434]

Thanks for this...👍👍👍

[@billyr9840]

Nice !

[@billsmith2212]

Great information . In looking for a draw after you have researched the circuits , I would be aware of any relays , door switches , etc. that could possibly stick on . Also , a thermal imaging camera may locate heat from current flow due to a draw or short . A temperature gun may not be as sensitive to pick it up .

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Great points! And I show the use of a thermal imager in the first video. It is a great tool for locating parasitic drains, short circuits and a lot more.

[@dtech4]

Is awesome video class!! Hey can you tell me where I can find a good wire diagram for VW Touareg, is any website for those because Prodemand is not really help

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

You can access the same info the dealer techs do here: erwin.vw.com/erwin/showOrderFlatrate.do There are subscription fees starting with $35 for one day's access.

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Wow

[@StromboliKicks]

Hi, I'm new to the channel, can you tell me what video are you referring to at 3:53? Thank you.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Sure! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6Pan4R4msSkf8k&feature=share

[@cullenmiller8170]

I just subscribed since Paul shared the interview you did with him. Have you ever used the Amp hound tool? I saw that awhile back and it looks like it be the perfect tool to look for those draws.

[@billsmith2212]

Joe's Auto Electric uses it .

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

I have never used it but I did look at a video of it in use - and I can do the same thing with my meter. A common problem with both, though, is what I discussed in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6Pan4R4msSkf8k Some drains are intermittent and if you test across the fuse, with a voltmeter or the Amp Hound, when the draw is not occurring your test results will be inaccurate. I do, however, like how the Amp Hound does the conversion for you. I can see where that might be helpful.

[@josedejesusvelazquez6863]

If you have to use a magnifying glass, imagine if we, those of us who are following you, because WE DO NOT SEE ANYTHING a ZOOM IN comes out.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Sorry - I tried that in early edits and the image was blurry. I do call out exactly what I'm tracing and I invite you to grab a copy or two of the same system and follow along...it''s a 2014 Scion tc.

[@charliemagoo7943]

Every time i go to check parasitic draw........ J case or. M case fuse

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

No question that cartridge style fuses can make it more difficult to check a circuit without interrupting it. Sure, you can pull the fuse and see if the draw goes away but an alternative is to research the fuse box and access the connectors - specifically the wiring going to the fuse(s) - and then check for current flow with your amp probe. The technique is time consuming but you won't reset any modules in the process and can have more confidence that you found the cause. The process is similar to one that works well for finding short circuits but that the topic for a future video. Hope this helps!