Member Since: 27 Aug 2015
Location: Colchester
Posts: 697
Hi, this tool looks like the right spec, or am I missing something?
[url]https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F184013051460
[/url]
It measures dc amps at a resolution of 1mA/10mA/100mA
Any thoughts or experiences?
15th Dec 2019 8:25 pm
af3556
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 27
Yes, the UNI-T UT210E meter will do the job, well. I have one and have used it to diagnose battery drain issues on my D3. The clamp will readily fit over the battery to main junction box cable, though won't fit over the alternator cable and hose (it will fit around the alternator cable, but you'd need to trim the protective corrugated hose back to make room).
The meter has a claimed 2% DC current accuracy, so about 40mA on the 2A range. I measure about 7mA when my D3's asleep, which suggests it's within spec. Zeroing the clamp meter can be a bit fussy, but with some care you can get repeatable measurements within about 5mA. In a nutshell, it's more than good enough for the purpose of finding a >100mA drain .
BTW, there are a half-dozen variants of the UT210 meter - the last letter may be important depending on the features you're looking for. I can vouch for the UT210E.
1st Feb 2020 9:56 am
af3556
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Sydney
Posts: 27
Quiescent Drain Testing - all bets off for a faulty battery
I just went through a pointless exercise of trying to find an excessive quiescent current drain "fault". I faced a flat battery after the 2008 D3 had been idle a couple of weeks, and after recharging it measured around 1A current draw when the car should have been asleep. I was chasing my tail for a bit with multiple circuits seeming to be drawing excessive current (e.g. both FL16 and FL17 drawing about 300-400mA each, the suspension compressor about 150-200mA).
I replaced the battery, and it's all gone back to normal (under 10mA draw when asleep).
It seems that when the car battery isn't up to snuff parts of the car can't properly go to sleep and all bets are off with regard to quiescent current draw.
Member Since: 13 Apr 2017
Location: Wirral
Posts: 7
Just wanted to say a quick thanks for this thread. As a mechanical guy, it’s explained and taught me the electrical diagnostics that I hope will solve my battery re-charge issues. I’d rather spend money on tools and learn, than pay someone else. Not always the most economical way!
17th Feb 2020 8:50 pm
rodibest
Member Since: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sharon
Posts: 50
Thanks a lot !!!
22nd Jun 2020 8:30 pm
oggy_oggy
Member Since: 06 Apr 2019
Location: Gothenburg
Posts: 21
Does anyone know if its possible to do a drainage trace when the systems are awake (engine off) ? I feel like the battery in my 2010 D4 drains very quickly if i leave it unlocked or have the boot open for extended periods of time. I usually have interior lights set to "always off" but come winter its almost a necessity.
Trying to convine my wife we should keep the D4 (since i cant think of a replacement) but things like having to preserve battery charge to ensure cold starts are not popular.
7th Dec 2020 11:05 pm
KeithBook
Member Since: 22 Sep 2021
Location: California
Posts: 1
Hi....this might sound a bit shortsighted yet have you attempted completely charging the battery? Separate it first and afterward accuse for the time being of a respectable brilliant charger. Really take a look at voltage with an advanced voltmeter in the wake of trusting that the surface charge will scatter - ought to be basically around 12.8 volts. Reconnect and perceive how long it endures.
You can check for battery channel by interfacing the voltmeter in series with the battery positive lead however trust that the vehicle will 'rest' prior to doing as such.
In the event that the battery is acceptable (test to perceive how long it holds a charge when detached) and your voltmeter shows a channel of an overabundance to follow the channel. There is a definite aide on tranquil battery channel composed by Robbie on the Disco 3 site.
22nd Sep 2021 8:52 am
martinf5
Member Since: 30 Sep 2022
Location: Titisee-Neustadt
Posts: 28
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
.
