We need some data points on battery drain!

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

There have been many discussions on the forum through the years about the power drain on the battery when the Spyder is off. But, AFAIK, no one has posted how much that current draw is. It would be good to know that number. What we need is for a few owners to measure that current draw the next time they have the positive cable disconnected from the battery. This thread shows what concern can arise when that bit of information is not known. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...ttery-with-more-CCA%92s&p=1669948#post1669948. Post #36 discusses how to find how much the draw is.

So, how about the next time you have the + cable loose, and have an amp meter to make the measurement, check the draw and post it here. Let's dispel this bit of ignorance so we can say how much it is and not just that it is! :2thumbs:

Here is how to do as posted by Chip. I'm not sure I buy his comment about 4/10 amp which is why I think we need to do this exercise. And of course, the battery needs to be in good condition to do the measurement.

To make the test, disconnect the positive battery lead as you already did. Set your multimeter to its 10 Amp DC scale per the instruction book. Touch the positive meter lead to the positive battery post. Touch the negative meter lead to the disconnected positive battery wire. Let's say the Spyder is half the size of my truck. Any reading over 4/10 amp indicates trouble.

 

[BertRemington]

https://www.amazon.com/1mA-DC-Clamp-Meter-Temperature/dp/B07MXDW677

Nice form factor. Apparently milliamp precision with 3% accuracy. C'mon you've always wanted one. And you deserve it.

 

[chipveres]

There have been many discussions on the forum through the years about the power drain on the battery when the Spyder is off. But, AFAIK, no one has posted how much that current draw is. It would be good to know that number. What we need is for a few owners to measure that current draw the next time they have the positive cable disconnected from the battery. This thread shows what concern can arise when that bit of information is not known. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...ttery-with-more-CCA%92s&p=1669948#post1669948. Post #36 discusses how to find how much the draw is.

So, how about the next time you have the + cable loose, and have an amp meter to make the measurement, check the draw and post it here. Let's dispel this bit of ignorance so we can say how much it is and not just that it is! :2thumbs:

Here is how to do as posted by Chip. I'm not sure I buy his comment about 4/10 amp which is why I think we need to do this exercise. And of course, the battery needs to be in good condition to do the measurement.

As soon as I actually *have* a Spyder I will do the test and post the results here.
Chip

 

[Peter Aawen]

Just be aware that the current draw while 'OFF' isn't necessarily going to be the same across all Spyders. It's very likely that it will vary somewhat depending on how long it's been since that particular Spyder was shut down, especially if it's a V-Twin, cos most if them have that 20-30 minute 'Hold the Throttle Body Closed' thing that whistles at you for about that long! :sour: But then there's a few more things that either go on when you shut down &/or stay on when you shut down and can then vary over time on the 1330's too, as well as all the components & modules that need a dribble of power to stay alive, something which may vary depending upon the Year/Model of Spyder concerned, any OEM options that might have been fitted, and of course, there can be a/mkt accessories that may also vary the current draw with time. :lecturef_smilie:

So while it's a pretty good idea to see what various people come back with for their particular Year/Model/optioned configuration, there's not necessarily going to be any ONE fixed rate of current draw for all Spyders while they're parked/turned off; but whatever the various rates of current draw might be, they should all be fairly small by the time any Spyder gets past the first hour or so of it being parked.... :thumbup:

Just Sayin'

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Peter, that's one reason why I think the numbers may be quite interesting and enlightening.

 

[mandytuning]

As a general rule should be less than .080ma in any vehicle. but normally, what i see is .025-.060ma.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

As a general rule should be less than .080ma in any vehicle. but normally, what i see is .025-.060ma.

0.080 miliamps? Less than I thought it would be!

 

[Woodenfish]

0.080 miliamps? Less than I thought it would be!

I believe that is a typo error. As written that is 8 milliamperes or 8/100’ths of one ampere and what mandytuning was actually seeing is IOD of 25-60 milliamperes draw or 0.25 - 0.60 on an auto ranging digital multimeter.

 

[Woodenfish]

For reasons of personal inquiry of this question, I performed some voltage tests on my Spyder and also measured the ignition off draw. I found the IOD to be 51mA after about 1 minute and it stayed there for quite a while. I let it sit about 2 hours and when I came back the IOD was zero. Is there a battery in the cluster for clock memory? The battery will be disconnected overnight. I need to pick up some star washers for the post connections. I see this really is a valid concern as I have made sure mine were tight last summer they were only lightly snug this spring.

 

[Flylow]

Just FYI: The correct notation would be 0.080A or 80mA. 0.080mA would be 80/1000 of one mA.

 

[Jetfixer]

For reasons of personal inquiry of this question, I performed some voltage tests on my Spyder and also measured the ignition off draw. I found the IOD to be 51mA after about 1 minute and it stayed there for quite a while. I let it sit about 2 hours and when I came back the IOD was zero. Is there a battery in the cluster for clock memory? The battery will be disconnected overnight. I need to pick up some star washers for the post connections. I see this really is a valid concern as I have made sure mine were tight last summer they were only lightly snug this spring.

The service manual says the Spyder electrical draw is not completely off for about 45 minutes after shutdown.

 

[Jetfixer]

There have been many discussions on the forum through the years about the power drain on the battery when the Spyder is off. But, AFAIK, no one has posted how much that current draw is. It would be good to know that number. What we need is for a few owners to measure that current draw the next time they have the positive cable disconnected from the battery. This thread shows what concern can arise when that bit of information is not known. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...ttery-with-more-CCA%92s&p=1669948#post1669948. Post #36 discusses how to find how much the draw is.

So, how about the next time you have the + cable loose, and have an amp meter to make the measurement, check the draw and post it here. Let's dispel this bit of ignorance so we can say how much it is and not just that it is! :2thumbs:

Here is how to do as posted by Chip. I'm not sure I buy his comment about 4/10 amp which is why I think we need to do this exercise. And of course, the battery needs to be in good condition to do the measurement.

There's an easier way. Measure the voltage drop across each fuse while the bike is off and the fuse is installed. Compare with this chart for amperage draw on each circuit. This will show you where the current draw is.

View attachment Fuse_Voltage_Drop_Chart_-_Mini_Fuse.pdf