Re: Parasitic current on a 2004 Sienna

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:5acab$45e221d8$47c2b532$14125@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
> news:7KnEh.2103$8x.930@newssvr14.news.prodigy.net...[color=green]
>>I have had a battery go dead in my 2004 Sienna twice after it was not used
>>for 3 to 4 days. I know nothing was left on, because the console light
>>control switch was set to off, making sure a door not being completely
>>closed would not turn on any lights. In talking to my dealer, he said the
>>parasitic current (current drain on battery with everything turned off),
>>should be between 25 and 60ma. I checked mine, and found it was 220ma. I
>>then checked my daughters 2004 Sienna and found the same thing. It seems
>>unlikely a 220ma parasitic drain on the battery could discharge it in 4
>>days. The battery is rated at 575CCA and an RC of 130. I think it is the
>>battery itself. It is three years old. Has anyone measured the parasitic
>>current in their Sienna? If so, I would be interested in what they got for
>>a reading. When I did the test, I connected an ammeter in series with the
>>positive battery cable and the positive battery post, with everything
>>turned off and all doors closed in the van. If you try this, and do not
>>understand what you are doing, you could damage a current meter. Do not
>>open any doors or turn anything on while doing this test. Charles Ranheim.[/color]
>
> By any chance, do you have any aftermarket accessories like an aftermarket
> audio system, remote starter, security system, etc.?
>
> If the van has automatic headlights, see if the parasitic draw goes down
> with the headlight switch in the off position.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color]

Ray O
I do not have any aftermarket accessories, and my headlight switch is in the
off position. I cannot be anything unique to my van because, as I stated in
the previous post, my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same readings. I wish I
could get the actual spec on this from Toyota, but that would be impossible.
Thanks for your interest. Charles Ranheim

"cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
news:a_CEh.1603$MV7.885@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...[color=blue]
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> news:5acab$45e221d8$47c2b532$14125@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=green]
>>
>> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>> news:7KnEh.2103$8x.930@newssvr14.news.prodigy.net...[color=darkred]
>>>I have had a battery go dead in my 2004 Sienna twice after it was not
>>>used for 3 to 4 days. I know nothing was left on, because the console
>>>light control switch was set to off, making sure a door not being
>>>completely closed would not turn on any lights. In talking to my dealer,
>>>he said the parasitic current (current drain on battery with everything
>>>turned off), should be between 25 and 60ma. I checked mine, and found it
>>>was 220ma. I then checked my daughters 2004 Sienna and found the same
>>>thing. It seems unlikely a 220ma parasitic drain on the battery could
>>>discharge it in 4 days. The battery is rated at 575CCA and an RC of 130.
>>>I think it is the battery itself. It is three years old. Has anyone
>>>measured the parasitic current in their Sienna? If so, I would be
>>>interested in what they got for a reading. When I did the test, I
>>>connected an ammeter in series with the positive battery cable and the
>>>positive battery post, with everything turned off and all doors closed in
>>>the van. If you try this, and do not understand what you are doing, you
>>>could damage a current meter. Do not open any doors or turn anything on
>>>while doing this test. Charles Ranheim.[/color]
>>
>> By any chance, do you have any aftermarket accessories like an
>> aftermarket audio system, remote starter, security system, etc.?
>>
>> If the van has automatic headlights, see if the parasitic draw goes down
>> with the headlight switch in the off position.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color]
>
> Ray O
> I do not have any aftermarket accessories, and my headlight switch is in
> the off position. I cannot be anything unique to my van because, as I
> stated in the previous post, my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same
> readings. I wish I could get the actual spec on this from Toyota, but that
> would be impossible. Thanks for your interest. Charles Ranheim[/color]


Not sure if you'll take this seriously, but I'd go to [url]www.cartalk.com[/url], get
the phone number for the PBS radio show, and see if you can talk to the two
nutty, but very knowledgable guys who answer car questions. I don't know how
they select who they'll call back, but if it's partially based on a question
being unique, you've got a real winner.

"JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborealis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:O0DEh.3621$ya1.1066@news02.roc.ny...[color=blue]
> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
> news:a_CEh.1603$MV7.885@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...[color=green]
>>
>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>> news:5acab$45e221d8$47c2b532$14125@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>>> news:7KnEh.2103$8x.930@newssvr14.news.prodigy.net...
>>>>I have had a battery go dead in my 2004 Sienna twice after it was not
>>>>used for 3 to 4 days. I know nothing was left on, because the console
>>>>light control switch was set to off, making sure a door not being
>>>>completely closed would not turn on any lights. In talking to my dealer,
>>>>he said the parasitic current (current drain on battery with everything
>>>>turned off), should be between 25 and 60ma. I checked mine, and found it
>>>>was 220ma. I then checked my daughters 2004 Sienna and found the same
>>>>thing. It seems unlikely a 220ma parasitic drain on the battery could
>>>>discharge it in 4 days. The battery is rated at 575CCA and an RC of 130.
>>>>I think it is the battery itself. It is three years old. Has anyone
>>>>measured the parasitic current in their Sienna? If so, I would be
>>>>interested in what they got for a reading. When I did the test, I
>>>>connected an ammeter in series with the positive battery cable and the
>>>>positive battery post, with everything turned off and all doors closed
>>>>in the van. If you try this, and do not understand what you are doing,
>>>>you could damage a current meter. Do not open any doors or turn
>>>>anything on while doing this test. Charles Ranheim.
>>>
>>> By any chance, do you have any aftermarket accessories like an
>>> aftermarket audio system, remote starter, security system, etc.?
>>>
>>> If the van has automatic headlights, see if the parasitic draw goes down
>>> with the headlight switch in the off position.
>>> --
>>>
>>> Ray O
>>> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color]
>>
>> Ray O
>> I do not have any aftermarket accessories, and my headlight switch is in
>> the off position. I cannot be anything unique to my van because, as I
>> stated in the previous post, my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same
>> readings. I wish I could get the actual spec on this from Toyota, but
>> that would be impossible. Thanks for your interest. Charles Ranheim[/color]
>
>
> Not sure if you'll take this seriously, but I'd go to [url]www.cartalk.com[/url], get
> the phone number for the PBS radio show, and see if you can talk to the
> two nutty, but very knowledgable guys who answer car questions. I don't
> know how they select who they'll call back, but if it's partially based on
> a question being unique, you've got a real winner.[/color]

I do no know if those guys actually do research before providing answers,
but I've seen some pretty poor responses.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:19357$45e31404$44a4a10d$8293@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborealis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:O0DEh.3621$ya1.1066@news02.roc.ny...[color=green]
>> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>> news:a_CEh.1603$MV7.885@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>>> news:5acab$45e221d8$47c2b532$14125@msgid.meganewsservers.com...
>>>>
>>>> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>>>> news:7KnEh.2103$8x.930@newssvr14.news.prodigy.net...
>>>>>I have had a battery go dead in my 2004 Sienna twice after it was not
>>>>>used for 3 to 4 days. I know nothing was left on, because the console
>>>>>light control switch was set to off, making sure a door not being
>>>>>completely closed would not turn on any lights. In talking to my
>>>>>dealer, he said the parasitic current (current drain on battery with
>>>>>everything turned off), should be between 25 and 60ma. I checked mine,
>>>>>and found it was 220ma. I then checked my daughters 2004 Sienna and
>>>>>found the same thing. It seems unlikely a 220ma parasitic drain on the
>>>>>battery could discharge it in 4 days. The battery is rated at 575CCA
>>>>>and an RC of 130. I think it is the battery itself. It is three years
>>>>>old. Has anyone measured the parasitic current in their Sienna? If so,
>>>>>I would be interested in what they got for a reading. When I did the
>>>>>test, I connected an ammeter in series with the positive battery cable
>>>>>and the positive battery post, with everything turned off and all doors
>>>>>closed in the van. If you try this, and do not understand what you are
>>>>>doing, you could damage a current meter. Do not open any doors or turn
>>>>>anything on while doing this test. Charles Ranheim.
>>>>
>>>> By any chance, do you have any aftermarket accessories like an
>>>> aftermarket audio system, remote starter, security system, etc.?
>>>>
>>>> If the van has automatic headlights, see if the parasitic draw goes
>>>> down with the headlight switch in the off position.
>>>> --
>>>>
>>>> Ray O
>>>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>>>
>>> Ray O
>>> I do not have any aftermarket accessories, and my headlight switch is in
>>> the off position. I cannot be anything unique to my van because, as I
>>> stated in the previous post, my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same
>>> readings. I wish I could get the actual spec on this from Toyota, but
>>> that would be impossible. Thanks for your interest. Charles Ranheim[/color]
>>
>>
>> Not sure if you'll take this seriously, but I'd go to [url]www.cartalk.com[/url],
>> get the phone number for the PBS radio show, and see if you can talk to
>> the two nutty, but very knowledgable guys who answer car questions. I
>> don't know how they select who they'll call back, but if it's partially
>> based on a question being unique, you've got a real winner.[/color]
>
> I do no know if those guys actually do research before providing answers,
> but I've seen some pretty poor responses.
> Ray O[/color]


And I've heard some excellent ones. It's always worth consulting another
source, especially since the dealer seems clueless about this.

Gosh Joe, you are so smart, it's really overwhelming to even be on the
same Usenet group with such a brilliant guy... Undoubtedly you are
much more qualified to comment on the quality of the "CarTalk"
responses than Ray.


On Feb 26, 12:10 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborea...@yahoo.com> wrote:[color=blue]
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>
> news:19357$45e31404$44a4a10d$8293@msgid.meganewsservers.com...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>[color=green]
> > "JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborea...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> >news:O0DEh.3621$ya1.1066@news02.roc.ny...[color=darkred]
> >> "cranheim" <caranh...@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
> >>news:a_CEh.1603$MV7.885@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> >>>news:5acab$45e221d8$47c2b532$14125@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>> "cranheim" <caranh...@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
> >>>>news:7KnEh.2103$8x.930@newssvr14.news.prodigy.net...
> >>>>>I have had a battery go dead in my 2004 Sienna twice after it was not
> >>>>>used for 3 to 4 days. I know nothing was left on, because the console
> >>>>>light control switch was set to off, making sure a door not being
> >>>>>completely closed would not turn on any lights. In talking to my
> >>>>>dealer, he said the parasitic current (current drain on battery with
> >>>>>everything turned off), should be between 25 and 60ma. I checked mine,
> >>>>>and found it was 220ma. I then checked my daughters 2004 Sienna and
> >>>>>found the same thing. It seems unlikely a 220ma parasitic drain on the
> >>>>>battery could discharge it in 4 days. The battery is rated at 575CCA
> >>>>>and an RC of 130. I think it is the battery itself. It is three years
> >>>>>old. Has anyone measured the parasitic current in their Sienna? If so,
> >>>>>I would be interested in what they got for a reading. When I did the
> >>>>>test, I connected an ammeter in series with the positive battery cable
> >>>>>and the positive battery post, with everything turned off and all doors
> >>>>>closed in the van. If you try this, and do not understand what you are
> >>>>>doing, you could damage a current meter. Do not open any doors or turn
> >>>>>anything on while doing this test. Charles Ranheim.[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>> By any chance, do you have any aftermarket accessories like an
> >>>> aftermarket audio system, remote starter, security system, etc.?[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>> If the van has automatic headlights, see if the parasitic draw goes
> >>>> down with the headlight switch in the off position.
> >>>> --[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>> Ray O
> >>>> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >>> Ray O
> >>> I do not have any aftermarket accessories, and my headlight switch is in
> >>> the off position. I cannot be anything unique to my van because, as I
> >>> stated in the previous post, my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same
> >>> readings. I wish I could get the actual spec on this from Toyota, but
> >>> that would be impossible. Thanks for your interest. Charles Ranheim[/color][/color]
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> >> Not sure if you'll take this seriously, but I'd go towww.cartalk.com,
> >> get the phone number for the PBS radio show, and see if you can talk to
> >> the two nutty, but very knowledgable guys who answer car questions. I
> >> don't know how they select who they'll call back, but if it's partially
> >> based on a question being unique, you've got a real winner.[/color][/color]
>[color=green]
> > I do no know if those guys actually do research before providing answers,
> > but I've seen some pretty poor responses.
> > Ray O[/color]
>
> And I've heard some excellent ones. It's always worth consulting another
> source, especially since the dealer seems clueless about this.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -[/color]

Ray O

I purchased my Sienna LE new, so I know I don't have any OEM
attachments. My daughter bought her Sienna CE used. I have more options on
my LE, but apparently none of these draw extra parasitic current. Charles
Ranheim

"JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborealis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:KtGEh.3635$ya1.588@news02.roc.ny...[color=blue]
> "Mark" <bogusmailmark@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1172512073.273952.219530@t69g2000cwt.googlegroups.com...[color=green]
>>
>> On Feb 26, 12:10 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborea...@yahoo.com> wrote:[color=darkred]
>>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>>>
>>> news:19357$45e31404$44a4a10d$8293@msgid.meganewsservers.com...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> > "JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborea...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>>> >news:O0DEh.3621$ya1.1066@news02.roc.ny...
>>> >> "cranheim" <caranh...@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>>> >>news:a_CEh.1603$MV7.885@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...
>>>
>>> >>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>>> >>>news:5acab$45e221d8$47c2b532$14125@msgid.meganewsservers.com...
>>>
>>> >>>> "cranheim" <caranh...@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>>> >>>>news:7KnEh.2103$8x.930@newssvr14.news.prodigy.net...
>>> >>>>>I have had a battery go dead in my 2004 Sienna twice after it was
>>> >>>>>not
>>> >>>>>used for 3 to 4 days. I know nothing was left on, because the
>>> >>>>>console
>>> >>>>>light control switch was set to off, making sure a door not being
>>> >>>>>completely closed would not turn on any lights. In talking to my
>>> >>>>>dealer, he said the parasitic current (current drain on battery
>>> >>>>>with
>>> >>>>>everything turned off), should be between 25 and 60ma. I checked
>>> >>>>>mine,
>>> >>>>>and found it was 220ma. I then checked my daughters 2004 Sienna and
>>> >>>>>found the same thing. It seems unlikely a 220ma parasitic drain on
>>> >>>>>the
>>> >>>>>battery could discharge it in 4 days. The battery is rated at
>>> >>>>>575CCA
>>> >>>>>and an RC of 130. I think it is the battery itself. It is three
>>> >>>>>years
>>> >>>>>old. Has anyone measured the parasitic current in their Sienna? If
>>> >>>>>so,
>>> >>>>>I would be interested in what they got for a reading. When I did
>>> >>>>>the
>>> >>>>>test, I connected an ammeter in series with the positive battery
>>> >>>>>cable
>>> >>>>>and the positive battery post, with everything turned off and all
>>> >>>>>doors
>>> >>>>>closed in the van. If you try this, and do not understand what you
>>> >>>>>are
>>> >>>>>doing, you could damage a current meter. Do not open any doors or
>>> >>>>>turn
>>> >>>>>anything on while doing this test. Charles Ranheim.
>>>
>>> >>>> By any chance, do you have any aftermarket accessories like an
>>> >>>> aftermarket audio system, remote starter, security system, etc.?
>>>
>>> >>>> If the van has automatic headlights, see if the parasitic draw goes
>>> >>>> down with the headlight switch in the off position.
>>> >>>> --
>>>
>>> >>>> Ray O
>>> >>>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>>>
>>> >>> Ray O
>>> >>> I do not have any aftermarket accessories, and my headlight switch
>>> >>> is in
>>> >>> the off position. I cannot be anything unique to my van because, as
>>> >>> I
>>> >>> stated in the previous post, my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same
>>> >>> readings. I wish I could get the actual spec on this from Toyota,
>>> >>> but
>>> >>> that would be impossible. Thanks for your interest. Charles Ranheim
>>>
>>> >> Not sure if you'll take this seriously, but I'd go towww.cartalk.com,
>>> >> get the phone number for the PBS radio show, and see if you can talk
>>> >> to
>>> >> the two nutty, but very knowledgable guys who answer car questions. I
>>> >> don't know how they select who they'll call back, but if it's
>>> >> partially
>>> >> based on a question being unique, you've got a real winner.
>>>
>>> > I do no know if those guys actually do research before providing
>>> > answers,
>>> > but I've seen some pretty poor responses.
>>> > Ray O
>>>
>>> And I've heard some excellent ones. It's always worth consulting another
>>> source, especially since the dealer seems clueless about this.- Hide
>>> quoted text -
>>>
>>> - Show quoted text -[/color]
>>[/color]
>
>[color=green]
>> Gosh Joe, you are so smart, it's really overwhelming to even be on the
>> same Usenet group with such a brilliant guy... Undoubtedly you are
>> much more qualified to comment on the quality of the "CarTalk"
>> responses than Ray.
>>[/color]
>
>
> I assume you have long lists of examples where the guys on the radio were
> wrong.
>[/color]

I personally would not feel comfortable getting advice or doing business
with guys that name their company Dewey, Cheetham, & Howe. I will give
them credit for doing research - they used to call our office or the local
Toyota dealer for advice when someone had a question on a Toyota, and my
boss at the time was a guest on their show.

Back to the OP - I am pretty sure that the normal parasitic draw is listed
somewhere, I'll try to do a little research when I get home.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
news:G9GEh.2081$M65.1475@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net...[color=blue]
> Ray O
>
> I purchased my Sienna LE new, so I know I don't have any OEM
> attachments. My daughter bought her Sienna CE used. I have more options on
> my LE, but apparently none of these draw extra parasitic current. Charles
> Ranheim[/color]

That is good information to have, I'll try to remember to do a little
research when I get home. I've been thinking about this post for a while,
it is good exercise for the brain.

In the meantime, if you are curious as to which circuits are drawing
current, with the ammeter still rigged, pull 1 fuse at a time and watch to
see how much the current changes, if at all, for each fuse pulled.

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

dbu,
I used a Precision analog multimeter and a Fluke digital multimeter. I use
their normal internal shunts because the current I am testing for is under
an amp. I start out my making sure everything is turned off, and the doors
are shut so all lights will be off. I then remove the positive battery cable
and set it aside. Now, for the test, I connect the meter, which is set to
the current range, between the removed positive battery cable and the
positive battery post. You will now see the parasitic current draw from the
battery. Do not turn anything on or open a door that might increase the
current to the point it will damage your meter. Most multimeters have a low
maximum current range. My digital Fluke has a maximum range of 2 amps
(2000ma). My analog meter will handle 12 amps. I used that one first to make
sure I did not exceed the 2amp spec on my Fluke. External shunts would be
used to measure high currents. If you are not familiar with doing this,
don't do it. You might burn out your meter, or at least blow the protective
fuse it it. I am beginning to think the 25 to 60ma spec given me is a spec
for most cars, and may not apply to my Sienna. Charles Ranheim

"dbu," <questionmark@pine.com> wrote in message
news:questionmark-C95709.13290126022007@comcast.dca.giganews.com...[color=blue]
> In article <G9GEh.2081$M65.1475@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net>,
> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>> Ray O
>>
>> I purchased my Sienna LE new, so I know I don't have any OEM
>> attachments. My daughter bought her Sienna CE used. I have more options
>> on
>> my LE, but apparently none of these draw extra parasitic current.
>> Charles
>> Ranheim[/color]
>
> I'm curious, what is your setup for measuring current draw. What kind
> of meter, I know it's an ammeter, but the make, model ect. External
> shunt perhaps? Where did you tap in, at the battery post? I also have a
> 04 Sienna and it has a security system that as soon as I lock the door
> it's activated along with a blinking LED on the dash.
> --
>[/color]

dbu,
Keep in mind my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same readings. Certainly
we don't both have the same problem. Because of that, I am not treating it
as a problem with my van at this time. I am hoping my new battery will solve
the starting problem. Thanks for your interest.


"dbu," <questionmark@pine.com> wrote in message
news:questionmark-729D62.16133726022007@comcast.dca.giganews.com...[color=blue]
> In article <uoIEh.1164$LF6.296@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net>,
> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>> dbu,
>> I used a Precision analog multimeter and a Fluke digital multimeter. I
>> use
>> their normal internal shunts because the current I am testing for is
>> under
>> an amp. I start out my making sure everything is turned off, and the
>> doors
>> are shut so all lights will be off. I then remove the positive battery
>> cable
>> and set it aside. Now, for the test, I connect the meter, which is set to
>> the current range, between the removed positive battery cable and the
>> positive battery post. You will now see the parasitic current draw from
>> the
>> battery. Do not turn anything on or open a door that might increase the
>> current to the point it will damage your meter. Most multimeters have a
>> low
>> maximum current range. My digital Fluke has a maximum range of 2 amps
>> (2000ma). My analog meter will handle 12 amps. I used that one first to
>> make
>> sure I did not exceed the 2amp spec on my Fluke. External shunts would be
>> used to measure high currents. If you are not familiar with doing this,
>> don't do it. You might burn out your meter, or at least blow the
>> protective
>> fuse it it. I am beginning to think the 25 to 60ma spec given me is a
>> spec
>> for most cars, and may not apply to my Sienna. Charles Ranheim[/color]
>
> Ok, thanks. I have a Fluke 77 and some other multimeters, 260 ect.
> When the wx warms up I'd like to measure mine also and see what the
> current draw is. I often wondered about that because of the security
> system. I have left the Sienna in the garage for several days without
> use and never once has the battery come up dead. Could a leaky diode in
> the alternator cause excessive draw, just a thought.
>
>[color=green]
>>
>> "dbu," <questionmark@pine.com> wrote in message
>> news:questionmark-C95709.13290126022007@comcast.dca.giganews.com...[color=darkred]
>> > In article <G9GEh.2081$M65.1475@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net>,
>> > "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
>> >
>> >> Ray O
>> >>
>> >> I purchased my Sienna LE new, so I know I don't have any OEM
>> >> attachments. My daughter bought her Sienna CE used. I have more
>> >> options
>> >> on
>> >> my LE, but apparently none of these draw extra parasitic current.
>> >> Charles
>> >> Ranheim
>> >
>> > I'm curious, what is your setup for measuring current draw. What kind
>> > of meter, I know it's an ammeter, but the make, model ect. External
>> > shunt perhaps? Where did you tap in, at the battery post? I also have
>> > a
>> > 04 Sienna and it has a security system that as soon as I lock the door
>> > it's activated along with a blinking LED on the dash.
>> > --
>> >[/color][/color]
> --
>[/color]

In article <3uLEh.681$bb1.162@newssvr17.news.prodigy.net>,
"cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
[color=blue]
> dbu,
> Keep in mind my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same readings. Certainly
> we don't both have the same problem. Because of that, I am not treating it
> as a problem with my van at this time. I am hoping my new battery will solve
> the starting problem. Thanks for your interest.[/color]

Post what you find. I am interested. This is about as exciting as it
gets with the Sienna.



[color=blue]
>
>
> "dbu," <questionmark@pine.com> wrote in message
> news:questionmark-729D62.16133726022007@comcast.dca.giganews.com...[color=green]
> > In article <uoIEh.1164$LF6.296@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net>,
> > "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
> >[color=darkred]
> >> dbu,
> >> I used a Precision analog multimeter and a Fluke digital multimeter. I
> >> use
> >> their normal internal shunts because the current I am testing for is
> >> under
> >> an amp. I start out my making sure everything is turned off, and the
> >> doors
> >> are shut so all lights will be off. I then remove the positive battery
> >> cable
> >> and set it aside. Now, for the test, I connect the meter, which is set to
> >> the current range, between the removed positive battery cable and the
> >> positive battery post. You will now see the parasitic current draw from
> >> the
> >> battery. Do not turn anything on or open a door that might increase the
> >> current to the point it will damage your meter. Most multimeters have a
> >> low
> >> maximum current range. My digital Fluke has a maximum range of 2 amps
> >> (2000ma). My analog meter will handle 12 amps. I used that one first to
> >> make
> >> sure I did not exceed the 2amp spec on my Fluke. External shunts would be
> >> used to measure high currents. If you are not familiar with doing this,
> >> don't do it. You might burn out your meter, or at least blow the
> >> protective
> >> fuse it it. I am beginning to think the 25 to 60ma spec given me is a
> >> spec
> >> for most cars, and may not apply to my Sienna. Charles Ranheim[/color]
> >
> > Ok, thanks. I have a Fluke 77 and some other multimeters, 260 ect.
> > When the wx warms up I'd like to measure mine also and see what the
> > current draw is. I often wondered about that because of the security
> > system. I have left the Sienna in the garage for several days without
> > use and never once has the battery come up dead. Could a leaky diode in
> > the alternator cause excessive draw, just a thought.
> >
> >[color=darkred]
> >>
> >> "dbu," <questionmark@pine.com> wrote in message
> >> news:questionmark-C95709.13290126022007@comcast.dca.giganews.com...
> >> > In article <G9GEh.2081$M65.1475@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net>,
> >> > "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Ray O
> >> >>
> >> >> I purchased my Sienna LE new, so I know I don't have any OEM
> >> >> attachments. My daughter bought her Sienna CE used. I have more
> >> >> options
> >> >> on
> >> >> my LE, but apparently none of these draw extra parasitic current.
> >> >> Charles
> >> >> Ranheim
> >> >
> >> > I'm curious, what is your setup for measuring current draw. What kind
> >> > of meter, I know it's an ammeter, but the make, model ect. External
> >> > shunt perhaps? Where did you tap in, at the battery post? I also have
> >> > a
> >> > 04 Sienna and it has a security system that as soon as I lock the door
> >> > it's activated along with a blinking LED on the dash.
> >> > --
> >> >[/color]
> > --
> >[/color][/color]
--

Here's an interesting article on the Controller Area Network in newer
cars and the possibility of parasitic current draw (see last
paragraph).

[url]http://www.aa1car.com/library/can_systems.htm[/url]


On Feb 26, 11:24 pm, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom>
wrote:[color=blue]
> "cranheim" <caranh...@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>
> news:3uLEh.681$bb1.162@newssvr17.news.prodigy.net...
>[color=green]
> > dbu,
> > Keep in mind my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same readings. Certainly
> > we don't both have the same problem. Because of that, I am not treating it
> > as a problem with my van at this time. I am hoping my new battery will
> > solve the starting problem. Thanks for your interest.[/color]
>
> I looked in my factory repair manuals and was not able to find a
> specification for parasitic current draw.
>
> My guess agrees with yours, that it is unlikely that both your van and your
> daughter's van would have the same problem.
>
> Sorry I couldn't provide more useful information.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color]

Also, this undated Toyota document says that typical parasitic draws
are less than 20 mA, and are abnormal if more than 35 mA.

[url]http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/lab1instr.pdf[/url]


On Feb 26, 11:24 pm, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom>
wrote:[color=blue]
> "cranheim" <caranh...@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote in message
>
> news:3uLEh.681$bb1.162@newssvr17.news.prodigy.net...
>[color=green]
> > dbu,
> > Keep in mind my daughter's 2004 Sienna has the same readings. Certainly
> > we don't both have the same problem. Because of that, I am not treating it
> > as a problem with my van at this time. I am hoping my new battery will
> > solve the starting problem. Thanks for your interest.[/color]
>
> I looked in my factory repair manuals and was not able to find a
> specification for parasitic current draw.
>
> My guess agrees with yours, that it is unlikely that both your van and your
> daughter's van would have the same problem.
>
> Sorry I couldn't provide more useful information.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color]

"Mark" <bogusmailmark@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1172584747.269891.239980@p10g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Also, this undated Toyota document says that typical parasitic draws
> are less than 20 mA, and are abnormal if more than 35 mA.
>
> [url]http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/lab1instr.pdf[/url][/color]

That is a work book from a technician training class from the early 1980's.
I'm pretty sure that the acceptable range of parasitic draws has increased
since that document was published.

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"dbu," <questionmark@pine.com> wrote in message news:questionmark-729D62.16133726022007@comcast.dca.giganews.com...[color=blue]
> In article <uoIEh.1164$LF6.296@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net>,
> "cranheim" <caranheim@sbcglobal.net.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>> dbu,
>> I used a Precision analog multimeter and a Fluke digital multimeter. I use
>> their normal internal shunts because the current I am testing for is under
>> an amp. I start out my making sure everything is turned off, and the doors
>> are shut so all lights will be off. I then remove the positive battery cable
>> and set it aside. Now, for the test, I connect the meter, which is set to
>> the current range, between the removed positive battery cable and the
>> positive battery post. You will now see the parasitic current draw from the
>> battery. Do not turn anything on or open a door that might increase the
>> current to the point it will damage your meter. Most multimeters have a low
>> maximum current range. My digital Fluke has a maximum range of 2 amps
>> (2000ma). My analog meter will handle 12 amps. I used that one first to make
>> sure I did not exceed the 2amp spec on my Fluke. External shunts would be
>> used to measure high currents. If you are not familiar with doing this,
>> don't do it. You might burn out your meter, or at least blow the protective
>> fuse it it. I am beginning to think the 25 to 60ma spec given me is a spec
>> for most cars, and may not apply to my Sienna. Charles Ranheim[/color]
>
> Ok, thanks. I have a Fluke 77 and some other multimeters, 260 ect.
> When the wx warms up I'd like to measure mine also and see what the
> current draw is. I often wondered about that because of the security
> system. I have left the Sienna in the garage for several days without
> use and never once has the battery come up dead. Could a leaky diode in
> the alternator cause excessive draw, just a thought.
>[/color]
-- snip



My Supra has always been a weekend car and often will be left for a
week or more with the alarm on.

After 10+ years the only problems I see are the alternator brushes wear
quicker and the weak battery always being charged on the road has caused some
corrosion damage from the acidic vapors.

Dan