What is considered normal battery drain (parasitic drain) in vehicles with various electronic circuits?

Prepare for the Automotive Electrical/Electronics (Auto 170) Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Get ready for your test!

Normal battery drain, also known as parasitic drain, refers to the electrical current that certain vehicle components consume when the vehicle is turned off. This drain is primarily due to various electronic systems that remain active in order to preserve settings and allow for quick access features. A range of 20 to 30 milliamperes is widely regarded as acceptable for most vehicles, as this level of current draw allows for necessary electronic systems—like the alarm system, radio presets, and onboard computers—to function without significantly draining the battery.

Values significantly higher than this, such as 2 to 3 amperes, would indicate an excessive drain, which could lead to a drained battery in a short time and potential starting issues. Similarly, a draw of 150 to 300 milliamperes would also suggest that there's likely an issue with the vehicle's electrical system that needs to be diagnosed. Therefore, recognizing "20 to 30 milliamperes" as the norm helps in diagnosing battery drain problems and ensuring the reliability of the vehicle's electrical systems.

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