Guru
Joined: 09/01/2022
Location: United KingdomPosts: 853
| Posted: 08:36pm 15 Aug 2024 |
Yes, but, the parasitic current should be very low, a few mA or less, however, on my car a Ford, if I do anything, like open a door, or something, the computer seems to power up, which takes several amps. Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery may also do this, so either your meter needs to be able to cope with say 5 to 10 Amps, without blowing up, then you have to wait for the computer to all shut down again, 5 minutes maybe, to take your reading.
Or connect a thicker piece of cable between the meter probes/Croc clips, when you connect the meter in series to the battery terminal, this should take that surge current, then remove that extra cable, when things quieten down & take your reading.
Obviously, whatever you do, only connect in series with one terminal, preferably the negative, because you are less likely to then accidentally short out the battery, to the chassis, assuming negative chassis, with a bang.
Polarity doesn't matter, assuming it is a digital meter, just ignore the - sign, if analogue it will need to be the correct polarity.
Take care.
Regards Kevin
Edited 2024-08-16 06:45 by Bleep