Parasitic Loads
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
Parasitic Loads
My battery went dead after sitting for three months without a battery tender. I used my charger and then connected the MM. I initially saw a brief load above 5A and then it backed down to ~2A where it settled. I then pulled the hood light and it has settled at ~30ma. My question is if the parasitic load was at 25ma would I still need a tender? In other words if the car sits for 3 months with a parasitic load of 25ma the battery is going dead???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,015
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
Yes, 25ma is normal and will kill a battery in three months. Without a charger the battery might not start the car in as little as three weeks.
Last edited by Fast one; Feb 11, 2020 at 09:52 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 427
From: LI NY
What Fast one said. But if you are going to let it sit for 3 months without a tender, disconnect the neg terminal on the battery so you have zero draw. If you have a good battery it should hold a charge for 3 months no problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
, but you may want to take a look at this Post and the replies below it:
Last edited by GCG; Feb 11, 2020 at 07:51 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
25MA is still a fair amount of current, but that is what C5's draw when they are just parked, also if the car is not in a garage during winter months they may not fire up after 2-3 weeks time. Invest in a battery tender if it is going to sit for any extended amount of time.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
In a perfect world, with the correct 120 amp/hour reserve capacity battery and the correct 25 ma battery draw, a C5 should be able to sit for a month and still start. BUT,,,,, Like previously stated, weather, battery condition battery capacity, all have an effect on the truth to that statement.
Plain and simple. If your car needs to sit for an extended period of time, just disconnect the battery. OR Get a proper battery tender (smart charger) and keep it on the tender. I use the CETK MUS 4.3 and it is fantastic!
Plain and simple. If your car needs to sit for an extended period of time, just disconnect the battery. OR Get a proper battery tender (smart charger) and keep it on the tender. I use the CETK MUS 4.3 and it is fantastic!
