ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

WORKSHEET 3-4
Measuring Amperage
Vehicle Year/Prod. Date Engine Transmission

Section 1 - Series Type Ammeter - Parasitic Load

Using a DMM ammeter connected in series to the negative battery cable, measure the current flow under the
following conditons

Use the terminal

Measuring Parasitic Load for mA
Connect the Ammeter in Se-
ries with the negative battery
cable. Connect the leads to
the DMM to measure AMPS
instead of milliamps. The ini-
tial surge from the vehicle
parasitic loads may exceed the
meter’s range momentarily.

Amps Notes
Parasitic Load (initial)

Parasitic Load (continuous)

1. Why does the parasitic load “spike” high when the battery is first connected?

2. What is considered a “normal” amount of parasitic load?

3. List examples of components which make up the parasitic load on the battery. Why do these units use
battery power continuously?

Body Electrical Systems - L 652 199

Section 2 - Series Type Ammeter - Electric Fuel Pump
Using the EWD, find Terminals B+ and Fp on the Check Connector. Connect the Ammeter in series to measure
the amperage in the Fuel Pump Circuit under the following conditions:

Using DMM Ammeter Use the terminal

for Amps
Connect the Ammeter in Series
Between the B+ and Fp terminals
of the Check Connector. Con- Fp
nect the leads to the DMM to
measure AMPS.

+B

Amps Notes
Fuel Pump ON

Fuel Pump ON
(return line restricted)

CAUTION!
When restricting the Fuel Pump Return line:
• DO NOT fully “pinch off” the fuel line—excessive fuel pressure can cause the hose clamps to
leak gasoline in the engine compartment.
• DO NOT use a plier with a serrated edge directly on the rubber hose. Damage to the return
hose may occur.

4. Why was the amperage reading higher when the return line was restricted?

5. How could this information be used in diagnosing a fuel pump (or any electric motor) related problem?

200 Lexus Technical Training

 ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

Section 3 - Inductive Type Ammeter

Using a DMM with inductive type ammeter connected to the negative battery cable, measure the current flow with
the listed components operating. Then apply parallel circuit current flow principles to calculate the amount of
amperage that is used by each individual circuit.

Using an Inductive Ammeter “Amp clamp” outputs 1 mV

for every 1 amp of current
flow
If using an inductive type ammeter
connected to a DMM, remember that
you must set the meter up to mea- 4.3 mV
Set to “mV”
sure MILLIVOLTS and not amper- Think in AMPS
age!

Amperage Individual
Load Measured at Calculation Circuit Am- Notes
Battery perage

Ignition Switch “ON”

Rear Defogger

Stop Lights

Headlights

Radiator Fan
(open Water Temp. Switch)

Heater-A/C Fan - Low

Heater - A/C Fan - High

Body Electrical Systems - L 652 201

 Notes

202 Lexus Technical Training