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) 340 ma Momentary; Capacitors in ECUs are
charging
Parasitic Load (continuous) 18 ma

1. Why does the parasitic load “spike” high when the battery is first connected?
When the battery is first connected, the capacitors inside many of the ECU’s such as the TCCS and
the SRS system need to be charged up. When fully charged, the amperage reading goes down sub-
stantially.
2. What is considered a “normal” amount of parasitic load?
Anything under 50 ma can be considered normal.
3. List examples of components which make up the parasitic load on the battery. Why do these units use
battery power continuously?
Besides the previously mentioned ECU’s, many other electronic devices use a battery power at all
times. These include the clock, the radio, integration relay, theft deterrent, etc. These items need
battery power all the time because they either are operating all the time, or need to keep some RAM
alive while the vehicle is OFF.

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 4A
Fuel Pump ON
(return line restricted) 4.9 A

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?

The fuel line restriction causes the pump motor to turn slower. This results in a decrease in
resistance in the motor, and increased current flow.
5. How could this information be used in diagnosing a fuel pump (or any electric motor) related problem?
If there is a restriction anywhere in the fuel system (inlet or outlet) the amperage would be able
to indicate a problem, as long as you have a value to compare it to.

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

3.4
Ignition Switch “ON”

17.8 17.8 — 3.4 = 14.4 A 14.4 A

Rear Defogger

12.5 12.5 — 3.4 = 9.1 A 9.1 A

Stop Lights

Headlights 16.8 16.8 — 3.4 = 13.4 A 13.4 A

Radiator Fan 16.1 16.1 — 3.4 = 12.7 A 12.7 A

(open Water Temp. Switch)

Heater-A/C Fan - Low 10.1 10.1 — 3.4 = 6.7 A 6.7 A

Heater - A/C Fan - High 16.6 16.6 — 3.4 = 13.2 A

13.2 A

Body Electrical Systems - L 652 201

 Notes

202 Lexus Technical Training