Phantom Load on Avalon

Looking for someone who would know how much current (in mA) a 1999 Toyota Avalon draws when it is turned off.

Background: The battery in the Avalon keeps going dead (newly purchased 60 month battery one-year ago) so I recharge and it is fine for a day or maybe a week, then dead again. Took the car to a Les Schwab store and had them check the battery and charging system; both ok. Put a amp meter between the positive terminal of the battery and the cable and the car is drawing 15mA. Trying to find out if this is normal or too high.

Further checking of the individual fuses show the radio fuse is drawing ~3mA and the dome light fuse is drawing ~4.5mA. Pulled all the dome lights (8 in all) but still drawing current. Not sure what else is on that circuit; I have a the factory manual but not the separate electrical manual (extra $80).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim

Reply to
Tim Gates
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If you are going to park for a week or more, turn the auto headlights to the off position. It should draw a little less with the headlights in the off position. 15 mA is a little high but not grossly so. Some aftermarket audio, remote start, and security systems draw all the time.

Just guessing here, check lights in the glove box and trunk and make sure they go off when shut.

Reply to
Ray O

15mA is only 2.52 Amp hour in a week. This is not enough to kill a 100 Amp hour battery. It is probably close to the self discharge rate. Your problem is probably elsewhere, an intermittent switch?
Reply to
art

You should also check your mirror lights if you have one. I once gave a jump start to a woman who's mirror light had drained her battery.

Reply to
Reasoned Insanity

I can confirm that two ECUs, a CAT1 alarm and immobiliser and a stereo in my car draw approx 15-20mA. However on a good battery that will last indefinitely (has lasted a month on mine, 62A battery, without going flat) but with my old battery that *appeared* OK it wouldnt last two days.

J
Reply to
Coyoteboy

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