Tempo L4-122 2.0L DSL (1984)
1.
Be sure all vehicle electrical circuits are turned OFF.
2.
Disconnect either the positive or negative battery cable.
3.
Connect an ammeter* (set at the highest current scale) between the cable terminal and the battery post.
4.
Reduce to an appropriate scale for an accurate reading (allow 1 minute to stabilize).
*Use Rotunda digital volt-ohm meter No. 007-00001 or equivalent.
Test Conclusions
^
Drain current less than 0.05A - no current drain problems.
^
Drain current greater than 0.05A - check individual circuits to locate cause of current drain. Underhood lamp, luggage compartment lamp, glove
box lamp, reading or vanity mirror lamps are prime suspects.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When the Message Center is initially powered-up (after a battery disconnect), the Message Center "computer" may be energized for as long as one
minute causing a .25A current draw before returning to the normal .010 -.012A current draw. Therefore, it is important to allow at least one minute to
pass (after ammeter hook-up) before observing any current measurements.
NOTE:
A voltmeter is sometimes used for this test but it will react to the very small normal drain caused by "always-on" electronic systems such as
Starter Interlock, Anti-Theft Alarm, Illuminated Entry, etc., which are so small they cause no problem. The test lamp shows only drains which
are large enough to cause a problem.
If any of the above conditions are found, the warranty cost for recharging the battery should be assigned to the specific causal factor - NOT THE
BATTERY. Please refer to the claims coding section of the service labor time standards and the warranty and policy manuals.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"
