Starter battery consumption - amps?

[Phil Hall]

I think I have read most of the threads I can find on starter / engine battery drainage.
I have seen comments on when various currents are drawn ie doors open etc.

However, I was trying to get an idea of current amps drawn at various states.

I have a DC current measuring meter that clamps round cables.

Ignition off approx 1.0 amp?

Open drivers door and sure enough as WG as posted the driver door kicks in computer stuff and it pops up to 2.5 amps for say 30 seconds and settles back down to 1.0 amp.

Ignition on - so the only thing I visually notice is running lightson and radio/ screen on.

However, clamp meter is now showing 9.0 amps?
Is this right or is the meter incorrect?

I cannot believe in this state that 9 amps are being drawn. So do I believe in these figures?

If I turn of screen 9 goes down to 2.0 Amps.

So only running lights on.

Note nothing is plugged into any ports ie cigarette sockets etc.

Thank you

 

[dspuk]

Ignition off approx 1.0 amp?

This 1A is just the screen power.

Don't forget that ignition on also primes the pump. So not just the head unit for media and lights should be taken into account.

 

[vbk1975]

I think I have read most of the threads I can find on starter / engine battery drainage.
I have seen comments on when various currents are drawn ie doors open etc.

However, I was trying to get an idea of current amps drawn at various states.

I have a DC current measuring meter that clamps round cables.

Ignition off approx 1.0 amp?

Open drivers door and sure enough as WG as posted the driver door kicks in computer stuff and it pops up to 2.5 amps for say 30 seconds and settles back down to 1.0 amp.

Ignition on - so the only thing I visually notice is running lightson and radio/ screen on.

However, clamp meter is now showing 9.0 amps?
Is this right or is the meter incorrect?

I cannot believe in this state that 9 amps are being drawn. So do I believe in these figures?

If I turn of screen 9 goes down to 2.0 Amps.

So only running lights on.

Note nothing is plugged into any ports ie cigarette sockets etc.

Thank you

When you switch the ignition on, the vast majority if not all the electrical modules will be active including all the vehicle networks. 9A is not an unexpected value for a modern vehicle.

 

[Phil Hall]

Thank you Gentlemen exactly the sort of feedback I wanted to hear

 

[dspuk]

Handily I believe pump priming is triggered by drivers door opening. Hence why opening and closing the door repeatedly can be a draw on starter. Helps the engine start faster if you are driving. Unless camping mode disables this. Be interesting to find out.

 

[WelshGas]

I think I have read most of the threads I can find on starter / engine battery drainage.
I have seen comments on when various currents are drawn ie doors open etc.

However, I was trying to get an idea of current amps drawn at various states.

I have a DC current measuring meter that clamps round cables.

Ignition off approx 1.0 amp?

Open drivers door and sure enough as WG as posted the driver door kicks in computer stuff and it pops up to 2.5 amps for say 30 seconds and settles back down to 1.0 amp.

Ignition on - so the only thing I visually notice is running lightson and radio/ screen on.

However, clamp meter is now showing 9.0 amps?
Is this right or is the meter incorrect?

I cannot believe in this state that 9 amps are being drawn. So do I believe in these figures?

If I turn of screen 9 goes down to 2.0 Amps.

So only running lights on.

Note nothing is plugged into any ports ie cigarette sockets etc.

Thank you

As you said, Ignition On only visual is lights and Infotainment screen. But what you can’t see is the computer modules for car activating, bulb checks, various sensor checks being carried out, radar and cameras, SOS system activated, Infotainment system, which is no longer a simple radio but quit a powerful computer activating various modules and communicating with vehicle modules, activating GPS and calculating vehicle position. The list goes on and on.
In order to allow the driver to get in and drive immediately all these items are activated when the drivers door is open and more so when ignition switched On.
Whether you have a Diesel, Petrol, Hybrid or EV they are all the same.

 

[Phil Hall]

Interesting I have had my T5 for 10 years and I don’t know about “Camping mode?”
Please enlighten me?

 

[WelshGas]

Interesting I have had my T5 for 10 years and I don’t know about “Camping mode?”
Please enlighten me?

Your Avatar vehicle information says you have a T7 California.

The T5/6 did not have this function.

 

[Phil Hall]

Your Avatar vehicle information says you have a T7 California.

The T5/6 did not have this function.

O - thank you for that don’t t how that’s happened I have been discussing the T7 in a thread. Anyhow thank you.
Can you advise how I can go back in an edit the vehicle details please?

 

[WelshGas]

O - thank you for that don’t t how that’s happened I have been discussing the T7 in a thread. Anyhow thank you.
Can you advise how I can go back in an edit the vehicle details please?

Click on your Avatar picture top of your screen allows you to alter Preferences etc.

 

[Phil Hall]

O - thank you for that don’t t how that’s happened I have been discussing the T7 in a thread. Anyhow thank you.
Can you advise how I can go back in an edit the vehicle details please?

Thanks I have fired back to T5