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Power draw from battery when truck is off

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by AndrewSmith, Feb 11, 2025.

  1. Feb 11, 2025 at 8:07 AM
    #1
    AndrewSmith

    AndrewSmith [OP] New Member

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    I'm having an electrical problem with a different car, and decided to check the Sequoia as well, just for reference.

    I put a clamp meter on the battery lead, and it shows almost an amp of power draw. Isn't that really bad? Or is that normal with all the computer BS in there now?

    Should I be looking for a problem to fix? Or should I shop around for a battery disconnect switch?

    Have you measured how much power your car uses when it's off?
     
  2. Feb 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM
    #2
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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  3. Feb 11, 2025 at 2:17 PM
    #3
    AndrewSmith

    AndrewSmith [OP] New Member

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    I guess I gotta go pull a buch of fuses to figure this out... I wish it weren't so cold outside, my fingers freeze in a couple of minutes.
     
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  4. Feb 11, 2025 at 3:06 PM
    #4
    BoysandHisToys

    BoysandHisToys New Member

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    12” Bulletproof Lift, AFE CAI, AFE Exhaust, rock lights, Fas-Top tonneau and soft topper, Dasaita 10.2” radio, light bar, ditch lights, LED headlights and fog lights, LED interior lights, Amp Research rear bumper step, dashcam, BT ODBII reader and Torque app on radio
    Some computers have to be turned off for hours before the draw stops.
     
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  5. Feb 11, 2025 at 4:36 PM
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    Snowboard Tundra

    Snowboard Tundra New Member

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  6. Feb 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
    #6
    AndrewSmith

    AndrewSmith [OP] New Member

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    Well, if 0.1A is a problem... I must have a problem :)

    Though I should check the draw again after the truck's been off for a couple of hours, I wouldn't be surprised if it takes that long for the computer to go to sleep.
     
  7. Feb 12, 2025 at 10:38 AM
    #7
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    There is a BIG difference between 1 amp and 0.1 of an amp.
    Are you sure the battery is good?
    I'm currently having an issue with my battery losing around .5 an amp overnight.
    f3ad1728-802d-464f-bac7-fc861b71d4ab_bd827c0d44b65224524d0f6d42e3f03283c810a3.png e70145b7-c9cd-46d6-9607-68413686f12d_5634b37b3bad653f1e1bf3e92ba20254d7df7442.png


    I let it sit overnight and tested the draw and it was between .25 and .30.
    The battery loses a 1/2 volt overnight whether it is disconnected or connected in the truck.
    I'm not driving it every day right now so if I don't start it every 2 days I have to jump it.

    It is still under warranty with Interstate, but the problem is they want to keep it overnight to test it.
    That is a problem for a few reasons.
    1. Because of shoulder surgery, I can't lift the battery out of or back into the truck.
    2. I have no vehicle to run to the store and back the next day if I could lift it
    3. I'm not leaving my truck in their parking lot overnight and having them pull it.

    So I'm keeping records and documenting this stuff in hopes they will swap it without the 24-hour hold.

    My cheap battery tester has helped a little.
    Amazon.com: KONNWEI KW208 12V Car Battery Tester, 100-2000 CCA Load Tester Automotive Alternator Tester Digital Auto Battery Analyzer Charging Cranking System Tester for Truck Marine Motorcycle SUV Boat : Automotive

    It has only come up once as a bad cell.
    It usually says the battery is good but it needs to be recharged.
    upload_2025-2-12_12-25-51.jpg

    Cranks low after sitting all night.
    upload_2025-2-12_12-26-12.jpg

    Charging system is fine.
    upload_2025-2-12_12-26-30.jpg
     
  8. Feb 12, 2025 at 11:09 AM
    #8
    AndrewSmith

    AndrewSmith [OP] New Member

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    If your battery drops to 12.2V overnight while it's disconnected: it's no good anymore. I hope you find a way to get the warranty replacement!
     
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  9. Feb 12, 2025 at 7:32 PM
    #9
    lr172

    lr172 New Member

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    The resting voltage of a battery cannot be measured until about two hours after any type of charging, including float charging. I suspect 12.2 is the resting voltage and you are getting the 12.6 right after shut down. Most batteries read about.3-.4 higher than resting after shutdown. It is just the nature of lead acid batteries.
     
  10. Feb 12, 2025 at 7:46 PM
    #10
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    The 12.6 is after a start and 15-minute run.
    The 12.2 is in the morning as I lay in bed, looking at Drone app, not doing anything to the truck in the driveway.
    If I wait 2 days without a start, it would drop to 11.8, but start.
    3 days drops to 11.3 and won't start without a jump.

    It does the voltage drop whether the battery is connected or not.
    I know the battery is bad, I just don't know if they are going to take my word for it without the 24-hour testing bullshit.

    If not, I'll just have to buy a new battery and let them test the old one.
    If it's bad and they replace it under warranty, I'll sell it.
    I don't need 2 batteries.
     

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