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Home/Cars/Toyota/Corolla/E170 (2013-2019)/how to check for a parasitic drain in my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)?

how to check for a parasitic drain in my Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)?

Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2019)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium1-2 hours
3 min read
516 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to check for a parasitic drain in your 2013-2019 Toyota Corolla E170. Step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix battery drain issues.

Component
Electrical
Repair Time
1-2 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems to prevent short circuits
  • ⚠Allow the vehicle to cool before handling any electrical components

Symptoms

  • •Battery discharges overnight or after a few days of inactivity
  • •Vehicle requires a jump start to operate
  • •Dim interior lights or other electrical components when the vehicle is off
  • •Frequent replacement of the battery
  • •Check engine light illuminated intermittently

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Test the battery voltage with a multimeter to confirm it is fully charged (12.6 volts or higher)
  2. 2Safely disconnect the negative battery terminal to isolate the battery from the vehicle's electrical system
  3. 3Set a digital multimeter to the DC amps setting and connect it in series between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable
  4. 4Observe the multimeter reading; a typical parasitic draw should be less than 50 milliamps (0.050 amps)
  5. 5If the reading is high, begin pulling fuses one at a time while monitoring the multimeter until the current draw drops significantly
  6. 6Once you find the fuse that causes a drop in current, investigate the components or wiring associated with that circuit for faults

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Tools Required: Multimeter, battery terminal wrench, fuses (for replacement if needed).
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal and ensure you have a fully charged battery for testing.

2. Inspect and Repair Faulty Circuit

  • Identify the circuit associated with the faulty fuse from the diagnostic steps.
  • Sub-steps:
    1. Inspect the wiring and connectors in the identified circuit for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
    2. Check for any aftermarket accessories that may be improperly wired and contributing to the drain.
    3. Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connectors as necessary.
    4. For faulty accessories, either disconnect them or ensure they are installed correctly.

3. Reassemble Components

  • Reconnect any components that were removed during inspection.
  • Sub-steps:
    1. Reinstall any fuses that were removed during testing.
    2. Reconnect the negative battery terminal securely.

4. Test Repair

  • Start the vehicle and check for normal operation of electrical components.
  • Use the multimeter again to confirm the parasitic draw is below the acceptable threshold.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Multimeter
  • Battery terminal wrench
  • Fuses (for replacement if needed)

Parts Required

  • Electrical connectors (if damaged)
  • Fuses (if blown)

Additional Information

Component

Electrical

Repair Time

1-2 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

3 items

Parts

2 items

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