Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Parasitic Draw Check (3.5L Engine): Notes
Parasitic Draw Check
How to use this service information .
NOTICE:
Before you troubleshoot, review the How to Troubleshoot .
Special Tools Required
LH41 AC/DC low current clamp meter, FLULH41A**: Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857
- Make sure that the aftermarket electrical accessories have been properly installed.
- Leaving a keyless remote near the vehicle causes excessive parasitic draw.
- Using the HDS, select BATTERY CONSUMPTION CURRENT HISTORY to check the parasitic draw.
1. Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged, and that all the vehicle's electrical accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
3. Wait for at least 20 minutes.
4. Attach the LH41 AC/DC low current clamp meter (A) to the battery ground cable (B). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions, then measure the parasitic draw.
If you are using a digital multimeter: go to step 5.
Check the following items before measuring:
- Set the multimeter dial to the DCA (direct current amps) range.
- Plug the red test probe into the red A (Amps) jack, and plug the black test probe into the COM jack.
- To avoid blowing an input fuse, start by setting the range above 10 A.
If LH AC/DC low current clamp meter (FLULH41A) not available do the follow procedure.
6. Loosen the nut (A) on the 12 volt battery negative terminal.
Follow the instructions exactly to avoid disconnecting the 12 volt battery ground cable terminal from the 12 volt battery negative terminal.
7. Connect the red (+) test lead (A) to the negative terminal (B) of the 12 volt battery ground cable.
8. Carefully slide the 12 volt battery negative terminal of the 12 volt battery ground cable upwards from the 12 volt battery negative terminal post to maintain contact and avoid disconnection. Then connect the black (-) test lead (C) to the 12 volt battery negative terminal post.
9. Disconnect the 12 volt battery negative terminal (A) of the 12 volt battery ground cable from the 12 volt battery negative terminal.
10. Measure the parasitic draw.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.