Is this a parasitic battery drain?

[Shropshirewrangler]

TJ is used 2 - 3 times a week, usually starts easily. Recently the battery was dead, as in ignition on and not even the mileometer showed on the dash.
Fitted a brand new battery, then thought I'd look on the forum to see why a battery should crap out so with no warning. Found lots of threads about Parasitic battery drain. I've got a meter but it's a case of "All the gear no idea" when it comes to amps.

This is the reading I get with the ignition off, doors closed, negative lead disconnected from the battery (positive connected) meter connected between battery negative post and earth lead, meter set on 200m.
Please tell me if the reading of 05.6 is normal or if it indicates the dreaded Parasitic Drain, and if it is then how do I track it down.
Thanks in advance.

 

[glowell222]

I would start by pulling a fuse and checking, writing down the results. Replace the fuse and repeat. Once you have determined which fuse(s), then you can begin disconnecting individual components.

If you have the "cigarette lighter" under the HVAC controls, have a peep inside.

 

[Rubiconned]

Don't forget there is still a constant draw by the PCM and stereo head unit. Your battery probably died because the weather has gotten colder.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I just went through the same thing when my multi-function switch went bad and was randomly turning on the fog lights when parked.

 

[jonny jeep]

5.6mA is fine. I think the FSMs say Ignition off drain can be up to 34mA.

 

[LONGJP2]

Mine sits for weeks, sometimes over a month; always starts.

 

[FarFire70]

Like has been said - pull fuses to find the draw so you at least know or confirm what you're measuring.

When I did this on mine (thinking I had a parasitic draw), I pulled the obvious fuses for the radio and PCM. I still had a draw and kept pulling things to then ultimately found it was the hood light... smh Should have been obvious to me but missed the obvious.

Ultimately, I had a bad battery that needed replacement, not a parasitic draw.

 

[Head Lice]

Works good.

 

[SRCustom]

This... There is nothing on these machines that needs uninterrupted power when it's not running.

 

[Claytone]

5.6mA is fine. I think the FSMs say Ignition off drain can be up to 34mA.

Yes, you are well within spec at 5.6mA if that is an accurate reading. Sounds like you have it hooked up correctly.
No need to chase it any farther

 

[Steel City 06]

View attachment 567670View attachment 567671
Works good.

Be aware that every time you disconnect the battery, the PCM fuel trim tables reset. Unless your tune is dead on in open loop, this can cause the engine to run unnecessarily rich and eventually cook the catalytic converters

 

[Mitchrb1]

This... There is nothing on these machines that needs uninterrupted power when it's not running.

My radio disagrees.

 

[Rubiconned]

View attachment 567670View attachment 567671
Works good.

It's also a great anti-theft device with my hood lock.

 

[Rubiconned]

My radio disagrees.

PCM also disagrees

 

[InOmaha]

Mine was a faulty ignition that allowed me to pull the key out when the tumbler was in the auxiliary position. It normally won't come out unless it's in the off position.

I had a new key made and then replaced the ignition tumbler internals. That fixed my issue because it had to be off to get my key back. The next time you turn it off, put in in an auxiliary position, if you can pull out the key and turn on the wipers, you have the same issue I had.

 

[Shropshirewrangler]

Yes, you are well within spec at 5.6mA if that is an accurate reading. Sounds like you have it hooked up correctly.
No need to chase it any farther

Thanks everyone, the new battery solved the problem and now I know what "normal" battery drain looks like.