Saturn Parasitic Load Test Device
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The parasitic load test device (SA9130Z) is used with a DMM. The test device is used to measure parasitic current drain from the battery with the ignition and all accessories OFF. The load tester, constructed with 1 ohm resistance and built-in circuit protection device, opens when the current exceeds approximately 1 amp. When the circuit is opened, the user is alerted by a red light-emitting diode (LED) indicator. The parasitic load test device is put into the circuit between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable so it effectively becomes a load in series with all other vehicle loads.
IMPORTANT:
The ignition key must be removed from the cylinder before parasitic load testing. The key-minder circuit is activated by the key cylinder switch when the key is in the ignition cylinder, which adds 20 milliamps of current draw.
- Install parasitic load tester between negative cable and negative battery terminal so 1 OHM resister of tester is in series with battery.
- Set the multimeter to MILLIVOLT scale.
- Measure current across the tester by putting the multimeter probes in 2 terminals on the tester. The reading is obtained in volts. This reading is directly converted to milliamps. Should the parasitic load exceed 1 amp, the LED indicator on the tester will light. This may indicate that a vehicle accessory is ON.
- To find the source of excessive load, start removing fuses and modules in a systematic way. When voltage drops across the tester, the circuit or circuits protected by that fuse is the source of current drain. Also remove the fusible link from the generator to check for a voltage drop. If the voltage drop is greater than 2 volts, replace the generator. Repair the circuit and perform the parasitic load test again to verify the repair.
IMPORTANT:
The alligator clamp on the parasitic load test device must be connected to the flat pad part on the negative battery cable. Do not connect the alligator clamp to the bolt on the negative battery cable. This will cause incorrect readings.