RXV Amp draw when parked w/key off

[rockfordpi]

I was just experimenting with my clamp on DC amp meter on battery cable to the solenoid and I noticed my RXV was pulling 1.4 amps just sitting with key off. I was concerned, so I checked a friend's cart and it was reading same.

It could be instrument error, but I know meter is working to some degree because when I turn key on I see the amps briefly jump to around 7 as it momentarily activates the brake/motor.

This has not been a problem as I keep on charger when not using, but just curious what could be causing that amp draw, assuming what I am seeing is accurate.

[radioman]

I would not trust a DC clamp on reading on a golf cart wire.

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by radioman

I would not trust a DC clamp on reading on a golf cart wire.

It may not be accurate a low amps, but I checked under load and it was pretty accurate on the cart at higher amps.

[cgtech]

Those meters usually dont automatically zero.

Consider this, if that number were accurate, your batteries would be 95% drained after the cart were parked for 4 days. Still think that number is accurate?

Fully charge cart, let it sit for 24 hours, check batteries to see if they're 25% depleted.

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by cgtech

Those meters usually dont automatically zero.

Consider this, if that number were accurate, your batteries would be 95% drained after the cart were parked for 4 days. Still think that number is accurate?

Fully charge cart, let it sit for 24 hours, check batteries to see if they're 25% depleted.

Yes, it does make sense that that number is not accurate as it would be same as running a 60-75w bulb constantly. Probably just the limit of the meter at reading low DC amps.

However, the reason I checked to start with was that I thought I left cart fully charged after last use and batteries were showing 49 or so volts after sitting a while. Likely I (or someone) used and did not get it back on charge.

Batteries are sitting at 50.5 now after 12+ hours of rest. Just to be safe, I will monitor and obviously if that does not go down significantly then the amps can't be leaving the batts.

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by cgtech

Those meters usually dont automatically zero.

Consider this, if that number were accurate, your batteries would be 95% drained after the cart were parked for 4 days. Still think that number is accurate?

Fully charge cart, let it sit for 24 hours, check batteries to see if they're 25% depleted.

Checked again, per above Brand New 12v Crown Batteries in RXV.

Saturday pack read 50.5 after 12+ hours at rest.

Thursday pack read 49.8 after sitting key off the whole time.

Does that sound like a normal loss or is something placing a slight drain on battery.

BTW, It does have a tiny tiny dot sized LED on the USB port that is always on
but amp draw for that is miniscule.

[coldair]

I use fluke meters for all my electrical work, for checking current I first use the clamp on than if it is a low draw I switch to the inline for the most accurate readings

[cgtech]

That actually does sound like some draw is happening. 49.8 is around 75%.

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by cgtech

That actually does sound like some draw is happening. 49.8 is around 75%.

I am going to try the inline amp meter per Coldair above and see if I can get a more accurate reading. Then I will start isolating and eliminating.

I have a hunch there is an issue with the 48-12v converter as I believe I detect a tiny amount of heat there.

[kgsc]

That is very possible because the last one I bought has a constant 12v output for a radio memory.