orindaman

I started this link so here's what I found out. I went to a mechanic that worked on my old Mercedes and he used a clamp on amp meter (around the battery ground cable) and saw a low amp drain. I then bought my own clamp on and now measure 225 Ma, not 4+amps. It seems with the high tech cars you can not make the off power drain measurement with a disconnected battery ground with inline ammeter as I have done for years on all my low tech cars. Has to do with all the computers trying to reboot (or something). Anyway, I'll see how long it holds charge now, Lexus replaced the battery on warranty. They also repaired the steering column extending system and had a tough time. They somehow lost the programing and took several days to get it back. The LS430 is NOT your fathers car.

We just inherited a very nice 2004 GS 430. It is an excellant car; except, if it sits without being driven for just three days the battery goes dead. I used an amp meter between the car frame and the negative battery post and with all assesories off it was still drawing 4.8 amps. No wonder the battery is dead! 3 days is 72 hr x 4.8 amps is 345 amp-hrs. What is drawing all these amps? Anyone having a clue I would sure appreciate a reply.