Using an Ammeter

Turn all electric devices OFF, and then turn the ignition switch OFF.
Close all doors except the engine hood, and then lock all doors.
1. Disconnect the hood switch connector.
2. Close the trunk lid.
3. Close the doors or remove the door switches.
Wait a few minutes until the vehicle's electrical systems go to sleep mode.
NOTE:
- For an accurate measurement of a vehicle parasitic current, all electrical systems should be in sleep mode. (It takes at least one hour or at most one day.) However, an approximate vehicle parasitic current can be measured after 10 - 20 minutes.
Connect an ammeter in series between the negative (-) battery terminal and the ground cable, and then slowly disconnect the clamp from the negative (-) battery terminal.
NOTE:
- Make sure that the lead wires of the ammeter are securely connected to battery (-) terminal and ground to prevent the battery from being reset. In case the battery is reset, connect the battery cable again, and then start the engine or turn the ignition switch ON for more than 10 seconds. Repeat the procedure from No. 1.
  To prevent the battery from being reset during the inspection.
  1. Connect a jump cable between the battery (-) terminal and the ground cable.
  2. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery (-) terminal.
  3. Connect an ammeter between the battery (-) terminal and the ground cable.
  4. After disconnecting the jump cable, read the current value of the ammeter.
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Read the current value of the ammeter.
- If the parasitic current is over the limit value, search for abnormal circuit by removing a fuse one by one and checking the parasitic current.
- Reconnect only the fuse suspected of parasitic current and search for the problematic unit by removing the components connected to the circuit one by one until the parasitic draw drops below limit value.
  Limit value (after 10 - 20 min.): Below 50mA