Parasitic Current Draw with no fuses! 2004 4.4 X5 E53

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

...I would use a clamp ammeter (partly because I have a few of those already; but I'd buy one if I did not, to solve this problem) to measure current flowing in the wires up in the engine bay, in particular to the alternator....

If/when you buy a "clamp ammeter", make sure you get one that has BOTH AC and DC capability. I bought my first ammeter years ago, in a hurry, while testing and rewiring bad circuits (some with aluminum wiring!) in my aged house (now demolished & replaced).

The clamp ammeter worked fine, but at the same time, my old GMC's alternator was acting up, and it was then that I realized that my ammeter couldn't measure DC amperage.

That was 10-12 years ago, and I've only recently rectified the situation, by purchasing an AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter, to use on yet another problem with the '98 GMC (HVAC fan drawing too much current)...better late than never.

It's currently on Prime Day sale at Amazon, for $32 https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Multi...ef_=ast_sto_dp