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Parasitic Draw

A parasitic current draw on a car refers to an electrical current that continues to flow even after the car’s ignition is turned off. This current can drain the battery and cause issues such as a dead battery, slow engine cranking, and a vehicle that won’t start.

Some common symptoms of parasitic current draw include:

  • A battery that drains quickly or won’t hold a charge
  • Slow engine cranking or difficulty starting the vehicle
  • Interior lights staying on after the car is turned off
  • Electronic components, such as the radio, continuing to function after the car is turned off

Common causes of parasitic draw include:

  • A malfunctioning alternator or voltage regulator
  • A stuck relay or stuck solenoid
  • An aftermarket alarm or audio system that continues to draw power
  • A malfunctioning electronic component such as a power seat motor, power window motor or door lock actuator.

Procrastinating fixing a parasitic draw can lead to several problems. A parasitic draw can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning component or a light that is not turning off.
If you don’t fix it, it can drain your battery and leave you stranded. Additionally, it may also cause damage to the electrical system of your car, which can be costly to repair. It’s best to address parasitic draw issues as soon as possible to prevent these problems.

Related Articles:
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  • Mercedes-Benz SOS Inoperative Warning
  • Glossary: Dead Battery
  • My Car Won’t Start, Just Clicks
  • 8 Reasons Why a Car Won’t Start
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© 2015-2025 YOUCANIC®, owned by Bohotina LLC. All rights reserved. YOUCANIC® delivers expert automotive guides and DIY solutions empowering vehicle owners to diagnose and fix car problems with confidence. While we strive for technical accuracy, our content is for educational purposes and cannot substitute for professional mechanical advice. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Need help? Contact our dedicated Customer Service team.

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  • HOME
  • SHOP
    • UCAN-II Pro Car & Light Truck Scanner
    • Semi Truck & Heavy Equipment Scanner UCAN-HD-A
    • High Capacity Jump Starter RB6000A
    • Battery & Charging System Tester
    • Adapters
      • 12+8 FCA Chrysler Dodge
      • BMW 20 Pin Adapter
      • Mercedes 38 Pin Multiplexer
      • DOIP Adapter
    • Check Coverage
  • REPAIR RESOURCES
    • Find by Vehicle
    • Video Library
    • Trusted Repair Shops
    • Pro Manuals
    • Code Library (DTC)
    • Parts Lookup
    • Glossary
  • TOOLS
    • VIN Decoder
    • Tire Comparison
    • Used Car Inspection Checklist
    • Brake Pad Wear Calculator
    • Battery Group Finder
    • Torque to Horsepower Converter
    • Trip Cost & Fuel Calculator
    • Battery Charging Time
    • 2-Stroke Oil Mixture Calculator
    • DIY Repair Savings Calculator
  • FORUM
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    • UCAN-II Scanner Resources
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