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What is considered normal parasitic drain in a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic circuits?

  1. 2 to 5 milliamperes

  2. 20 to 30 milliamperes

  3. 150 to 300 milliamperes

  4. 1 to 2 amperes

The correct answer is: 20 to 30 milliamperes

In vehicles that are equipped with multiple electronic circuits, a normal parasitic drain is typically considered to be within the range of 20 to 30 milliamperes. This amount of current is necessary to maintain essential functions when the vehicle is turned off, such as keeping the memory of the radio and clock alive, as well as ensuring that some control modules remain in a standby mode. This small amount of current draw is generally acceptable and should not significantly affect the vehicle's battery health if the vehicle is used regularly. Higher levels of parasitic drain, such as those exceeding this range, can lead to problems, especially if the vehicle is parked for an extended period. Therefore, understanding the typical range helps in diagnosing potential electrical issues or battery drain problems.