Current loss in a vehicle with the ignition key OFF is called?

Current loss in a vehicle with the ignition key OFF is called?

• A. Parasitic load
• B. Idle current
• C. Short circuit
• D. Standby current

Answer: (A)

Parasitic load is the current that continues to flow from the battery even when the ignition is off. Some vehicle systems must stay powered in standby to keep memory (like clocks, radio presets, the immobilizer, and security features) and to be ready to respond when you switch the key back on. This ongoing draw is normal and is described as parasitic because it’s a drain that happens in the background while the car is off. This differs from a short circuit, which is an abnormal fault causing a much larger, unintended current, and from idle current, which isn’t the term used for off-state battery drain. Standby current is sometimes used in other contexts, but the conventional automotive term for the off-state drain is parasitic load. If the draw is excessive, it can drain the battery, so technicians measure it with a low-ampere meter and aim for a small, acceptable parasitic draw.

Parasitic load is the current that continues to flow from the battery even when the ignition is off. Some vehicle systems must stay powered in standby to keep memory (like clocks, radio presets, the immobilizer, and security features) and to be ready to respond when you switch the key back on. This ongoing draw is normal and is described as parasitic because it’s a drain that happens in the background while the car is off.

This differs from a short circuit, which is an abnormal fault causing a much larger, unintended current, and from idle current, which isn’t the term used for off-state battery drain. Standby current is sometimes used in other contexts, but the conventional automotive term for the off-state drain is parasitic load. If the draw is excessive, it can drain the battery, so technicians measure it with a low-ampere meter and aim for a small, acceptable parasitic draw.