Battery Discharge Time Sweepstake...

Post by **paulheywood** » 13 Mar 2007, 12:50

Hi there,

My Type 25 has had battery trouble for a while now, so I've got a brand spanking new battery (63AH) from GSF for her.

A couple of questions -

I've a 0.04A drain on this new battery, is this excessive ? The only thing that could be drawing it is the backup for the stereo.

Considering this drain how long would it take to discharge the battery, in reasonably cold weather.

I know I should be looking after her better, taking her out etc. and I will, I promise,

Cheers, as ever, for the help,

Paul.

Post by **tonytech** » 13 Mar 2007, 13:33

Well 40ma is next to nothing. But about 4 or 5 times what I'd expect a stereo to take on standby.
Take the fuse out and see if the current falls to zero.

I think you should be able to leave it for 10 days and still have enough lef to start it.

t

Post by **paulheywood** » 13 Mar 2007, 14:29

Thanks for the reply Tony... and you were spot on - I've disconnected the stereo and the meter still reads between 30ma and 40ma.

I'd like to reduce the drain to a minimum - what's 'normal' ?

I'll keep looking... removing fuses etc. the lad who had it before me installed some sort of alarm, although I've never worked out how it works or even where it is... maybe this could be causing it ?

Paul.

Post by **Dan Wood** » 13 Mar 2007, 15:58

In an ideal world,

63 Ah = 63000 mAh

So, you could draw 40 mA for about 65 days before it was completely flat!

Obviously, you want enough power to start the van and we don't live in an ideal world! If you can't find what is causing the drain, just take the van for a good run every fortnight.

You should be using it more often anyway, otherwise it will be unhappy.

Post by **paulheywood** » 13 Mar 2007, 16:01

The feed that is doing the damage is a 16A one, 5th from the right as you look at the box in the glove box.

The one manual I have gives me a choice of two 16A -

No. 9 - Emergency Light. Radio.
No. 10 - Windscreen wiper/washer, Blower.

I have a worry that the fella before me has wired up all sorts of stuff that may be draining it... it used to have central locking up until a few months ago.

Any advice ?

Update - I think it's No. 8 - Interior light, which probably would be hooked up to the Alarm.. maybe ?

Post by **The_blue** » 16 Mar 2007, 11:18

could be using the door open light switches for an alarm.