Convinced the battery is being drained

Post by **Sven** » 09 Dec 2007, 20:21

The van has been parked up at work for 5 days. Got in it to come home and the starter turned really slowly, not enough to start the van. Wouldn't even start by jumping from the leisure battery. Eventually got it started.
The question is, could there be a drain?
Battery has been checked with an expensive battery tester a few weeks ago and it was A1.
I'm wondering if the alarm is draining it. Tried the bulb method by disconnecting the neg and the bulb does come on but also the alarm. It seems to do that, when reconnecting the battery the alarm always goes off.
Been looking under the dash and can only find a relay for the alarm not the actual alarm module, was thinking of just removing the fuse and seeing if it would work, if there is a fuse in the module.
Any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated
Thanks Sven

Post by **tonytech** » 09 Dec 2007, 21:25

5 days with the alarm in armed mode should not drain your battery.
Is the alarm being set off while you are away from the van?

You need to trace the wiring for the alarm and cut it

(where noone will see) You can rejoin it after testing the battery again.

T

Post by **Sven** » 09 Dec 2007, 21:30

No Tony, the alarm wasn't armed.
Sven

Post by **jed the spread** » 09 Dec 2007, 23:28

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ging_cause

jed

Post by **R0B** » 10 Dec 2007, 01:09

sven.you might of foo*ed your leisure battery as well.they dont like being used as a starter battery....

Post by **Sven** » 10 Dec 2007, 20:41

Hi rob......the leisure is only a regular one anyway but thats on its way out.
I have tried the bulb method and there isnt a drain anywhere......the battery was tested about 6-8 weeks ago and was fine but am now wondering if thats the culprit.....think i'll have to cough up for a new one.
Sven

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 11 Dec 2007, 12:19

Hmmmm, I too have this prob. Mine won't shove in sufficient charge on routine short work journies - especially with lights on early morning/evening etc. I now just carry two batteries rather than get stuck anywhere.

Things that DO drain battery in my experience: clock, current to stereo systems (even when they're off) and alarms. I disconnected the clock a long while ago but as its 1.25pm at least once a day, it is right occasionally. Things to ease the situation include:

1) Fitting LEDs as sidelights all round. Very low consumption and generally fine to and from work

2) Keep the volume down when playing the Who or the Sex Pistols (though not easy).