VW Beetle battery drain

TommyTheGun · 15-11-2013 12:57PM #1

Hi There,

Wondering can anyone shed some light. Mothers car wouldn't start this morning. jumped it. died again soon after. put a meter across the battery, showing circa. 11V.

Bought a new battery,€55, replaced, started straight away. the usual, drops 2v at start up, up to 14v, but drops significantly to about 11.7 volts. cant find anything on in the car, turned radio off, heating off etc.....

checked my own car as a comparison, hold steady at 14.4 volts with engine running, so there's a battery drain in this VW somewhere. anybody any ideas ?

Thanks in advance,
Tom

martyc5674 · 15-11-2013 08:27PM

It should stay at 14 when running regardless of the drain unless the drain is above the capability of the altenator(would practically have to be a short circuit)
From what your saying your problem is more likely altenator/rectifier
Marty.

martyc5674 · 15-11-2013 08:28PM

If you have a multimeter check the current draw with engine not running.

DublinDilbert · 15-11-2013 10:13PM

Car kit? iPod adapter? after market radio?

Starscream25 · 15-11-2013 10:17PM

Parasitic draw, I'm having the same prob myself for the last few years.in thprocess of finding the exact problem.theres a thread called vw golf won't start and a video linked you should check out.

martyc5674 · 15-11-2013 10:36PM

It would take a hell of a load to pull a new battery and healthy altenator voltage down to 11.7.
This is why I think it's your altenator/rectifier.

If something is drawing current the logical thing to do is hook up ameter in series with your battery and start pulling fuses to identify the problematic circuit.

The first thing id disconnect though is the altenator plug as it's a likely culprit itself(goosed rectifier causing the altenator to draw current)

Marty.

VW Beetle battery drain

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