Help - Power Drain

[Ranj]

Have a frustraiting problem with my 02 TDi110 (remapped to ~140):

Went away on holiday in the summer for two weeks, when I got back the battery was flat. This happened again about 6 weeks ago after a couple of weeks without driving it , so i bit the bullet and went out and bought a new battery.

All was fine, but for the past 4 weeks I havn't used the car at all, and when I came to start it yesterday - dead again.

Im pretty sure it cant be the alternator as when I do long runs regullarly (say 100 miles on the weekend) it is fine.

Was just wondering if anyone knew of any faults like this or any avanues to explore before I pay the dealer £100 to probably say:

1) Its not the alternator

2) They cant find the fault and I'll just have to live with it

 

[Nathanio]

I would take it to an independent rather than a dealer. Sounds like a silly question but you haven't left the interior light on at all have you as that would drain the battery badly

 

[DPJ]

Possibly a faulty radio?

 

[Ranj]

No, nothing left on unfortunately. When you consistantly use it for short runs you can hear\feel it getting harder and harder to turn over when you start up.

 

[Nathanio]

Take it to an independent or auto electrican. They should be able to diagnose/resolve alot cheaper than a dealer

 

[Big_daddy]

I ve got a cigrette lighter tester that shows you battery levels and aternator voltage levels. recommend you buy 1. its only £10.
The cigrette lighter is powered all the time and you could monitor levels with out on the ignitions. I just leave it plugged in 24/7

 

[Ranj]

Cheers Big Lad, will try and pick one up today.

 

[Davcupra]

Has it got a light in the boot ? check this is not on whith the boot closed by putting a seat down.
I have had this problem with another make car - the switch had got knocked.

 

[Big_daddy]

Wel it should come up on the dash the boot is open. All the new vw,audi,seat. have light system cut off. for example if you leave the door open. the light will stay on, but after a period of time it will cut of. Unless you overide the switch. The boot should work in the same way but it has no manual switch that i am aware of!