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JCWagar
Joined: 19 Mar 2011
Posts: 73
Location: Newport
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 Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:15 pm Post subject: Why the drain?? |
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O.k. so we are set for the Lind Run, but of late my bus has been draining on its own for some reason.
First off, I am the world's most rookie mechanic and starting to learn the zen of VW engine....slowly.
Last week she was working fine. I replaced some burned out fuses and tinkered with the "dome" lights. Then it started draining. Would start during the day but every morning be needing a charge. I went back and check all fuses and connections I messed with but still draining.
What do you VW Veterans recommend? Ideas?
Thanks in advance.
I am bringing battery cables just in case. I am sure I will need such.  |
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motofly196
Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Posts: 442
Location: Medical Lake
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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How old is the battery? Could be shot...if it's not old, you definately have something draining it, if it's doing it that quickly. Aftermarket radio?
Scott |
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hubcapt
Joined: 25 Sep 2009
Posts: 666
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Drive there with the cables connected to the battery, once we get there and park, disconnect the battery, we've all been there before. |
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Troy Hobbs
Joined: 05 Aug 2003
Posts: 766
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:09 pm Post subject: Why the drain?? |
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You have a generator or alternator? Did you put a charger on it? If you have an alternator it won't recharge the battery fully if it wasn't at full charge to begin with, a generator will. Battery could be bad, belt could be too loose also.
_________________
TROY
current RCVW club Pres
ARR #3 |
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JCWagar
Joined: 19 Mar 2011
Posts: 73
Location: Newport
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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Generator/Not sure about the battery/No radio that works at all, just the old stock one.
So will charge over night and then bring what I need to disconnect tomorrow.
I am guessing a new battery can't hurt so upon our return to Newport I shall do that. We will see. Still seems strange to me.
Thanks a lot guys. See you tomorrow... |
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motofly196
Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Posts: 442
Location: Medical Lake
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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Some batteries as they get older will hold a charge (12.6 Volts), but when placed under load (starting the engine) will fail. Napa will test your battery for free...they have a really nice computerized load tester that places it under several loads on a cycle. Wish I had one of those....they were able to do my 6volt battery that way. Bring it to them with a full charge, then you'll at least know where to go from there. It sucks trying to track a short/ drain on your system if you don't even know if the battery is the culprit.
Scott |
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motofly196
Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Posts: 442
Location: Medical Lake
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| Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 11:13 pm Post subject: |
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Some batteries as they get older will hold a charge (12.6 Volts), but when placed under load (starting the engine) will fail. Napa will test your battery for free...they have a really nice computerized load tester that places it under several loads on a cycle. Wish I had one of those....they were able to do my 6volt battery that way. Bring it to them with a full charge, then you'll at least know where to go from there. It sucks trying to track a short/ drain on your system if you don't even know if the battery is the culprit.
Scott |
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JCWagar
Joined: 19 Mar 2011
Posts: 73
Location: Newport
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| Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 6:50 am Post subject: |
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Sounds like that is my next step then Motofly before I get too involved in what may be a short somewhere. I really have no idea of the age of the battery.
Thanks all. I greatly appreciate the advice. |
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