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Sam James
16-03-2015, 02:36 PM
Hi I have an Audio A3 (02) the battery goes flat when we park it overnight. We also have to disconnect the red lead each time we leave the car as the alarm goes off. I need someone to look at it and/or

a...find out whats draing the battery and fix it
b... If above becomes a huge job then create a lead and switch so I can terminate the battery each time I stop from inside the car so I have a switch in the glove compartment or something.

We have been disconnecting the car for a year and a half now each time we leave it (dont use it daily as we live in London and use rail) and I am worried I will brake the bonnet leaver at some point, we can do without the alarm!

Anyone think they can help?

Thanks in advance!

Sam

micheal balbrig
16-03-2015, 02:57 PM
Look for an auto electrician to help
In the meantime you could try to pinpoint the cause by removing fuses a few at a time to see what is draining battery.
With everything turned off when you remove each fuse,try gently touching it back to see if arcing is occuringl,if heavy arcing is evident put that on the suspicion list.

Sam James
16-03-2015, 05:29 PM
Many thanks Micheal but what is arcing?

Cheers

Rob69
16-03-2015, 06:21 PM
Sam

Take it to a garage or auto electrical shop to get problem sorted, your option B is not feasible. Continually disconnecting the battery is not good for the electronics.

micheal balbrig
16-03-2015, 06:54 PM
It is the electrical sparks produced when initial contact is made when touching live connection,sometimes difficult to see.

Sam I think it is always better to disconnect the earth connection at battery first. If spanner shorts on body it is not good,and also keep in mind that dangerous gases
are produced when battery is charging and sparks can cause explosion with these gases.It is rare but it does happen.
Ignore these tips if you are already aware

Regards
Michael.

Sam James
16-03-2015, 10:07 PM
Thanks for your advice people I dont want to appear like an *** but I have already had this at one garage to solve and have come back £40 lighter and no joy,it seems like this is a problem that could well cost a fortune trying to detect what is going wrong and Im just trying not to get burnt on top of the money I have just spread out for another repair!

But I will look at the fuse thing!....thanks for now!

Tabletski
16-03-2015, 10:13 PM
It's not a garage you need unless they have an onsite electrician.
Look for a dedicated auto electrician business, note not hifi installers. These guys know their stuff and may well have seen your issue, plus they have the correct equipment. You can really only do this type of test with a multimeter and loads of patience as sometimes the draw will only show up after the onboard electrics go to sleep.