mattkerton
07-06-2008, 12:42 PM
Hi there, can anyone help with this, please?
I have a problem with battery drain on my '52 Alhambra 115 TDi, but it's not due to the usual culprits, e.g. dodgy battery or some slow drain somewhere in the car. I've checked through all the posts, but none relate to my problem.
The background goes like this. The battery is absolutely fine (tested, keeps charge for ages when left standing etc). There's also no slow drain on the car - it can be left un-driven for weeks with the battery connected and it's fine, great voltage, turns over quickly, starts first time etc.
I get problems when I've been loading luggage into the car over a few hours, i.e. with doors opened and closed. When I then try to start the car, the battery's so flat there's no hope of turning the engine over.
At first I thought it was the auxiliary heater glow plug or something, however it also happens without the key anywhere near the ignition. The courtesy lights turn off after a few minutes if the doors are left open, so I can't believe it's those flattening the battery.
My only other hunch is that the car's doing something "clever", i.e. I've heard of some newer diesels starting the engine glow plugs as soon as the driver's door is opened, to save time waiting for the sequence/dash light to go out.
Does anyone know of any "clever" electrical stuff that might be happening or linked to the doors, or have any other suggestions please?!
Many thanks
Matt
I have a problem with battery drain on my '52 Alhambra 115 TDi, but it's not due to the usual culprits, e.g. dodgy battery or some slow drain somewhere in the car. I've checked through all the posts, but none relate to my problem.
The background goes like this. The battery is absolutely fine (tested, keeps charge for ages when left standing etc). There's also no slow drain on the car - it can be left un-driven for weeks with the battery connected and it's fine, great voltage, turns over quickly, starts first time etc.
I get problems when I've been loading luggage into the car over a few hours, i.e. with doors opened and closed. When I then try to start the car, the battery's so flat there's no hope of turning the engine over.
At first I thought it was the auxiliary heater glow plug or something, however it also happens without the key anywhere near the ignition. The courtesy lights turn off after a few minutes if the doors are left open, so I can't believe it's those flattening the battery.
My only other hunch is that the car's doing something "clever", i.e. I've heard of some newer diesels starting the engine glow plugs as soon as the driver's door is opened, to save time waiting for the sequence/dash light to go out.
Does anyone know of any "clever" electrical stuff that might be happening or linked to the doors, or have any other suggestions please?!
Many thanks
Matt