Battery Drain

[Philler Cap]

My first post, so please forgive any errors!

I've had a problem with my Passat (SEL Estate TDi 170PS DSG) in that, if I don't use it for three days or so, it will not start because the battery is too flat. I have read elsewhere about the traffic info (TIM) function which can switch itself on and thus drain power, so I switched that off but the problem persisted.

After having to call on VW Assistance to get me started recently, I had the incentive (and evidence) to take the car to my dealer. They had the car on test overnight and found that the radio/SatNav unit was indeed consuming large amounts of power intermittently, even with TIM switched off. They replaced the complete unit and assure me that the problem is fixed; apparently, they've had about 3 such cases. Apart from having to re-enter all my radio pre-sets and various system options, the only difference I've noticed so far is that the DVD/Dynaudio splash screen appears less frequently and for shorter durations.

Hopefully, my problem is fixed, but I thought this info might be useful to others.

[Slimbarry]

Hi,

I experienced battery drain once last summer when I left the light switch on the convenience/ auto setting. Has been fine since. Don't know if you are supposed to switch it off?

[swindonhost]

I had the same problem on my 06 2.0 SE FSI Auto & Nav, The dealer took it in and conducted a reprog, been ok since.

[DSGboy]

Hi,

I experienced battery drain once last summer when I left the light switch on the convenience/ auto setting. Has been fine since. Don't know if you are supposed to switch it off?

Wouldn't turning it off sort of defeat the purpose of 'coming home' lights et all?

[Slimbarry]

I can't think of anything else that could have drained the battery last August. I don't really want to try it again just to proove it.

It is annoying the auto function needs to have human input every time you get in and out of the car...