Hi new member here, owned my 1998 1.9 Z for three years but the battery (brand new) is now draining from full charge to flat in 3-4 days of non use. Is there a common fault I could look at, or do I need full investigation / testing? Thanks in advance ir any help.
Batttery drain
- Thread starter sjb186
- Start date
First thing I would check is the boot light (trunk, if you're in the States). Set your phone to video and shut the lid, just check it goes off.
Next would be see if a seat switch is operated, with the seat in the fully back position.
Next would be see if a seat switch is operated, with the seat in the fully back position.
Charge it out the vehicle. Fine if I drive it every day. Lay it up for 3 or 4 days and it's flat.
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2011
- Points
- 145
I have this problem as well. @Stevo7682 needs to get in touch, as he thinks it's something to do with wiring up an aftermarket radio.
Try disconnecting the earth lead on the battery over night. I fitted a Sony unit in my Z3 and it didn't have this issue. The only thing you are likely to get wrong are the permanent 12v live and the switched 12v live.
Tony.
If disconnecting the battery earth stops it draining, try leaving the battery earth on and disconnect the Alternator plug instead.
Tony.
If disconnecting the battery earth stops it draining, try leaving the battery earth on and disconnect the Alternator plug instead.
Check your trunk light. drop your phone in there on video, and close the lid...make sure the sod goes off, mine didn't. It had me buggared for a bit... Exact same symptoms, turned out to a silly thing...
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This is what happens when you type as slowly as I do...Check post #3
Tony.
. You had it happen too hey ?...It doesn't matter how quick you open the lid, you can never catch all the dark escaping, I tried it...
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
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- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Check what the alternator is putting out with the engine running, using a voltmeter on the battery terminals you should see 14volts if its charging ok. Had a duff alternator on mine, it was only putting out 12volts and after using headlights next day battery was flat. New Alternator fitted sorted it.
Gotta keep an eye on those dark suckers.
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Found it by pulling fuses one at a time, and checking for draw with my multi-meter, that can measure amps. It's happened before with a glove box light on a different car. Solution, remove light bulds. Ta Da, fixed..Check post #3
Tony.
When I had this problem it was the passenger side seat adjustment switch stuck in the "Back" position.
Passenger switch not used often and a bit of muck and age and it sticks.
Passenger jumps in, slides the seat back and then Depending on the angle of the backrest the seat never reaches the stop switch so just keeps straining away even with the ignition off.
Passenger switch not used often and a bit of muck and age and it sticks.
Passenger jumps in, slides the seat back and then Depending on the angle of the backrest the seat never reaches the stop switch so just keeps straining away even with the ignition off.
Nice, I like it. Just recently, here on the forum. My mis-use of the more commonplace sobriquet used to describe any part of a car was questioned. I vowed not to make the same mistake again, so I googled the words and the internet came up with these. Let it be known, I did my best...
. Anyway back on topic, I hope the OP posts the findings. Might be a new one..
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That method worked for me, narrowed it down to a circuit anyway...