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Parasitic drain


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I've been having a parasitic drain issue on the GTi.

Battery at 12.6v
Charging at 14.2v
All accessories on charging at 13.8v

The drain is 0.50amps tested on a 10amp multimeter in series.
I pulled all fuses which made no difference
I disconnected the main 100amp fuse in the bonnet.
Bingo, amps now at 0.05
Main fuse back on 
Alternator plug and wire disconnected
same again 0.05

Looks to be an alternator diode issue?

Is it just a case of replacing the voltage regulator in the alternator?

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I've got one of these too- began last week. Trying to narrow it down right now when I get a mo. Like you did- fuses first.

Usual culprits are CCM, Radio, aftermarket RKE, interior dash circuit, a stuck relay or like you say- a dodgy alternator regulator...

Let us know how you go. I'm seeing a huge 240mA. That's a lot of power for 'off' status. Should be 5mA max.

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3 minutes ago, mk2 said:

I've got one of these too- began last week. Trying to narrow it down right now when I get a mo. Like you did- fuses first.

Usual culprits are CCM, Radio, aftermarket RKE, interior dash circuit, a stuck relay or like you say- a dodgy alternator regulator...

Let us know how you go. I'm seeing a huge 240mA. That's a lot of power for 'off' status. Should be 5mA max.

I'll going to order an alternator regulator and hope that resolves it. 

The internet says that it's a diode which is faulty and is allowing current back through the alternator.

I have crossed reference with a good GTi and once the alternator was isolated the amps matched. 

Because the alternator was sufficient in providing enough charge I hadn't had thought it would be at fault.

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Now fixed (hopefully)

Found a old alternator and swapped over the regulators.

0.02amps now :)

13.8v charge

13.5v under load

Will charge the battery overnight and watch over the next week or two

 

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