Just a quick one, if anyone can help

May seem daft, but better to make sure.

Is the cigarette lighter permanently powered or ignition/alarmed/locked based?

Would there be any problems in using a solar charger through the lighter socket? i.e. prevention of current going the other way

Anyone know the current drain on a locked and alarmed car?

ta

cool beans, thanks very much

I've got an old Octavia estate (around 10 years old - X-reg). Was having battery drain issues (we only do a couple of thousand miles a year) so picked up a Maplin Solar trickle charger to see if it would make a difference when plugged into rear cigarette lighter socket but the battery has continued to lose charge. It wouldn't start after a couple of weeks without use so forced into removing the battery (it's a cheap Shield type 096 that someone put in a few years back) and trickle charged from the mains.

Tried to measure the ignition-off current drain with a multimeter but no crocs to hand and nearly zapped the multimeter while adjusting the settings. My suspicions are:

1. Clifford Arrow III alarm (flashes a red LED and becomes temperamental as voltage drops)

2. Vag-COM interface lead (only realised this has a green LED that is on when plugged in - thought it only drained current when ignition on and USB lead connected but maybe not? Does anyone know what OBD-II interface current drain is?

3. Panasonic radio/CD-changer - believe it is unenergised but the design is one of the least ergonomic so don't trust it.

Maplin sell a current tester for a tenner http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=217879 - has anyone tried one of these with a Skoda? Or should I get a Gunson automotive multimeter? Perhaps money better spent on better battery!

I was in a rush when removing the battery for 3rd time and broke the plastic battery cage clips. Does anyone know part number / source for a replacement?

I'll be in a Prague in 10 days so wife can vote (ash and cabin crew strike notwithstanding) - are parts there cheaper allowing for exchange rates?

I've got an old Octavia estate (around 10 years old - X-reg). Was having battery drain issues (we only do a couple of thousand miles a year) so picked up a Maplin Solar trickle charger to see if it would make a difference when plugged into rear cigarette lighter socket but the battery has continued to lose charge. It wouldn't start after a couple of weeks without use so forced into removing the battery (it's a cheap Shield type 096 that someone put in a few years back) and trickle charged from the mains.

Tried to measure the ignition-off current drain with a multimeter but no crocs to hand and nearly zapped the multimeter while adjusting the settings. My suspicions are:

1. Clifford Arrow III alarm (flashes a red LED and becomes temperamental as voltage drops)

2. Vag-COM interface lead (only realised this has a green LED that is on when plugged in - thought it only drained current when ignition on and USB lead connected but maybe not? Does anyone know what OBD-II interface current drain is?

3. Panasonic radio/CD-changer - believe it is unenergised but the design is one of the least ergonomic so don't trust it.

Maplin sell a current tester for a tenner http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=217879 - has anyone tried one of these with a Skoda? Or should I get a Gunson automotive multimeter? Perhaps money better spent on better battery!

I was in a rush when removing the battery for 3rd time and broke the plastic battery cage clips. Does anyone know part number / source for a replacement?

I'll be in a Prague in 10 days so wife can vote (ash and cabin crew strike notwithstanding) - are parts there cheaper allowing for exchange rates?

Personally, 2+ weeks without starting the car, isnt bad going, especially if the battery isnt new and the car is alarmed. Car batteries are not meant to be left and drained all the time, it can damage them or at least shorten their life. If its going to be standing a week or two disconnect the negative on the battery (no need to remove it), it should hold the charge for a bit longer. If its being left longer either start the car once or twice a week and leave it running for 30 minutes or take the battery out and put it on a trickle charge (preferably one that cuts out when full).

If you still get problems though:

LED's use a very small current, so I doubt that would be the problem. Possibilities of power drain that I see from what you put could be;

- Duff battery

- Alternator fault

- The alarm itself

- The Radio/CD Changer

Plenty to try;

If you want time consuming and cheap or quick and expensive.

Time Consuming: First, you need to eliminate 1 thing at a time to locate the problem.

Disconnect the stereo, this will take it out of the equation completely. Test over time. If it has been wired in wrong or it is faulty somehow you will notice a big increase in battery time.

When setting the alarm try and to disable any active sensors, these only take a small drain, but over time it adds up. Test over time.

Test you alternator is giving out enough voltage (around 13.8Vdc from off the top of my head, double check though) if its 12vdc or less could be a problem. Test over time

Failing all those, try to borrow another battery if you can, doing the same tests.

Quick and Expensive: Do it all in one go and replace the battery with a heavy duty one, the higher Ah rating the better.

Personally I would say its the battery needing replacing, but youve got to test first before wasting your money.

You could also try one of these, even if you have to replace the battery, it can help keep it in tiptop shape;

http://www.airflow-uk.co.uk/index.php?view=product&product=batteryconditioner

But please keep in mind, 2 weeks isnt bad.

Hope this helps

Edited 25 May, 201016 yr by Rhoobarb