3amp power drain problem - Help!

[Marcus mx]

Ok

Have a 2003 Octavia L&K Estate with everything on it - and till now (50k miles in last 2 years) not a problem apart from a replaced Alternator approx 16 months ago.

However - non starting a bit of a surprise - battery flat. Bought new one - same issue (able to restock). Took it to garage who did checks and determined 3.4 Amp power drain

All fuses pulled individually - still draining :no:

Checked for drain (back feed to alternator / starter motor - no change

Disconnected CD changer (as at some time saw the word MECH on the display and wondered if there was a connection (sic) - nope :(

So

Logic says it is on a circuit that is not dependant on the ignition system................

Any advice? - As at the moment we are - stumped. :S

[countryboy]

Don't mean to question your technique but have you checked all the fuses under the bonnet as well as in the dashboard?

Ian

[DGW]

Perhaps confusingly, the main fuse box is the one on top of the battery. The one on the right hand side of the dash referred to in the official workshop manual as a fuse holder. The former has 8 fuses - listed from right to left (ie negative to positive battery terminals):

1a - ABS 1: pump - 30A*

2a - ABS 2: valve - 30A*

3a - Radiator stage 1 - 30A*

1 - Glow plug heater - 50A

- Secondary air pump relay - 50A

2 - Engine management - 50A

3 - Radiator fan stage 2 - 40A

4 - Main fuse for interior - 110A

5 - Alternator - 110A/150A - depending on engine and equipment

* Small green spade fuses

[Marcus mx]

Thanks for responses guys

The main fuse box is the one on top of the battery - Agreed - but 8 fuses?. Will check for sure - but thought it was less

Are these the only 2 fuseboxes on the car?

Cheers

[fordfan]

I would start by removing the fuses relating to the central locking. If not sucessful remove the section of dash around the light switch and disconnect the convenience unit. 3 amps is a lot, which equates to 36 watts.

[DGW]

Here is a picture of the main fusebox fuses:

[Marcus mx]

I would start by removing the fuses relating to the central locking. If not sucessful remove the section of dash around the light switch and disconnect the convenience unit. 3 amps is a lot, which equates to 36 watts.

ok = will look at that area - you are correct 3amps is a lot (and is on a non-ignition circuit) - was pondering alarm / central locking - as it must be something beefy to drain so much.

Main fuse box is as mine - it was the starter/alternator lead/fuse at 90 deg that confused me......