Hi guys, hoping that someone may be able to help?

I have a 2001 Fabia 1.9 SDI Classic estate - basic model with no electric windows/mirrors, central locking or air con.

Having fixed the all too common power steering sensor, console bushes and leaky doors since I bought it, the Fabia is now going well - apart from one very annoying issue.... :(

If the car is left unused for more than a few days the battery drains completely, meaning the car won't start (so dead that there aren't even any warning lights or mileage/clock displayed when ignition "switched on").

I have checked all the obvious things that would drain the battery like lights or radio being left on.

I replaced the battery with a brand new, good quality item recently - so not that.

The ignition key barrel is a bit worn, meaning that it doesn't necessarily shut off the ignition when the key is removed - but a wiggle of the key and a quick check when removing it solves that problem. So that's probably OK.

Once started, the battery recharges OK - so I've also discounted the charging system.

No faults are being shown up on diagnostics.

Any ideas? Your help/guidance would be really appreciated

Is the radio the original or an aftermarket one?

Its an aftermarket one....

Its an aftermarket one....

Have you tried disconnecting it and seeing if you get the same problem?

The radio in question has been installed in other cars previously without issues, but I'll give it a go and report back - next week.....

Thanks

I have this same problem with my vrs I disconneted the stereo and a week later it started fine any ideas how to sort it?

The radio in question has been installed in other cars previously without issues, but I'll give it a go and report back - next week.....

Thanks

Were the other cars non VAG group? If so then the supply and memory + wires might need to be swapped around. The main feed wire to the HU should be the switched live and not the permanent live.

Were the other cars non VAG group? If so then the supply and memory + wires might need to be swapped around. The main feed wire to the HU should be the switched live and not the permanent live.

Exactly it!

The switched and permanent are the other way round on these cars.

I discovered this when installing my bluetooth kit and it would only work with the ignition off! lol

Phil

Many thanks for all the help and suggestions. I've now disconnected the radio, so hopefully that will cure the problem

However, the same radio has been previously fitted to VW Passats without any similar problems - and it is a Blaupunkt, so uses the same connectors as the original Skoda (and VW) radios without fiddling with any of the wires...

Therefore, I am wondering if this will really be cause of the problem?

So, if anyone has any other suggestions for checks to make it'd be very much appreciated

The best thing you can do is to get a meter on the battery and pull out fuses until you see the current draw drop.

Then you can see what that fuse relates to and pin-point the cause.

Phil

As mentioned before by me,the best way is to put a DC clampmeter ,with a low say 20 amp range on the negative ground output lead from the battery,and look at the reading.You will need to wait a few minutes for certain items to 'time out' (interior light). You should get a reading about 50 to 150 milliamps (0.05 to 0.1 amps).The reason for using the negative cable is it carries all the current drain at any one time,whereas the positive battery output can have a number of outlet wires.DC clampmeters are not cheap ,perhaps you know somebody who has one?

Edited 12 February, 201214 yr by AndyPandy