Battery draining

[Kevin1957]

The battery on my 72 convertible is less than a year old. With colder weather, I haven't been driving it as often and the car may sit for a few days without being started. The last 2 times I turned the key the battery was too low to turn the car over. The generator light comes on.

Are there tests to determine whether this is a battery drain problem or a charging system issue? The generator and regulator appear to be original.

Thanks.

[h2odrx]

where did you buy it and what type of warranty? It could have a dead cell from the start?
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[Kevin1957]

O'Reilly. Yes, I believe it had a warranty.

[snookerdude]

remove the positive cable from the battery and with everything off and the wire to the clock removed, check for voltage between the battery clamp and the battery post. if you register voltage then something is draining your battery that shouldn't.

[Kevin1957]

Thanks, this sounds promising. I"m not clear on where to connect the ends of the meter.

[Loren]

Remove the positive cable from the battery. Hook one end of the meter to the cable, the other end to the battery post. If there is a drain you will see it on the meter. Next remove each fuse in the fuse block, one at a time, until the drain stops. When you know which curcuit is causing the problem you can trouble shoot from there.

[ovghiaguy]

do the test mentioned.if you don't get results from that you could always take battery to o'reillys and have it load tested. or just about any auto parts store also

[Kevin1957]

Thanks a lot.

[mlhsquared]

Do you have an aftermarket stereo hooked up? That was the cause on mine. They require an "always on" connection for the clock and memory and that was enough to drain my battery over time.
I also suggest that you install a Battery Minder. Great device that will keep your battery charged and in top shape. Good luck!
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Mike
'67 Ghia Coupe "Lumpy"

The Panhandle Aircooled Club: www.panairvws.com

[Chris Vellat]

[Altema]

Fire risk is why I disconnect my battery if I'm not planning on driving for a couple days, but it does ensure that there is no drainage from the stereo. I do have a solar battery maintainer but it only works if you park outdoors of course. Used it on my daughter's car and it kept the battery ready to go for half a year, with free electricity and pretty much zero fire risk.

But, identify the cause of the problem first

Paul

[mlhsquared]

I agree with Chris completely. Get a good trickle charger like a Battery Tender or Battery Minder. Always do your research before purchasing any device like this.
I think this is the thread that Chris was speaking of and it's worth a look:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...mp;start=0

EDIT: I also agree 100% with Paul. Find and address the actual problem first.
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Mike
'67 Ghia Coupe "Lumpy"

The Panhandle Aircooled Club: www.panairvws.com

[Kevin1957]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the helpful advice.

[John K]

I have the same problem with my Ghia, so what I did temporarily until I can get the car looked at is that I put in a battery cut off switch at the battery. A very convenient way to disconnect the battery. And also it acts as a theft deterrent. When I figure out the battery drain problem, I'm still gonna leave the cutoff switch hooked up.