: Power Drain when car is off

[ben swann]

Matt,

I'm taking a SWAG at this based on my recall of this demon from the
past.

Try checking with ammeter in line and see if current drop when either
fuse 14 or 16 is pulled.  Sometimes a relay on one of these will latch
on and continue to draw current even when devices not being used.  In
my case '87 5ktqa it was the circuit with the door chime and interior
lights.  Resetting by pulling the fuse corrected the problem - for
awhile - then I pulled fuse again and reset.

I had to go through and pull each fuse methodically until I found which
was causing the  excess current draw.  A marginal battery did not help,
and after replacing battery, you'll fine that even with the problem,
the time to rundown goes from overnight to a week or more.  You might
try replacing relays associated with affected circuit or check other
things which can be flaky - like door switches.

Ben
[From: "MATT BLIEFERNICH" <bliefernich at msn.com>
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: Power Drain when car is off
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2003 21:47:47 -0400

I have a 1986 5000 cstq.  Recently I went out and tried to start it and
the battery was dead.  I thought this wierd but knew the battery was
old and replaced it after having it checked, it would not hold a charge
anymore.  I thought everything was fine then but two days later the new
battery died.  I went and had it checked and it held a charge fine.  I
thought it might be the radio causing the drain but when I pulled the
fuse and let it sit the battery still ended up dead.  I am wondering if
there is a common problem area on 5000s that may be the culprit of if
anyone has some ideas.  I am not very proficient at electrical testing
and trouble shooting but I have a good friend who is an electrician and
has offered to help but I don't know where to begin.  Any help or ideas
would be great.

Matt Bliefernich
1995 A6 quattro
1986 5kcstq]