[V8] High Current Drain

[S_Matus]

This weekend I decided to investigate why my cars batteries were alway loosing charge.  I do not drive my V8s everyday and often find the batteries drained, barely able to start the car.  

I made this simple tester with a Fuse Socket, Banana Plugs and a blown fuse - 

http://picasaweb.google.com/scott.matus/CircuitTerster/photo#5054064481260063250


Findings - 

The readings on the '90 Auto and the '91 5-sp were almost identical.  I read the current drain with my new tool on every fuse (all 30) in the car after the interior light illumination shut off.  I have the connector for the cell phone removed.

Fuse       Description                           Amps
____      ____________________        _______

 4          Interior Lights - Misc               5.3 mA
19         Central Lock, Lock Heater       21 (5-sp)  0.2 mA (Auto)
25         Power Seats                          0.1 mA
27         Engine Motronic                     1.4 mA
28         Instrument u-Processor           190 mA

Other fuse positions read 0.0 mA - nada!

I know a lot about battery technology, if you have this HUGE current drain on a battery continuously your battery will not live very long.  I have to put the battery on a float charger overnight when not driving the car. 

Questions - 

Why is the instrument cluster micro-processor pulling 190 mA?  There is nothing going on in the car for that much current drain.  Is this baseline for all v8s?

Has anyone on the list experienced this drain on your battery?  Can anyone confirm their car is pulling 190 mA on fuse 28?  I would feel better knowing that my cars are no different then any other V8 and I have to live with it.

Thanks,
Scott
'90 V8
'91 V8 5-sp
'03 RS6
'04 Phaeton (Cheap mans A8)






       
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