Re: battery drain while parked - why?

[Robert W Obrien <rwo@u.arizona.edu>]

On Mon, 5 Jan 1998, Robert Houk - SMCC WorkGroup Server Firmware wrote:

>    I returned from two weeks vacation to discover this morning that my battery
>    was completely dead.  (Radio was off, doors closed).  This has happened
>    before, in only five days time, when I was working on the car.  At the time
>    I thought I must have left a door ajar and dismissed it.
> 
>    a) Is there some Audi part that's infamous for causing this problem?  Some
>    place to start troubleshooting?
> 
> I used to poo poo the notion that Audis ate batteries; after a few more
> years experience, I've come to the conclusion that via some not-as-yet
> understood perversion of Reality, Audis do indeed eat car batteries.
> I don't understand it. I've measured the "static" current draw (verifying
> no trunk lights left glowing merrily in the dark, etc.). I've verified
> the voltage getting to the battery, that contacts are clean, that it is
> charging as I drive around. Etc. And so forth.
> 
> It's just a fact of life -- Audis do indeed eat car batteries.
> 
> 					-RDH
> 
I agree. Had the entire system checked out as above when my 5kt ate one
nine months after I bought it. Fine. As it was the next time one year
later. Granted I do have a tri-amp audio system, but I don't run it 
except
briefly) without engine running.I have noticed that my battery gives two
days notice by cranking very slowly-but always fires. I then go to Checker
for another pro-rated replacement- around $9 for a new 72 month battery! 
I put this in the same category as oil. Needs regular replacement...
Regards,
Rob
87 5kcst 175k
73 Vespa Rally (no battery!)