Battery getting flattened by large current draw

[p_b82]

Evening all,

I have got a rather annoying problem with about 5A current draw across the terminals with just the imobliser on not the alarm set (no different if the alarm is on as well).

It seems if i connect -ve to the main slam panel there was about 1.5A pulled there and the full 5A if i test to the gearbox earth from the -ve terminal.

are the earths going to be the fault - or is that a red herring - could it be the alternator, and if yes how to check?

At the moment as long as i run the car once a week it will start each time, but 2 weeks is too much... i have a battery jumper in the car now just in case anyways..

thoughts/ tips for troubleshooting or the root cause any-one?

thanks,

Pete

[Ritchy]

Start pulling fuses and relays till the amp draw drops, if you thonk its the altenator disconnect the altenator see if the draw stops

[peterzs]

Not just a duff battery!!!!

Maybe swap a good known one on it to see if its still doing the same.

[Steves Cleenz]

i would say alternator

[Ritchy]

Tbh 5amps draw would flatten the battery in about 10-12 hoursdepending on the size of the battery. The ecu ect will stay awake for about 20minutes after switching off so you really nedd to do the test after about half an hour.
As a guide, a 55 amp hour battery will supply 5.5amps over 10 hours.

[p_b82]

it might have been it was too close to the engine being shut off.

will check it again next time i am home and left it a while....

i hate pulling fuses - but will start with the alternator all the same.....

thanks,

Pete