mvtdiowner said:
My 2004 Jetta TDI wagon, goes dead after 5 to 7 days if unused. The dealer says this is normal and has suggested a solar battery charger.
Has anyone had this problem or has any advice, the car is close to ending warrenty period.
Thank you, Steve on Martha's Vineyard
My FIRST question would be - Do you have an AFTERMARKET alarm, remote start, andthing like that? (Aftermarket = ANYTHING not installed on the assembly line) As a kid I managed a stereo store. When installing a car alarm - or anything else with a starter interrupt relay, the alarm module gives a ground 'trigger' to the relay to hold it open. The other side of the relay trigger, should get +12v to hold it open. Here is the trick however - if you give it constant +12v, the relay will constantly draw roughly 25ma. Not too much for a NEW battery, but will run it down over time. I have seen weak batteries go down after a few days.
It is diffiicult to to a "draw" test on a car with an aftermarket alarm - since when you connect the battery cable to the AMP meter, it will cause the alarm to go bat-$h1t when the module powers up.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
This is common, probably more so, on Dealer Installed Alarms.