Battery drain issue [Resolved]

[mmi]

is just pushing the latch down with a screwdriver good enough?

Yes, it's perfect. Just all the locks/and latches need to be in closed position - also the van needs to be "locked" otherwise there indeed are quite a few controllers running.

 

[Lukefx]

Yes, it's perfect. Just all the locks/and latches need to be in closed position - also the van needs to be "locked" otherwise there indeed are quite a few controllers running.

@mmi sorry, me again! Any way of checking the amp draw while the van is locked without the alarm going off?

 

[mmi]

@mmi sorry, me again! Any way of checking the amp draw while the van is locked without the alarm going off?

The easiest way would be to use a clamp meter (DC current) clamped over battery negative lead.
There are good pictures/explanations in this thread:

Clamp Meters

these were the ones we were talking about the other day . . . . Van alarm going off at 6am I've got this one . . . https://amzn.to/3nd43b4 and this one . . . UNI-T UT204A Digital Handheld Clamp Multimeter Tester DMM Voltmeter AC DC Meter: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike...

www.t6forum.com

 

[Lukefx]

The easiest way would be to use a clamp meter (DC current) clamped over battery negative lead.
There are good pictures/explanations in this thread:

Clamp Meters

these were the ones we were talking about the other day . . . . Van alarm going off at 6am I've got this one . . . https://amzn.to/3nd43b4 and this one . . . UNI-T UT204A Digital Handheld Clamp Multimeter Tester DMM Voltmeter AC DC Meter: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike...

www.t6forum.com

OK thanks, I don't have one but with the van unlocked and bonnet latch closed the current is just 20ma so I'm guessing it's the alarm.

 

[RedPete66]

Hi guys. Don't mean to hijack a thread, but simple question on battery drain: would leaving side door open and having the warning light on the dash on all night drain the starter battery much?

 

[archersam]

@mmi sorry to jump on an old post but I'm trying to find a battery drain on mine, the amp draw is around 1.7a which seems really high but I didn't isolate the bonnet latch, just had a look and you can't disconnect the wiring, is just pushing the latch down with a screwdriver good enough?

yep just push it down with a screwdriver is sufficient, or at least on 6.1 it is ;-)

 

[Higgidav]

Hi guys. Don't mean to hijack a thread, but simple question on battery drain: would leaving side door open and having the warning light on the dash on all night drain the starter battery much?

We leave our door open when camping. The dash display and step lights should shut down after a short period.

 

[RedPete66]

We leave our door open when camping. The dash display and step lights should shut down after a short period.

Thanks. It’s a T6 conversion so no step lights, just concerned the dash light means other systems are running. Have jump start backup so will give it a try. Cheers.

 

[DMDBrown]

Good to know. I have slow drain issue but don't have the skills to hunt it down like you have. might be worth trying this if it gets problematic. Cheers.

UPDATE FINALLY SOLVED!

So I’ve finally solved the battery drain issue, it was a faulty ignition switch! After tracing the wiring diagram from SC4 fuse the only component it could possibly be was the ignition switch, I bought a brand new one for £15, replaced it today which is a really simple job and bingo the amp drain on the multimeter with the vehicle locked has gone. I’m assuming it had a short or something inside but had no obvious symptoms it was faulty so may be something to be aware of if anyone is having battery draining issues.

I have a similar problem and have ordered a new ignition switch. How does the top cover on the steering column come off? I have got the leathercloth cover off but don't see how to get the hard plastic top or bottom covers off. I don't want to break them. I would be grateful for any guidance. 2018 T6 Caravelle

 

[manfrotto]

.

 

[Howzat]

I have a similar problem and have ordered a new ignition switch. How does the top cover on the steering column come off? I have got the leathercloth cover off but don't see how to get the hard plastic top or bottom covers off. I don't want to break them. I would be grateful for any guidance. 2018 T6 Caravelle

Trim tools to pop the clips.

 

[danny1983]

UPDATE FINALLY SOLVED!

So I’ve finally solved the battery drain issue, it was a faulty ignition switch! After tracing the wiring diagram from SC4 fuse the only component it could possibly be was the ignition switch, I bought a brand new one for £15, replaced it today which is a really simple job and bingo the amp drain on the multimeter with the vehicle locked has gone. I’m assuming it had a short or something inside but had no obvious symptoms it was faulty so may be something to be aware of if anyone is having battery draining issues.

Got my first camper 2 months ago (vw t5. 1 2015) and a battery drain is killing me. Unfortunately don't have the knowledge or skills to be digging into things myself and getting a mechanic is feckin tough at. At least there's a positive resolution here so some hope at least

 

[Dm85]

UPDATE FINALLY SOLVED!

So I’ve finally solved the battery drain issue, it was a faulty ignition switch! After tracing the wiring diagram from SC4 fuse the only component it could possibly be was the ignition switch, I bought a brand new one for £15, replaced it today which is a really simple job and bingo the amp drain on the multimeter with the vehicle locked has gone. I’m assuming it had a short or something inside but had no obvious symptoms it was faulty so may be something to be aware of if anyone is having battery draining issues.

I have a 200ma draw so may try unplugging the ignition barrel cable as pulling fuses didn’t drop it. But I do have a tracker