Battery Drain Question

[Guest Kurt Franz]

Is it possible that leaving the key in the ignition - off of course - would cause the battery to drain? I would think not, but as I am quickly finding out nothing is out of the question on these quirky cars.....

thanks

KF

[Ronnie]

Is it possible that leaving the key in the ignition - off of course - would cause the battery to drain? I would think not, but as I am quickly finding out nothing is out of the question on these quirky cars.....

thanks

KF

Leaving the key in the ignition shouldn't cause extra battery drain but anything is possible. These cars normally have a small amount of battery drain when they are sitting and not being used. You can use the following link to check and see if yours is normal.

How To Measure Battery Drain - Reatta Owners Journal

[jonlabree]

Leaving the key in the on position CAN cause the battery to go dead. It depens on how many acessories you have left on.

[Ronnie]

Is it possible that leaving the key in the ignition - off of course - would cause the battery to drain? I would think not, but as I am quickly finding out nothing is out of the question on these quirky cars.....

thanks

KF

Leaving the key in the on position CAN cause the battery to go dead. It depens on how many acessories you have left on.

Just to clarify the original question that prompted my last post.

[jonlabree]

Ronnie, I was stating the other extreme. I figured he could tell the difference.

Jon..

[Guest 89 Maui]

I am not sure about all of the electrical devices that could have power on them, even when they are not being in operation (key OFF position), but one that is on for sure is the keyless remote unit. It requires to be in a (possible) standby conditon awaiting a signal from a keyfob.

By inserting a key into the ignition excite a ciruit that monitors the resistance in a key, when inserted, to enable the electronics to be capable of starting the engine.

Both of these units must be drawing power, but that should not cause a battery to be drained, something else is activated by a bad unit or a short somewhere causing additonal units to be drawing power.

Edited August 20, 2012 by 89 Maui (see edit history)

[Guest Kurt Franz]

I am not sure about all of the electrical devices that could have power on them, even when they are not being in operation (key OFF position), but one that is on for sure is the keyless remote unit. It requires to be in a (possible) standby conditon awaiting a signal from a keyfob.

By inserting a key into the ignition excite a ciruit that monitors the resistance in a key, when inserted, to enable the electronics to be capable of starting the engine.

Both of these units must be drawing power, but that should not cause a battery to be drained, something else is activated by a bad unit or a short somewhere causing additonal units to be drawing power.

This is where I was headed in my thinking. I was wondering if that PASS key might have something to do with it. I will be finding out as I recharged the battery last night, and inserted the key in the ignition. I made certain that there were no illuminated lights on the dash panel such as the blinking security light and/or the odometer.

Other than that I suppose there could be something else draining the battery that could be related to my other electrical issues - that are described in my other post.

http://forums.aaca.org/f116/electrical-problems-locks-mirrors-168400-2.html#post1070735

Best,

KF

[Ronnie]

You're welcome KF. Glad I was able to offer some assistance with your problem. Good luck in finding your battery drain.

[Guest Kurt Franz]

You're welcome KF. Glad I was able to offer some assistance with your problem. Good luck in finding your battery drain.

Probably looking at a few months worth of work.....cant dedicate myself full time to it unfortunately.......I will post back with any findings though. Maybe it can help some other poor sap who is in the same boat:D

[Ronnie]

Probably looking at a few months worth of work.....cant dedicate myself full time to it unfortunately.......I will post back with any findings though. Maybe it can help some other poor sap who is in the same boat:D

A few months??? To solve a battery drain problem??? When I gave you a tutorial on how to test for it? Makes me wonder who the poor sap really is.

[Guest Kurt Franz]

sorry, i was referring to the electrical issues that I am having....the battery drain i should be able to figure out. thanks for your help.

[padgett]

Isn't there a buzzer/chime when the key is left in the ignition ? Draw with everything off should be under 50 ma. 200 ma will drain the battery in a few days.

[Guest Kurt Franz]

Isn't there a buzzer/chime when the key is left in the ignition ? Draw with everything off should be under 50 ma. 200 ma will drain the battery in a few days.

Funny you mention that....there was a chime that I heard a few times but it is now gone. The only chime I hear now id when the emergency flashers are operating..... I am thinking bad connection there as well.