Battery problems

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Battery problems

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Battery problems - 4/6/2008 9:11:03 PM

bluedemon

Posts: 10
Joined: 2/3/2008
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Hey guys I have a problem with my battery dieing on me if I let my 84 rabbit sit for more than 1 day. I've replaced the battery and the positive cable but I haven't replaced the ground cable. However I did replace the connecter and when I did I noticed that the wire had corrosion on it. Could that be the reason my battery isn't holding a charge? I have checked everything else such as any lights left on in the car. The alternator is good and the battery(brand new but I had it tested anyway) is good. I just can't figure out what else it could be! Thankyou ahead of time for anyone that can help me out.

Post #: 1

RE: Battery problems - 4/7/2008 8:39:42 AM

bagel

Posts: 1027
Joined: 8/16/2005
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Well there is something drawing a charge...you have a speaker system in there? Radio, door lights, some kind of sorrosion somewhere? My first thought would be alternator or change battery but you siad you changed that. You could try changing the ground cable, but make sure all your other wires and fuses are good too while you're changing cables. Let me know what happens...

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RE: Battery problems - 4/7/2008 6:07:54 PM

knightrs32

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Joined: 3/20/2008
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Have you looked at the ignition switch? Sometimes the older switches had more than one position and become so worn that the key can be removed before the power is completely disconnected. Or if it's strictly and "off and on" ignition there could be problems with the internal wiring that keeps the current flowing.

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RE: Battery problems - 4/7/2008 10:56:16 PM

bluedemon

Posts: 10
Joined: 2/3/2008
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I think I figured out what it is but I'm not sure how to explain it. There is what looks like 2 relays? and they have vaccuum wires that go into them and electrical connections. I have a picture below. The white "circuit" gets warm and stays warm even when the car ignition is off and it hasn't been running for a couple of days. I would assume that means I'm losing current here. What is this thing and what does it do? It shows constant current going thru it and I really don't see why it would. When you unplug it(the white one) and plug it back in it makes a "snapping sound". For now I cut that wire and hooked it up to a switched wire so that it only comes on with the ignition. But when I did that and I go to unplug the circuit I hear the fuel pump come on! Now I'm really confused!! Thankyou for the tips and advise--Its very much appreciated!! Hopefully someone has an idea about this one

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RE: Battery problems - 4/7/2008 11:00:30 PM

bluedemon

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Joined: 2/3/2008
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Here is another picture of the part I'm trying to explain to you that is warm to the touch even if the cars ignition is off and it has been sitting for 36hours. But by that time the battery is dead!!!

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RE: Battery problems - 4/8/2008 7:21:36 PM

bluedemon

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Joined: 2/3/2008
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Does anybody have an idea of what those pictures are in my last post?? Is anyone on this forum other than myself?????

< Message edited by bluedemon -- 4/9/2008 10:55:00 AM >

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Post #: 6

RE: Battery problems - 4/9/2008 6:12:47 PM

Todd Gerdan

Posts: 10
Joined: 2/1/2008
Status: offline

I belive that those are starter relays and they do go bad, especialy with the age of your car. If you can find a part number on them, i'd call the V.Dub people and see if they are cheep enough to replace. At least the part number would give you an exact descripton of what they are, you may even find some used ones on line. The part number is key.

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Post #: 7

RE: Battery problems - 4/9/2008 9:58:22 PM

bluedemon

Posts: 10
Joined: 2/3/2008
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If those are the starter relays why is it when I have the ignition on and I unplug the "white" one my fuel pump comes on? Also if that is the starter relay why is there power going to it when the car is off? The part gets warm to the touch and it drains my battery? Thanks for the reply--I hope i get another one for these questions.

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< Message edited by bluedemon -- 4/9/2008 9:59:07 PM >

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RE: Battery problems - 4/10/2008 11:46:54 AM

bagel

Posts: 1027
Joined: 8/16/2005
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man I don't know what those parts are, but have you tried the dealership?? They see all kinds of weird problems, and their advice is free so....but if it's warm, I would 100% think that part's bad. Nothing should be drawing current when the car is off, except maybe the alarm and a few misc items. really weird.

_____________________________

'00 Jetta VR6 GLS 12V 2.8L
Magnaflow Exhaust
Custom Cold Air Intake
Eurosport Underdrive Pulley
GIAC Chip
Diamond Mesh Grill--Front
Smoked Euro Tail Lights
18" ADR Rims On Toyo Proxes
Pioneer Deck, 2400W Rockford AMP, 2-12" Alpine Type

(in reply to bluedemon)

Post #: 9