Correct, most VW's fall in the 14-20ma windows except the NB which is near
30-40ma depending the year, engine, options. Still at 40ma draw it would
take a long time to kill the battery. If some electrical math wizard want to
do the math for how long a typical battery can last with 40ma please do.


"Tom's VR6" > wrote in message
...
> In rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled, D&LBusch wrote:
>
>>I have an 04 Passat. I usually leave the keys in the ignition when I
>>park
>>it in the garage. Lately the battery drains and requires a jump (twice in
>>the last week). Does leaving the key in the ignition cause a batery drain
>>due to something else running that I am unaware of? Thanks in advance -
>
> I would get access to an ammeter (most multimeters have such a
> function, but check the fuse first; many have the meter fuse blown
> thru mis-use previously). Turn all car things off. Attach the
> positive probe to a chassis ground. Hold the negative probe to the
> negative battery terminal while removing the negative battery
> terminal.
>
> If you are successful at maintaining continuity thru the meter while
> the battery terminal is loose, you will not have to reset the alarm,
> clock or radio. The continuity will be maintained thru the meter.
>
> If you read more than 20 ma draw, troubleshoot further. If you have
> less than 40 ma draw, replace the battery. If both, do both. Note
> that these numbers are off of the top of my head and are not
> standard go/no-go tests.
>
> You can try putting the key into the ignition and/or locking the car
> to read the difference. But a 40 ma draw should not drain a car
> battery in a week.
>
> Put the battery terminal back on, and then remove the meter.
>
> How do you connect meter leads to chassis and negative battery
> connection while removing and reinstalling the battery terminal?
> Alligator test leads are useful, but it could also be done by 4
> coordinated hands.
>
> Other things that might happen:
>
> You could blow the meter fuse if the load is bigger than the fuse
> rating.
>
> You could lose contact for a bit and have to reset things.
>
>
>