QuestionI have a 1985 VW Jettea.. The battery goes dead at night and I don't know if soemthing is draining it ( short) or if it is a bad battery. I am replacing the battery but if that doesn't solve the problem, is there any easy way to determoine if there is adraw on the system?
AnswerSorry it took so long for a reply but computer kissed the big one.
I am thinking that the battery was the problem(a battery cell is shorting out) is not unusual.
But for future reference, to check for a draw on the system--both easy and cheap.
First, see what is suppose to be alive overnight.eg clock, radio memory, alarm... and disconnect them or pull their fuses.(They will show as a draw but that is not what we are looking for)
You need a 12 Volt bulb like from the tail light or something from any car. Now disconnect a battery clamp so that nothing is touching that post. Touch the post with the side of the bulb. With the battery clamp touch the silver end of the bulb.
If current is being drawn, the bulb will light up. Try it by putting in the clock fuse and retouch the bulb as previouly described.
The only thing that won't be shown is an internal battery short.
That is the easiest way to find if there is a draw without any testing tools.
