Battery drains from 100% to 50% in 14 days?

[Andrew Dyer]

Hi,

I have been lurking around these forums since we bought a 2009 California SE in May this year, and have found loads useful information- so thank you! Having plucked up the courage to post I am hoping someone can baseline my expectations of Cali leisure battery life.

At the time of purchase the dealer replaced both leisure batteries, because they were the originals and they were knackered. They apparently used ones from VW, due to the sizes required. However, with the new batteries in I am surprised at the rate they discharge when there is no indicated draw from the head unit. I have only been switching it on to capture the data whilst the van is parked on my drive.

I have read the manual, and it says to take out the fuses for the water pump and the roof to prevent deep discharge.. which would be a bit of a pain.. but are these likely the cause? I have used the EHU to give them a good long charge 8-12 hours, in 2 sessions.

I've attached the figures:

 

[motacyclist]

It shouldn’t discharge that quickly, looks like something is drawing current. Does the display show any discharge (amps)?

BTW, in a recent post on here, someone said it was a sackable offence for a VW dealer tech to give any information on which fuse is which!

 

[Hotel California]

Read some older threads on thseame issue ....so much things to look at .
Start with checking the two les.bats are connected correct and fuses are ok so both are working and not just one .

 

[Andrew Dyer]

Thanks. No current is drawn according to the head unit. Hmm, will check both batteries as you suggest.

 

[motacyclist]

No current is drawn according to the head unit.

There should be a small amount being drawn when the display is active , about 0.2 amps from memory. Make sure the sensor is working by switching something on, lights or fridge, then check. There could also be something aftermarket drawing power attached direct to the batteries, which doesn’t go through the head unit.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks. No current is drawn according to the head unit. Hmm, will check both batteries as you suggest.

There is a special 50 amp cube fuse on the +tve pole of the rear Leisure Battery. If that is not fitted with good connection or blown then only 1 battery in circuit. Also, not unknown for 1 new battery to be faulty.
Also not unknown for that Cube Fuse to blow if the rear battery is changed first then the one under the passenger seat without the proper precautions undertaken.

 

[Andrew Dyer]

Thanks. I get a current draw indicated when I switch lights on etc. The battery swap was not done by VW, just a motorhome centre I bought from so not sure if they took precautions.

If you could link me to anything related I would really appreciate it! I’ll pop them both out and use and optimate them / check condition and discharge over time.

Is the one under the passenger seat easy to get out? YouTube only seems to have self builds to reference.

Nothing aftermarket has been fitted to the leisure circuit.

 

[Hotel California]

Does everything work ? Aux.heater , fridge ,...

 

[Andrew Dyer]

Yes all works fine.

 

[Hotel California]

Earth shunt maybe ? Does it has effect on draining the battery's ?

 

[westfalia]

Earth shunt maybe ? Does it has effect on draining the battery's ?

No, i don´t think it does.

 

[westfalia]

Mine was drawing this tonight.

 

[motacyclist]

Thanks. I get a current draw indicated when I switch lights on etc. The battery swap was not done by VW, just a motorhome centre I bought from so not sure if they took precautions.

If you could link me to anything related I would really appreciate it! I’ll pop them both out and use and optimate them / check condition and discharge over time.

Is the one under the passenger seat easy to get out? YouTube only seems to have self builds to reference.

Nothing aftermarket has been fitted to the leisure circuit.

I’m pretty sure @Loz has posted something up about this, if you can wait until he is online ....

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks. I get a current draw indicated when I switch lights on etc. The battery swap was not done by VW, just a motorhome centre I bought from so not sure if they took precautions.

If you could link me to anything related I would really appreciate it! I’ll pop them both out and use and optimate them / check condition and discharge over time.

Is the one under the passenger seat easy to get out? YouTube only seems to have self builds to reference.

Nothing aftermarket has been fitted to the leisure circuit.

The precautions I mentioned are straightforward.
When you disconnect the Positive pole on 1battery it is still LIVE as it is still connected to the +tve Pole of the second Battery. This Download is about changing the split charge relay but details about getting access to the 2 Leisure Batteries.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/resources/install-redarc-dc-dc-split-charger.178/

 

[AlanC]

Thanks. I get a current draw indicated when I switch lights on etc. The battery swap was not done by VW, just a motorhome centre I bought from so not sure if they took precautions.

If you could link me to anything related I would really appreciate it! I’ll pop them both out and use and optimate them / check condition and discharge over time.

Is the one under the passenger seat easy to get out? YouTube only seems to have self builds to reference.

Nothing aftermarket has been fitted to the leisure circuit.

You just need to unbolt the passenger seat and tilt it forward to get access. Be very careful to unplug the two cables underneath the seat that control the air bag and heater. Do not turn on the ignition before reconnecting the the air bag connection. If you do the air bag symbol in the dash will light and you will need to go to a dealer to have it turned off .

Alan

 

[SimonVW]

If you do the air bag symbol in the dash will light and you will need to go to a dealer to have it turned off .

Alan

Not sure what model years it will work with but I used to use one of these to monitor error codes on my 2009 Caravelle. I triggered the airbag light once and found that this device not only picked it up but could also clear it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VS450-OB...392867&hash=item2601e4ced8:g:ekMAAOSwvIFbj4oE

 

[WelshGas]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YVHGTBM/?tag=unique09f-21

Works with an App on an iPhone or Android phone and can personalise many settings on the Vehicle. Eg: Doors lock at 5kph, How the Remote functions etc. As well as Detail all error codes and clear them.

 

[Andrew Dyer]

Not sure what model years it will work with but I used to use one of these to monitor error codes on my 2009 Caravelle. I triggered the airbag light once and found that this device not only picked it up but could also clear it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VS450-OB...392867&hash=item2601e4ced8:g:ekMAAOSwvIFbj4oE

Thanks that's good to know. I think it is the same base model so would probably work

 

[Andrew Dyer]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YVHGTBM/?tag=unique09f-21

Works with an App on an iPhone or Android phone and can personalise many settings on the Vehicle. Eg: Doors lock at 5kph, How the Remote functions etc. As well as Detail all error codes and clear them.

Looks like a good gadget.. you have found my weakness. I might 'need' one of those

 

[Geesvw]

Thanks. I get a current draw indicated when I switch lights on etc. The battery swap was not done by VW, just a motorhome centre I bought from so not sure if they took precautions.

If you could link me to anything related I would really appreciate it! I’ll pop them both out and use and optimate them / check condition and discharge over time.

Is the one under the passenger seat easy to get out? YouTube only seems to have self builds to reference.

Nothing aftermarket has been fitted to the leisure circuit.

If you take either batteries out make sure that the live terminal isn’t earthing, both batteries are linked in parallel so with one battery remaining installed you could very easily fry your leisure wiring loom if the remaining live connects with any metal. Be careful I’ve recently had my van returned after that mistake - £8.5K insurance bill for repairs!

 

[capt kirk]

Just thinking thats quite a small drain so maybe the boot light is on and not been noticed

 

[Andrew Dyer]

Got both the batteries out no problems, thanks for the guidance. 1 battery reads 13.1, and the other was 12.3. I have had the EHU connected up for the last 3 nights so I would have expected them to be topped up and reading the same. Anyway, I'll hook them up to my datatool now so will see if they both charge up and hold charge. Considering whether I should get them professionally tested?

These are the models the motorhome centre put in, both Bosch L5 008 75AH (20h) 12v. I thought the originals were usually Varta. Are these OK / the right specification?

I've attached a picture.

 

[Andrew Dyer]

Just thinking thats quite a small drain so maybe the boot light is on and not been noticed

Boot light and door mechanism powered by the engine battery. I thought forward of the door pillar (in the cab) was engine battery. I know this is not true, because with both leisure batteries out of the vehicle and the engine battery reconnected the boot light goes on... and off

 

[WelshGas]

Boot light and door mechanism powered by the engine battery. I thought forward of the door pillar (in the cab) was engine battery. I know this is not true, because with both leisure batteries out of the vehicle and the engine battery reconnected the boot light goes on... and off

That is correct. The base vans can have a Boot light. So door mechanisms, boot light all from engine battery, AND contrary to some you would find the Roof will NOT work, as it runs off the Leisure Batteries, although it would still ask for the Ignition to be on as a safety step to stop accidental usage of the roof .

 

[WelshGas]

Got both the batteries out no problems, thanks for the guidance. 1 battery reads 13.1, and the other was 12.3. I have had the EHU connected up for the last 3 nights so I would have expected them to be topped up and reading the same. Anyway, I'll hook them up to my datatool now so will see if they both charge up and hold charge. Considering whether I should get them professionally tested?

These are the models the motorhome centre put in, both Bosch L5 008 75AH (20h) 12v. I thought the originals were usually Varta. Are these OK / the right specification?

I've attached a picture.

View attachment 39054

Which battery showed 12.3V? Front or Rear?