Andy,

As a start, it might be helpful to know how large the current draw
actually is with the radio & other known loads off.  It's an easy
measurement to make across the empty fuse terminals with a VOM in
current mode (+ lead toward battery).  Unfortunately, I don't know
what the normal current is but I'd think it should be much less than
a 1/4 amp just to power the radio clock (?) & preset memory.

//Jack
'85 Vanagon

On 17 Jun 2002, at 13:15, Andy Yarnell wrote:

> Attention wiring Gurus:
>
> I have searched the archives extensively, and did not see a similar
> problem discussed in the past, so...
>
> When I bought my 1987 Wolfy GL, the PO disclosed this problem: the radio
> drains the battery, so he just disconnected the hot wire from the radio
> (why not the ground?) Oh well, I knew the time would come to fix this,
> but I am not sure what exactly is going on. I have the diagnosis sheet
> the PO got from his mechanic. Alternator is working fine, but they
> figured out the radio circuit is the culprit by removing the fuse (which
> also has the clock and interior lighting). I am getting sick of removing
> this fuse every time I park the Van.
>
> I can not find any hack job wiring for the radio, other than some added
> speaker wire in the back.
>
> I discarded the Jensen tape deck that came with the van, and installed
> my Alpine CD deck (I have installed a dozen or more stereos in my day,
> so I know what I am doing) I figured the PO had just not wired the
> stereo correctly. Well the Alpine was fine for over a month, then all of
> a sudden the battery is completely drained. I can start it with a jump,
> but the battery does not get enough of a charge to restart the engine.
>
> The battery was new about a year ago, but I have never heard of the
> manufacturer, and so I have no faith in it, and has probably been
> totally discharged several times in it's short life. I replaced the
> battery with a Sears battery I had in my '73 Bug that is in restoration
> right now. The Van fired right up with the new battery (this battery had
> been sitting in my garage for 6 months!) The old battery has 660 CCA,
> and the Sears battery has 540 CCA, but turns the starter with no
> problems.
>
> Any ideas?
> I know the radio connection is always hot (Just like my GTI), but why is
> it draining the battery when the radio has been turned off, and face
> plate removed?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Andy Yarnell
> 1987 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Edition
> 1992 VW GTi 8v - FOR SALE
> 1973 Bug
> Lakewood, CO
>
>
>
>
>