Electrical Bug - Parasitic Draw - HELP

[vesnyder]

I have an '83 Cabriolet and am chasing a parasitic draw that drains my battery. I thought I found it as I narrowed it down to the emergency flasher. After removing the fuse for the flashers the draw disappeared. According to the manual the fuse only controls the flashers and I assumed I had a faulty relay. I checked the battery three days after removing the fuse and the batterycharge had not changed. I went to start it today and the car would turn over but would not continue to run. I have yet to replace the fuse - I assume it will run - but according to the manual this fuse only covers the flashers. Almost seems like it covers the fuel pump or security system. Any suggestions? Thanks

[zuch]

Is your alarm system factory or aftermarket?

[vesnyder]

It is a factory alarm - I am pretty sure? It is the alarm that is activated/deactivated with a key in the door jam.

[zuch]

Is there 1 wire or 2 coming out of the bottom of the fuse that you pulled?

[vesnyder]

There are three wires coming out? I am going to replace the flasher relay first, as I was having issues with the turn signals. Let me fix one thing at a time. Thanks!

[zuch]

So 3 wires tells me (at least) 3 things are running off of that fuse. You may have to do some wire tracing to figure out where they go. You could try plugging them in one at a time and seeing which ones let your car start (and which one has the draw).

[vesnyder]

Zuch - appreciate your help! Stay tuned.

[PeteKz]

Let me ask the dumb question: Is the turn signal stalk centered? If not, early models of 911 will illuminate the turn signals (without flashing) even after the key is turned off. IDK when that "feature" stopped.

[vesnyder]

Not sure if the Turn Signal stalk is centered - it seems to be? I do not have an issue with illumination of the turn signal. I do have an issue with the turn signal randomly working. It just will not do anything. If I wiggle the relay behing the tach it starts working.

I do have a question around the relays that Pelican sells? The Porsche relays are 2.5 times the prics of the non OEM. Are all Porsche parts manufactured in Germany? I noted the non-OEM are made in Italy. Do you guys recommend buying the OEM parts?

[Ian Comerford]

This is a bit of a minefield and if you search on here you will find more detail. The last fuel pump relay I bought came from China, it isn't great quality and it does make you wonder how Porsche views classic parts.

[kltarga72]

On earlier 911 models and you lived in Europe, when parking parallel to a curb or sidewalk in a residential neighborhood at night you were required to turn your turn signal switch down so the driver side lamps would illuminate with engine off and key removed. This was what PeteKz was refering to about the turn signal stalk being centered.
I have used aftermarket relays in the past and no issues so far.

[wazzz]

Originally Posted by kltarga72

On earlier 911 models and you lived in Europe, when parking parallel to a curb or sidewalk in a residential neighborhood at night you were required to turn your turn signal switch down so the driver side lamps would illuminate with engine off and key removed. This was what PeteKz was refering to about the turn signal stalk being centered.
I have used aftermarket relays in the past and no issues so far.

I don't know when they stopped this feature. My 88 Carrera still has it.

[vesnyder]

Mine does as well.

A question regarding the incoming power on the fuse blocks; if there are two wires coming in, does that mean, some devices are switched (works with the key on) and some are not?

[wazzz]

When you see two wires coming in to the top of a fuse, usually this is only used as a means of connecting those two wires together. They are "spliced" through this fuse terminal.

[vesnyder]

Thanks guys! I just replaced the relay for the emergency flashers and early indications are that the draw has ceased. And thanks to Pelican for the fast shipment! I ordered on Saturday and the relay - along with a bad window switch - came today. Cheers!