Battery Draining

[CKniht90]

Since my clutch went out my car has been sitting until I have the $ to fix it. I let it set for about 4 days then I decided to go out and start it. When put the key in and turned it over nothing happened at all!! So I figure I have something draining the power while the car isn't in use. This is the first time I've noticed this since I've owned this car. What are the steps/tools needed to find out what is using the power while I'm not using it? Good thing I have a warranty on the battery if it has gone bad

[944sracer]

Measure the amperage draw between the negative battery cable and the negative battery terminal. I can't remember what the correct draw should be but it should NOT be more then a few milliamps. If it is - pull fuses, pull 1, measure the change (if any), if there is a change then that is your culprit, if not then re-install the fuse and move to the next one.

[89-944NA]

Check the climate control fan, it's located under the dash behind the small round vent next to the lighter. If this fails, default is ON.

Take a piece of paper about the size of the vent, with the battery charged, turn the key ON, place the paper over the vent, it should stay in place over the vent. Then turn the key OFF, the paper should fall away from the vent, if it stays in place the fan is still working and draining your battery. This happened on my 89NA, and it drove me nuts searching for the default until a friend (Porsche dealer senior technician) told me about this simple test.

[CKniht90]

Wow, thanks a lot guys! I'll be able to do this hopefully this weekend! P-Forums never fails me Keep you updated!

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by 89-944NA

Check the climate control fan, it's located under the dash behind the small round vent next to the lighter. If this fails, default is ON.

The fan itself fails, or the resistor pack?

[89-944NA]

the actual fan (Bosch p/n 0 130 002 808). Why Porsche designed systems (heater, climate control fan, etc) to fail into the ON position I'll never know. But like I said, I was about to go nuts, trying to find the problem until I was given the tip about the fan motor and a hunk of paper.

[Guest765]

Originally Posted by 89-944NA

the actual fan (Bosch p/n 0 130 002 808). Why Porsche designed systems (heater, climate control fan, etc) to fail into the ON position I'll never know. But like I said, I was about to go nuts, trying to find the problem until I was given the tip about the fan motor and a hunk of paper.

I believe it is because without at least some airflow you will get exhaust gasses in the cabin when sitting in traffic.

[89-944NA]

The only problem with that theory is that the heater valve default turns on heat not and circulating fan (maybe it's to let you know the valve is bad), and the climate control fan draws air, not expels it.

[Guest765]

Heater valve defaults to heat so you don't freeze to death if it breaks in the winter.

[89-944NA]

But you roast in the summer LOL This debate could go on forever, I'll ask a member of a local PCA region who used to work for Porsche, AG., now I'm curious