Alfa Romeo 156 (1998 - 2005) - 01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs

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Mon 8 Feb 2010 11:04
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - Canterbury
The relatively new battery flattens within 48 hours if the car is not used. Battery tested as good and alternator working properly. Battery is larger than necessary for this car. Nothing left on, no drain found either by me or my specialist Alfa garage. Any thoughts on the cause of the problem please?
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Mon 8 Feb 2010 12:10
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - Peter D
Do you have auto dimming interior light, if so remove the bulbs, I suspect they are coming on by themselves. Regards Peter
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Mon 8 Feb 2010 12:42
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - Peter.N.
Disconnect one battery lead and connect a meter between the lead and battery terminal on the 'amps' range, it shouldn't read more than about 100 milliamps with everyting turned off, if it does pull each fuse in turn until the current drops, then look up what that fuse controls. Don't try to start the car thus connected
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Mon 8 Feb 2010 15:02
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - Peter D
The garage has tested that although we do not kmow what the reading was. It can take a few minutes for some cars to shut down completely. Regards Peter
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Mon 8 Feb 2010 15:22
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - Peter.N.
Sorry - I will learn to read one day.
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Mon 8 Feb 2010 22:35
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - tony@tooting
In the dark, have a close look at both REAR lamp units. Look to see if one of the lamps are on dimly. (Lights off, key out, car locked)
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Tue 9 Feb 2010 18:01
01 2.0 Battery flat within 48hrs - xtrailman
If you have found no discharge as suggested above using a ammeter, then the battery must be discharging its self?

Leave the battery disconnected and see if it self discharges. It is possible if the battery top is dirty for it to discharge this way.
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