2002 GTI Battery Drain

[gman1103]

The beginning of the season I installed a brand new sealed battery in my 2002 GTI
The ski sat for 2 weeks and the battery went complexly dead.
When the battery was new it was charging when the ski was running
I'm thinking a bad rectifier but was wondering if I disconnected the battery when done for the
day---would this be a temporary fix?

Gary

 

[griz400]

charge you battery completely and test your charging system with engine running at 3000 rpms, then post up your results -- post battery voltage ski not running, and then at 3000 rpms -- keep in mind though -- the seadoo mpem (computer), contantly has a draw on system -- this is why i keep a battery maintainer -- not a tender, always hooked up to my ski when not in use -- my maintainer will only charge at a 2 amp rate, and only kicks "on", when voltage on battery drops

 

[donkey]

i always disconnect 1 battery cable when im done riding for the day,on all my skis.(after they get burped and fogged)

 

[Coastiejoe]

I would confirm that it is charging just so that you know you will be good to go on the water.

But yes, removing a wire will eliminate the discharge issue assuming the issue is not a defective battery.

 

[gman1103]

thanks for the info
the battery is charging when running
I will disconnect the battery after each use and troubleshoot the problem when the summer comes to a close

 

[- BiRkS_]

You can install an inline battery switch. good ones are about 30-40$, cheapies are ~10-15$ http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Battery-Accessories/12-24V-Battery-Master-Switch/8437402.p

Saves you the trouble of disconnecting the battery, just turn the switch.

To test for something draining the battery, get a multi meter set on Amps, remove neg battery cable and hook 1 lead to the batt, 1 lead to neg battery cable and look at the draw. If anything more than 0.3-0.5A then there is a problem

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I like the battery switch also, especially from the standpoint the switch can be used to disconnect the MPEM from the battery during charging/tending.

 

[Coastiejoe]

A battery switch is a better way to go as it would help to ensure no damage done to the MPEM. When hooking upa battery it is common to get voltage going on and off until you have a decent connection. This off on voltage can hurt electronics. The battery switch will eliminate that concern.