Disconnect your ALDL USB cable

[tigerdog]

I parked Smaug last week, leaving the ALDL cable connected. Came out this afternoon to a flat battery. I remember there being a question as to whether the ALDL drew power when the car is off. I think the answer might be yes.

I'll modify and/or remove this post if I find some other obvious cause after charging the battery.

[lotos]

The cable was plugged in - but the USB side disconnected, right?

[tigerdog]

The cable was plugged in - but the USB side disconnected, right?

Correct - plugged into the ALDL, disconnected from the laptop. If that's not the culprit, then either my battery is going, or I need to get one of those maintenance chargers.

[mnemonix]

Or your boot light isn't turning off?

My battery was draining in a matter of days, and not charging properly when I took it out, so it definitely needed replacing, however the new one was still going flat. As it happens I have left my ALDL cable plugged in too. I'd be really surprised if that was the culprit but I can see it being an outside chance. For now I've unplugged a cable from the boot light to see if it fixes my issues.

Chris.

[GeoffSmith]

I think you're barking up the wrong tree Tiger! You have an optically isolated one as well which was designed to be left in-situ. I did have some random flattenings but now I'm pretty sure they were due to an intermittent alarm problem. Boot light is a possibility or maybe the battery is going off - best take it for a thrash every day and make sure it's well charged.

[theelanman]

ah.......Id never thought of that......
if I didnt use my car fo a couple of weeks I always had a flat battery......
Id checked the boot light and that was ok....checked some other possibles too, to no avail....
however Ive had the ALDL cable plugged in since I got the car......routed the USB end through and into the glovebox for easy access and use....had never even thought that may be the culprit
cheers for that one doug....
I'll go and unplug it later
chers
G

[Specky]

Doug,

I've left mine plugged in for months, cos Geoff said he did... (No effect, parked up for weeks at a time)

The only thing was a couple of tiny spots of rust on the USB end...

TTFN

[dapinky]

I don't know if it makes any difference, but i've got the serial plug version, and it's been plugged into the aldl socket since i got it, no problem with the battery.

[GeoffSmith]

Specky's and Pinky's are both mine (I'm pleased to say) but I'm not sure about Gareth's - is it one of Alan's Gareth?

[theelanman]

but I'm not sure about Gareth's - is it one of Alan's Gareth?

yes it is:)