Battery drain

MCOFRIN

MEMBER
1999 RENAULT MEGANE
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
175,000 MILES

The battery drains in about three days. The battery and alternator are good, so I hooked up a multi-meter and I believe now that I have located the circuit, but I have no manual. I removed one of the relays in the engine relay box. There are three square relays in a row on the left side and a fourth one that is offset to the left. The first two have no connected wires. The third one down is the one. Is that the cooling fan relay?
Thanks
Mike

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Our US automotive database does not have this vehicle listed. Are you in the UK? I did look up repair manuals for your vehicle, it said manuals come from UK.
With some makes and models, the fuse box cover tells you which fuse or relay does what. Sometimes the other owners manual will tell you which fuse does or relay does what?

Does the radiator fan run all the time, even with key off? If so, pull the suspect relay, if it kills the fan, you found it. You could also, unplug the fan wiring connector after your through with the vehicle, so it does not drain the battery, if that fan is the problem. Of course, plug it back in when you want to drive vehicle.

My only other thought, maybe you local auto store can order you a repair manual for your vehicle?

We use Mitchel automotive repair system and wiring information, I do not know if Mitchel does business in the UK?

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Friday, May 6th, 2016 AT 11:51 AM

MCOFRIN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you JDL. I'm actually in Germany, which is part of the problem. My German is not so good. Yes, I'll drive it today, and pull the relay after we park it. I thought of pulling the wire connector to the fan, but I thought that plug looked easier to break than pulling the relay. Can the relay itself be a cause of a battery drain, or is it only a device (motor) or wiring (corrosion)?

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Friday, May 6th, 2016 AT 11:07 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,959 POSTS

Hey MCOFRIN,

Here is a link to a guide that could help you. Please let us know what you find

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Best, Ken

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Sunday, May 8th, 2016 AT 12:43 PM