Have I Got A Power Drain?

[jfd]

Hi

I've got a surf,had it a few years.

Tried to start it, made some weird clicking noises not heard before then started. Whilst driving I braked and put the right indicator on and it started flashing fast as if a bulb had gone also the Battery guage was moving slightly left and right. Everytime I came to start the car the needle on the Battery guage was lower and lower (noise had gone!) Once car was going the Battery was charged again. So ! I get the battery checked and the alternator, my bloke says the alternator is working and charging the battery but once the battery is off it loses charge. I've bought a new battery, which is great, but I've noticed everytime I get in the car the needle on the battery guage is a bit lower than last time! Once kicked up it's fine except I've noticed the needle still wobbles when I put the indicators on! I wondered if it could be the solenoid??? Any ideas???

Thanks

[GentleGiant]

The last phantom power drain I had was a sticky central locking problem, went round all the doors lubing the components and that fixed it.

Having said that, an indicator doesnt draw that much juice, so it shouldnt make the meter wobble.

[jfd]

Got in this morning turned the key, usual 2 clicks and the needle is nearer the - on the guage. Lower than yesterday. Kicked it up and the needle goes straight up to where it should be! I'm baffled.

[GentleGiant]

It could be the regulator has gone, the alternator is working but the voltage is not being regulated correctly.

Check the manual; on some cars the regulator is replaceable without buying a whole new alternator; on my son's old Skoda it is "two screws and pull" to remove the regulator and brushes from the alternator housing!!

[Robert6920]

I'd say either regulator or Battery (does the surf have 2 like my pickup?) should be easy enough to check. Try www.roughtrax4x4.com for spares if you need a regulator