VelSatis Battery Drain

I'm experiencing a frustrating electrical issue with my 2003 Renault VelSatis diesel. It has 102891 km on the clock. The battery is constantly draining, leading to error messages on the speedometer, weak and flickering lights, and a struggle to start the engine. Error memory also shows related faults. I've checked the battery terminals and charging system, which seem to be functioning. I suspect a parasitic drain or faulty battery sensor.

4 comment(s)

That sounds familiar. I had a similar problem with my 2012 Volvo V70. The symptoms were almost identical – battery drain, warning lights, and starting issues. In my case, it turned out to be a faulty sensor constantly pinging the ECU and keeping systems active, even when the car was off. It's like a tap left slightly running, slowly emptying the reservoir.

Interesting. Can you elaborate on which sensor it was, and how it was diagnosed? It seems to me like there are many sensors influencing the electrical system or are you only talking about the battery sensor?

In my Volvo, it was the battery sensor itself, constantly sending incorrect data and keeping the system awake, similar to an old-fashioned scale sticking and never quite reaching zero. The only way to be sure was a proper diagnostic check at a workshop to pinpoint the rogue signal. I suggest going to the workshop. I had to and it solved all my issues.

Thanks for the insight. You were correct. After a diagnostic check, the workshop confirmed a defective battery sensor. Repair cost including parts, labor, and diagnostic came to 315€. Replacing it resolved the battery drain issue completely.

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