why did I buy a mk2! Battery goes flat ALOT

[Alec]

Amongst the many problems I have had with my mk2 digi, the battery seems to be going flat every other day if not used, I dont use a silly boy racer stereo or anything (even though it has one). Alternator has probably only done about 5k tops, checked earth straps n whatever. I get smoke coming from the steering column cowling when the key is on the ignition notch, but it stops when the engine is running, could this be linked?. I am fast losing patience with the car as I also have idle problems, blowing (from a new exhaust) and oil pressure warnings on the dashboard haha.

[fishnchipsx2]

I get smoke coming from the steering column cowling when the key is on the ignition notch

 

Sounds like something's shorting out back there...

(Also your stereo will probably have a permanent live feed so it can retain presets+settings, so it will be drawing a little bit of power... shouldn't flatten the battery over 2 days tho!)

[Alec]

Yeah deffo, the amp only seems to light up when the stereo is actually being used aswell. The ignition switch has been changed a couple of times at Lion garage in Burbage (VAG specialist) but they cant find any problem at all.
Only just had the bloomin thing sprayed aswell n ever since then it seems to be falling to bits.

Was supposed to be taking it to R-Tech tomorrow for Topher to have a look over it, but now it seems I aint going anywhere

[JC]

welcome to mk2 ownership, 

[Jay]

Make it to R-Tech and tell Topher about the battery going flat, he'll probably be able to find out what it is.

[Alec]

I got the battery from CAS which is on the site next to r-techs site. Might aswell just go in with the receipt n try n get it swapped on the way to see Topher. If I can get it started. I noticed that when it failed to start the rev counter went completely spaz going up n down the revs n everything lit up like the 4th of july, even when I took the keys out. Is this normal?? I should of kept the mini

[JC]

erm, no, its not normal 

[Alec]

I think I need a beer. Its done it every time the battery has gone flat. Everything on the dash lights up and stays like it. rev counter goes all the way round and off the scales. It hasnt caught fire yet though like my last mini and mondeo

[fishnchipsx2]

It sounds like it will catch fire soon if you don't get a look at the wiring behind that dash!  Try and have a root-around for any wires that may have chafed up against something or other, and broken thru the insulation...

[Alec]

Shame it didnt catch fire tonight, would of made a nice bonfire