battery drains straight away....... help needed!!

[neil68]

G '89 16v,
my car has been sat up for last 2 weeks waiting for the garage. When i went to start it there was no life in the battery, my sis came with jump leads started it off and i took it to garage for some work on cam pulleys and new belt. Just been to pick it up after the weekend and the battery was again totally flat, the chap in the garage said this had happend when he tried to move it aswell. he hooked it up to a jump start pack which sparked, he said that there is something thats draining the battery rapidly, he has also checked the battery and he says that its ok. Drove home 2 miles approx turned off the ignition waited 30 secs, tried to start it and again battery flat.  if anyone could help i would be well grateful!!!
ps. central locking on boot and passenger door has also started playing up, could this be linked to the battery draining away??
many thanks for any suggestions, neil

[rubjonny]

take it to halfords they'll test the battery for free

[Organisys]

If the battery is ok, check the alternator brushes

[Agreeable Slick]

regulator in the alternator. Two sizes so you will need to take your one into the autofactors. About £5

[systemseiko]

Put volt  meter over battery terminals,  when idle at 950 rpm  should be displaying  12.8 volts,  at 2500 rpm should be 14.4 volts,  if U only see 12 volts the reg pack is shagged.
Another way of checking your battery is to check each cell for signs of bubbling when the car is idling,  points to a fecked battery,  and if U don'y have a meter take the earth off the battery when idle,  I would'nt recommend this as you can shag the alternator quite easily

[neil68]

Ta v much for these pointers ,will b checking it all out @ weekend, too much on @ work @ moment.
once again cheers dudes