Radio drain

2011 FIAT 500 ABARTH
117,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • MANUAL
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ELIZABARTHB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
After having this car for around 6 months, my battery died and the car wouldn’t start.
After pulling fuses it turned out to be the radio that was draining the battery.
Ever since that it has started perfectly every time.
But now i want the radio fixed.
But if i just stick a new radio in how do i know it’s not the internal wires connected wrong? Is there a way the check this without being too expensive or booking in with the garage?
Nov 19, 2019 at 9:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

First, this is an easy check. Replace the fuse. Then, leave the fuse in and disconnect the radio. If the draw still exists, then there is an issue between the fuse and the radio. If it is gone, it's the radio.

Please keep in mind, the fuse you removed for the radio may also power other components. I don't have the specifics on that. It may even be a different component drawing power because most of these vehicles don't have a dedicated fuse only for the radio.



Let me know if this helps.

Joe

Nov 20, 2019 at 4:45 PM