Electrical power drain - Alarm possible cause?
 

Hi, my 2004 V70 has a slight power drain issue. it's not a big problem unless the car is left for a week or so. My wife gives the battery a hard time often leaving the ignition on so it might just be a battery but I doubt it as it was recently replaced by the AA.

I do have a alarm service warning light which I know means the alarm siren battery needs replacing. I'm wondering if I can get away with just disconnecting the alarm module altogether. I would like to lose the message AND any power drain. I'm really not worried about losing the alarm as the car is not going to be stolen. I am also aware of any insurance complications.

So - is it possible to simply disconnect the alarm to lose the message or will I still get the error message (and power drain?) until the battery is replaced.

I am aware of how to test for a power drain with a multimeter but there are so many fuses I'd like to try this option first.

Disconnecting alarm will remove the drain but you cannot get rid of the message without fitting a working siren.

It's very quick and simple to definitively find your drain so I'd do a parasitic drain test and check the alternator diodes.

Coincidentally, the other day I watched cheshired5's youtube video on how to diagnose a parasitic drain. If you haven't seen it, just click the link to his SiRobb vids.

It does indeed look simple and quick. Thanks SiRobb, great vid.