[ncpoa]

i have a 04 beetle convertable i bought brand new and loved loved loved it in the beginging...now i only have 51000 miles on it and i am having a hell of a time. i am on my fifth battery and now the car wont hold a charge. alter and starter both tested fine and all the fuses have been checked and changed. i have already replaced 3 of the 4 window motors and just dont know what to do with it now. it can loose all power as often as every 3 days. am i missing something here?

 

[ziptron]

It's tedious, but you need to check for a load.
Something is drawing amperage when it shouldn't
They have tools that let you check for the amperage across a fuse, usually less than $25:

Electronic Specialties 30 Amp Fuse Buddy Mini Tester - Tools - Mechanics & Auto Tools - Diagnostic Tools & Testers

20 Amp Automotive Fuse Circuit Tester



You pull each fuse, insert the tester, and check for amperage greater than zero.

 

[D2Beetle]

I was reading some Technical Bulletins this past weekend and came across a parasitic draw being cause by the instrument cluster; the installation of a diode solves the problem. (I went back tonight and looked again and this one was for the 2008 'Vert)

If you can, go to the dealer and have them check your VIN number, because it was VIN specific, no testing needed.

Here the the TSB Number (for all models except Routan) with the Parasitic Draw Testing Instructions ... 27 08 04 August 28, 2008 2016076