hippotester

My 97 A8/D2 is draining the battery after shut-down and key removal. Noticed that the center console illumination (AC,Radio, buttons), door switch illumination and shifter illumination do not shut off after time interval. Overhead cabin illumination and headlights do shut off after interval. Had ignition switch replaced since it had other issues but replacement did not address this issue. Any suggestions? If the fuse handling this illumination does little else, maybe I can pull it until I fully figure out what is going on.

hippotester

Does anyone know what relay/timer shuts off the last set of lights (console). Seems like everything shuts down as planned (dome lights, headlights) except for center console lights.

somersetstreet

I also have a 97 A/8 D2 with the same exact problem-intermittently. Have you had any luck solving? I have some leads, but not solved.

hippotester

Haven't solved the problem and am currently disconnecting battery overnight, every night. I imagine it could be a switch in the transmission that doesn't signal the car is in "park" but everything else seems to cycle off appropriately, including the headlights and interior lights. Only the center console transmission lights some lights in the center of the dash stay on. What have you discovered?

somersetstreet

I traced it to a 5amp fuse in the passenger footwell, but driving with the fuse out made the battery discharge warning light come on. I am waiting for warmer weather to trace it further. I am using a race car ignition switch to cut power, it's way easier the disconnecting the battery. I got mine at Franks Auto Supermarket for $15, and I have seen similar switches at Advance Auto.

hippotester

Which fuse was it? Also, did removing the fuse break the charging circuit or is your battery still charging but light is on erroneously? How hard was it wiring in the race car ignition switch?

somersetstreet

5amp, position 9, fuse holder 1(black). The race car switch is simple, I used an additional ground strap and mounted it near the battery. It has a removable 'key', so it also adds a layer of theft protection

somersetstreet

here is a photo of the switch. I wired it into the ground side so I wouldn't get into trouble with shorts

Elijah_Ellis

Sorry to open an old thread but did anyone here ever fix the issue?
I have an A8 2006