166 Central Console leaking current

Hi

I have a V6 3.0 auto (2000 model) that periodically flattens the battery should I not use the vehicle for a few days. After a new battery and 3 occasions later the Dealer's advice was that the radio in the Central Console (CC)is leaking current and flattening the battery. Their advice is to replace radio at a cost of NZ$9,000 (US$7000) ooch! I'm wondering whether the forum members have come across this before and any other suggestions (aftermarket?) would be appreciated as at present the CC is not operative.

Thanks heaps

never heard of a radio "leaking" current !! i reckon the dealer is having a laugh with you and fobbing you off....had a similiar problem with my jeep cherokee...took it to an independant electrical specialist who searched through the wiring and found the prob in under an hour...faulty relay at a cost of a couple of quid...my advice would be for you to do the same

mike

I have had exactly the same problem with my 2000 166 3.0 Sportronic where if I left the car for more than a day it would be flat as a pancake. Although the darin was traced to the ICU there was no way of fixing which particular componant was causing the problem so the only thing to do was repace the console as a unit. Alfa's price for a new one is ridiculous but it was fairly easy to get one from a breakers for £150.

I still have the faulty ICU (with phone slot). If anyone out there wants it for free to repair let me know.

wrong lounge but any good leci bloke should sort this... or get a multi meter and see whats drawing current in the fuze box... its quite easy

very easy