Quick question, chaps...

Does this cable only go to the starter? Admittedly, the car hasn't gone to sleep but a clampmeter shows steady 500 mA flowing through it.

0.5 A x 150 Hr
= 75 Ah
= Discharged battery
= Meeting a nice chap from the RAC!

Same after an hour of 'sleep'. 6.5 A current draw immediately after starting engine, then back to 400 mA after 40 s. Solenoid or alternator?

Alternator I would think.

Need to disconnect and isolate the cable to prove.

Check no large suppressors fitted under there

This cable goes to the starter and alternator. If you're getting a current without the engine running, then the alternator is going to ground. More investigation required...

With the engine off, try disconnecting the alternator control plug and see if it is still drawing a current on the main cable. If it is, then it's time to change it before it fails and takes out the battery too. Joe

Thanks.

Definitely needs some prodding around with. The alternator is new, replaced after a couple of batteries faded away. One for someone with a ramp...

Cheers,

Hugh

The [recently changed] alternator was back-feeding. "OEM spec" parts from Euro Car Parts aren't! Not the first to be replaced in the last ten days at the same garage.