Battery draining

Tiny
ALROYH
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 OPEL CORSA
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 49,700 MILES
Battery doesn't hold its charge and drains within four hours after driving. I had the battery tested and it was found to be fine as well as the alternator charging as it should. Diagnostics done by the dealership indicated a Fuel Evaporation Valve that will need replacing soon and that the issue regarding the battery can only be diagnosed after the FEV is replaced. There are no issues with acceleration, power or idling. The car has a full service history with the Opel dealership with the following repairs carried out: Coil pack was replaced six months ago and Tappet cover (PCV) was replaced three weeks ago. Thanks for your help.
Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 4:36 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey ALROYH,

Have you had any aftermarket electrical equipment installed?

Have you checked nothing is connected that can draw eg. items in aux power sockets/cigarette lighter sockets.

Anything else electrical that preceded this battery drain?

Please read through the following guide on battery drains:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let us know if you have further questions.

Regards, Joe
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:05 PM
Tiny
ALROYH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Joe. Thanks for your reply. What has happened since yesterday is that the battery started to leak and the released gas vapor could be seen emitting from the bonnet. Upon inspection, the battery was found to be extremely hot with the two ends bulged. I bought a new battery, had the car towed to the dealer to inspect the alternator before I install the new battery.
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey ALROYH,

Thank you for the update. It sounds like the alternator had been overcharging and overheated the battery.

It doesn't really add up that they would need to fix an issue with an EVAP valve before carrying out repairs on the charging system.

If you originally had an issue with the battery draining they should have carried out a parasitic drain test which could have found the alternator draining before it then broke down and started over charging.

I would ask the question as to why they did not do this testing before.

You left with an issue still present that has now potentially caused further damage.

Please keep us updated on this.

Best of luck.

Regards, Joe
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+1
Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
ALROYH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Spot on Joe, I had a meeting with the service manager about the issue. They will now look at the alternator and I will let you know what they found. Thanks again Joe.

Regards

Alroy
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 3:27 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey ALROYH,

No problem, I hope it all goes well and the dealership work with you to get the problem resolved.

All the best, let us know what the diagnosis ends up as.

Regards, Joe
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 6:36 PM

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