Battery keeps draining

Tiny
NICHOLEAGUILLON664
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,000 MILES
Why is it that my battery drains really fast? I recently changed the motor, transmission, and almost everything under the hood but it doesn't keep a charge. Could anyone please help me with this issue?
Sunday, April 10th, 2022 AT 12:39 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

If the battery has been checked and is good, then you have an electrical draw. We need to determine the circuit where the draw is coming from. Since you replaced everything, there is a chance that a wire has gotten pinched or shorted.

To start, here is a link that reviews the most common causes of battery draw. Take a look through it and confirm nothing indicated is causing the issue.

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

If that doesn't help, then we need to start narrowing things down. I have written the directions explaining how to locate an electrical draw, but it hasn't been finished so we can add it to the repair guides list. However, the directions are done.

Take a look below. First, don't be overwhelmed because it looks like a lot. However, it isn't difficult. Plus, I can help you through it if you have questions.

1) Make sure the battery is fully charged.
2) Using a voltmeter or multimeter, confirm the battery voltage is 12v or more.
3) Make sure all electrical components are off, the ignition key is removed, all doors are closed, and anything that could cause an electrical draw.
4) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
5) Set your meter to DC amp. Start at a higher setting, for example, the 10-amp setting on the meter.
6) With the negative battery terminal disconnected, place the red lead of the meter to the battery cable and the black lead to the negative battery post on the battery.
7) With a setting of 10 amps, you should not get a reading. So, work backward to see when you start getting a reading. The reading should require you to select the milliamp setting.
8) If your reading is above the milliamp setting, you have a significant electrical draw. With the voltmeter still connected, remove one fuse at a time in the under-hood fuse box until you remove one that causes a significant voltage drop on the voltmeter.
9) If none of the fuses in the engine compartment fuse box reduces the draw, then you will need to move to the interior fuse panel and repeat the process. However, it is important to follow step 9 before starting.
10) Disconnect the voltmeter before opening the door otherwise, damage to the voltmeter can occur.
11) With the battery still disconnected, locate the door switch button and place it in the closed position and secure it so the vehicle thinks the door is closed.
12) If there is more than one interior fuse box, you may need to check both.
13) Once you locate the fuse which causes a significant drop in the draw, you have identified the circuit involved. At this point, use the fuse legend in the fuse box to confirm what the specific fuse powers, and then, using the correct wiring schematic, work through the circuit to locate the problem.

___________________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, April 10th, 2022 AT 8:22 PM

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