Battery Drain

BRANDELLA

MEMBER
2000 NISSAN XTERRA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
149,000 MILES

One month ago, battery going dead. It was five years old so we went to Advance and got a new one. When it was installed, the alarm system wouldn't quit going off so the guy unhooked it, maybe broke the wire. Got a tune up and had the belts replaced and brake pads changed for maintenance. The belt that deals with the alternator and battery (?) Was loose so again the battery went dead. Mechanic came and tightened belt, charged battery, good for about two days. Then battery died AGAIN. Went to Advance to get a replacement bettery based on mechanics opinion. Checked the alternator by jumping the car and unhooking battery while running, seemed good. A week later and the second new battery is dead. Can't figure out what is draining the battery if its not the alternator.

3 Replies

FLGIRL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I'm having the same problem with my 2000 Xterra. I first noticed it late last winter. During the summer it was fine, then this fall/winter, it starting acting up again. I replaced the battery last month, seemed fine. Until I came out from work today and it was completely dead! Wouldn't turn over, no lights or guages came on, NOTHING! Was jumpstarted, no problem - as soon as cables were connected, it started right up. Got home after a 30 minute commute, turned off the engine, immediately tried to restart it, and it was completely dead again.

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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 8:48 PM

NICK1979

MEMBER
1 POST

I had issues with my 2000 Nissan Xterra's battery too a couple years ago. One day it wouldn't start and had to get it jumped. I took it in to have it checked and they couldn't find anything wrong with the battery. I had it replaced anyway. Less than a year later It wouldn't start again. What was discovered was that the cables weren't properly tightened to the battery. After they were tightened, it started right up. I have no idea how this happened. If they got loose over time or what. I always got it serviced on schedule. Can't believe that it wasn't discovered by anybody. I since traded it in for a Toyota FJ Cruiser.

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Saturday, January 31st, 2009 AT 4:39 AM

FLGIRL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yep. That was the case. The terminal clamps had stretched over time. I actually needed a new battery the first go around, so the battery tester didn't lie. When it did it again, I was baffled. I stopped by AutoZone and the guy came out to look and instantly knew the issue because he had the same issue on one of his vehicles (not a Nissan). Just figured it out this past weekend, after months of turmoil and stress. Glad it turned out to be so simple!

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Monday, February 2nd, 2009 AT 3:25 PM