
Originally Posted by
SLC_S4
My battery is continuously dying.....so what do you guys think it is?
The battery is an Audi battery that I bought brand new a little over a year ago. The voltage never drops below 12 while I'm driving the car, but it always seems that if I don't drive the car for a day, it won't start the next day. If I jump the battery, I usually have the same problem the next time I go to start the car. If I charge the battery over night, I won't have any problems for awhile. Alternator bad maybe? Is there anyway to test that?
Since you were kind enough to help me out... Time to return the favor.
I had this exact same problem on my Cobra a while back. If it is indeed the same problem, it's called parasitic battery drain. I went through 4 batteries in a freakin year!
A parasitic drain is when an electrical device is using battery power when the car is turned off, and the ignition key removed. It's just like leaving your headlights on overnight. I noticed with my Audi that you can operate the radio with the ignition key removed, and that my Valentine1 stayed on as well. I unplug it now everytime I shut off the car.
Just think to yourself... Do you have any electrical devices that are hooked up to a constant wire, such as... radar detector, boost gauge that stays on with no key in the car etc.?
Here's how to test for Parasitic drain on your battery...
Tools you'll need:digital multimeter or ammeter, fuse puller, owners manual(for which fuse controls what) and an 8mm(or 10mm, can't remember) socket to take off the battery terminal
Here's a test procedure..
1.Remove the negative side battery cable from the negative battery terminal
2.Attach an digital multi-meter(on amperage) between the negative cable and the negative battery post. wait a few seconds to several minutes for the car to go into sleep mode. i.e. when you make the contact with the test light the cars computer systems "wake up" after a bit of time they will go to "sleep".
3.If the multi-meter is reading over 25-50 milliamps, something is using too much battery power.
4.Go to the fuse panel(s) and remove fuses, one at a time. Pull the main fuses (higher amp ratings)last.
5.Watch for the multi-meter to drop to acceptable drain. The fuse that reduces the drain is the draw. Consult the owners' manual or service manual to find what circuits are on that fuse.
6.Check each device (circuit) on that fuse. Stop each lamp, heater, etc. to find the drain
7.Repeat steps 1&2 to test your repair. The digital multi-meter will tell you exact numbers
*I didn't write that test, I stole it from google because I'm too lazy to type it all
That's just my guess, because I've experienced the same problem. It could be a loose ground I guess too, but... doubtful.
*I didn't mean to insult your mechanical appitude by posting the procedure, that was a just in case you didn't know kinda thing.
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