Issues with car starting up

[asix_er]

I recently changed the battery on my car as it is a 2003, i'm not sure if the battery was replaced by the previous owner. Today, for some odd reason it struggled to start up, but eventually it did. There was one case where after the start up the EPC and check engine light were lit up. What are the possible causes to this? Everyone's input is greatly appreciated.

[FrankA6]

Could be the starter or the alternator.

[V8weight]

Have you checked the voltage across the posts of the new battery? Sounds like a low voltage situation. Those two lights are indicative of a bad MAF sensor, but if the battery is reading below 12 volts, multiple sensors throughout the car will be sending implausible signals.

[asix_er]

Have you checked the voltage across the posts of the new battery? Sounds like a low voltage situation. Those two lights are indicative of a bad MAF sensor, but if the battery is reading below 12 volts, multiple sensors throughout the car will be sending implausible signals.

The voltage meter is between 12/16. I'm taking the car (if it's able to start up tomorrow) to my local indy. Those two lights only lit up once, and now during the start up, the lights on the dash don't immediately light up, like it's a struggle. I'm guessing it is the alternator

[asix_er]

The problem turned out to be the onstar option, looks like it crapped out and was draining the battery.....WTF

[asix_er]

Looks like the issue is back.... The battery still gets drained for some reason. It's a new Interstate battery that's supposed to crank out 850, but something is draining the battery completely. If the battery gets fully charged, after a weeks time it starts to die out and it struggles to start. I've been using the heated seats these days and at first my mechanic noticed that the heated steering wheel was draining some power so he took out the fuse. The fuse is still out and the problem still persists, anyone have any insight to what could be the mystery problem?

[fukinavit]

Looks like the issue is back.... The battery still gets drained for some reason. It's a new Interstate battery that's supposed to crank out 850, but something is draining the battery completely. If the battery gets fully charged, after a weeks time it starts to die out and it struggles to start. I've been using the heated seats these days and at first my mechanic noticed that the heated steering wheel was draining some power so he took out the fuse. The fuse is still out and the problem still persists, anyone have any insight to what could be the mystery problem?

easiest way i found to trace a parasitic drain or at least the circuit is to pull off your positive cable from the battery post and put a multimeter set to amps/current between the cable and post, then while its connected start pulling each fuse in turn, when your drain goes away or reading drops to zero you have found the problem circuit. then just identify whats in that particular circuit and go deeper. sounds like your drain is quite small so most cheapie meters can do this as they should be able to handle up to 10 amps or so. you could also use an amp clamp, but i find the meter in series is more accurate.

[A62TURBO]

easiest way i found to trace a parasitic drain or at least the circuit is to pull off your positive cable from the battery post and put a multimeter set to amps/current between the cable and post, then while its connected start pulling each fuse in turn, when your drain goes away or reading drops to zero you have found the problem circuit. then just identify whats in that particular circuit and go deeper. sounds like your drain is quite small so most cheapie meters can do this as they should be able to handle up to 10 amps or so. you could also use an amp clamp, but i find the meter in series is more accurate.

Great advice

[asix_er]

easiest way i found to trace a parasitic drain or at least the circuit is to pull off your positive cable from the battery post and put a multimeter set to amps/current between the cable and post, then while its connected start pulling each fuse in turn, when your drain goes away or reading drops to zero you have found the problem circuit. then just identify whats in that particular circuit and go deeper. sounds like your drain is quite small so most cheapie meters can do this as they should be able to handle up to 10 amps or so. you could also use an amp clamp, but i find the meter in series is more accurate.

That is great advice. Much appreciated!