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Battery draws down over night

Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,000 MILES
Had battery replaced but it did not solve the issue. Diagnostics could not find the problem, checked and recharged and it died over night. It seemed to happen in the rain, but now it happens all the time. I bought and it is being installed a way to turn off battery over night, but it is a hassle I do not care for.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 9:43 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hello JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER ,

While the site experts are going through the questions here is a link to an article on this site for you to check out on how to fix a battery that goes dead overnight. I hope this helps you. An expert will be answering you question shortly.

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

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros and have a great rest of your day!

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Everything on the link you sent has been checked. It is believed it has something to do with the fuse panel. It is very labor intensive to check it as the left fender has to be removed to get to the cable that goes into the car. Or, cut and re-connect each little wire. Before this all started the check engine light stayed n all the time, and after a bad storm and being buried in snow for two days it went out. Could this be part of the problem? Where the short or whatever might be?
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 AT 6:30 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
What is the current draw with key out and doors closed?
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Sunday, February 26th, 2017 AT 4:07 AM
Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
6 volts
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Sunday, February 26th, 2017 AT 7:40 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Current drew is measured in amps, attach an Amp meter between battery pos (+)and battery Pos (+) cable key off and doors closed, amp reading should be around.2 amp if higher start pulling fuses one at a time to isolate the high draw circuit, can you do this and get back to me with what you find.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 2:18 AM
Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I guess I was in error - the mechanic said 6 whatever not volts? I don't know. This all started after the check engine light went out on its own ie I didn't do any fixes to get it to go out. I now have a disconnect on the ground terminal but I find it a bother. Having to pop the hood and turn the knob on or off. I thought it would be just over night but I was told to do it if it was going to be parked for 2+ hours after a short trip?
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 7:42 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If check engine light is on have it scaned for codes auto parts does for free. if no codes then start a parasitic draw test which you can do with a voltmeter see link. if no draw is shown a mechanic will have to use his scanner to see what is causing the problem . see link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 7:53 AM
Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It went out when I got snowed in for three days - hasn't come back on
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
I am wondering if the battery is the problem itself. can you run this test to see if it passes?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please run this test and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken

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Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It's brand new - I thought that initially, so I replaced it
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Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
When you connect the battery on the negative side is that a large spark?

Let me know
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Friday, March 3rd, 2017 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
JUDI BRANNAN ARMBRUSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 214,000 MILES
Recently I contacted you about a drain on my battery, I never found out what it was, but it just stopped on it is own. Perhaps moisture affecting the alternator. Well the constant on check engine light went off and has not returned as well. Anyway thanks for your attempts to help
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Monday, April 17th, 2017 AT 5:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
Hello,. it could have been a sticky electric seat switch as well.

Here is a guide to help you see what potential problems it could be.

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

Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help and tell a friend.

Best, Ken

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Monday, April 17th, 2017 AT 5:00 PM (Merged)

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