Battery draining?

MHINSATX

MEMBER
2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Battery keeps draining. Replaced battery, serpentine belt and alternator but issue remains. Using a voltmeter on 20-amp setting, the reading went from 22mA to 1or 2 mA after 90 minutes or so of being turned off. When I first cold start the Tribute, voltmeter shows 13.2 to 13.9 without a load. With load applied, it drops below 13.0 and doesn't go back up. I haven't physically checked the cabling. I also installed an aftermarket radio.

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

1 or 2 mA after 90 minutes is acceptable, so I am not sure if you have a drain, (mA milliamps, correct?) is the battery dead after a few days or overnight? This guide may help:

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 11:19 AM

MHINSATX

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello, I figured out what my problem was. I was not getting a good ground on my engine. Once I rectified this issue, my battery has been getting and staying charged. Thank you for your assistance.
MHinSATX

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Thursday, September 14th, 2023 AT 1:55 PM

KEN L