Car shuts off randomly and unexpected?

2005 HONDA ACCORD

251,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC

AKH2019

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I got a new battery back in May just to replace the old battery because it was due for a new one (no car troubles before getting replaced). A few months after replacing it, it started draining overnight randomly. Nothing turns on no power but turns on and runs fine after jumping. We started making sure nothing was left on overnight to cause this, and it still continued to happen. So, we thought it was a faulty battery and had the battery replaced again for another new battery in October and also had the alternator tested at AutoZone just to check and they said the alternator is fine. This morning I drove my son to school, parked my car in the garage, and shut the car off. I notice I’m parked too close to the wall, so I get back in my car again and it won’t turn on. No power nothing despite having just driven it just seconds before.

Dec 8, 2023 at 11:58 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

That sounds like a connection issue. If there is no power to anything, first make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. If they are, then confirm the ground wire that runs between the battery and the engine block is in good condition and not loose.

The idea that you lost all power leads me to believe the problem is between the battery and either the fuse box or the grounds. If it was something different, I wouldn't think you would lose everything.

Here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Dec 8, 2023 at 10:06 PM

AKH2019

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thanks for the response and apologies for following up so late!

It was a loose terminal. All is well now, and very grateful it wasn't something that was going to cost me 100s or 1000s of dollars to fix!

Dec 29, 2023 at 11:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for the update, and no problem whatsoever on timing. LOL I had a feeling that was the cause based on your description. I'm glad it was something simple.

Take care of yourself, have a great New Year, and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe

Dec 29, 2023 at 8:47 PM

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