1998 Dodge Avenger New Battery dies in 1 day

STEVE

MEMBER
1998 DODGE AVENGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
155,000 MILES

I had a 6 month old battery go dead. Auto Zone replaced it under warranty & checked the charging system, was OK. New battery dies unless you crank it every day. Checked for interior lights staying on & disconnected trunk light (was not staying on anyway) & disconnected cd changer in trunk. Does not have a glove box light. Interior lights time out when you close the door & the secuity lamp comes on & times out, although the drivers door switch is "flaky" but works.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Get an analog voltmeter remove the negative battery cable, attach the Black lead to the battery post, Red lead to cable end, then pull fuses one at a time, make sure there are no accessories or lights in the on position, Key off! Close the door have someone in the car, pull fuses one at a time after each fuse check meter, when you pull the fuse for the bad curcuit, the meter will drop to 1 volt or so. Check all fuses, even under the hood. If meter does not drop, remove the battery connection from the alternator, if it drops now, the diodes are bad in the alternator. Put the fuse back in were it goes as you go so you don't forget which fuse goes were! Wait several minutes after hooking up the meter before pulling fuses, test with a good battery!
https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/why_is_my_car_battery_dead_over_night.htm