Electrical short during hot weather, intermittently loses power while parked

2006 HONDA ACCORD
208,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HUNTER7328
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Once I get it started it runs fine, and the problem always manifests itself while parked. Sometimes I have to use the key to open the door because the keyless entry has no power. Then I try to start the car and sometimes it starts right up. But it's inconsistent because sometimes everything is fine. Twice the power was fully not working, and then I'd lightly bump the steering wheel and the power came on immediately and started right up. This all occurs when the temperature outside is hot, like in the high 90's and 100's. But today, the temperature was 80 - 85 degrees, and no problems i.e. no power loss.

I've been tightening wire connections and checking relays. Haven't found the issue yet. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
Jun 27, 2022 at 10:33 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,273 POSTS
This sounds like dirty battery cables which are right on the edge of not working entirely. Also, I would like to load test the battery which you can do with no tools by following these guides:

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

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
Jun 28, 2022 at 3:49 AM
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