Replaced battery three times in five years

Tiny
KREEGWR
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 63,000 MILES
Car purchased 11/17.
12/20 drove from home to Middle School, no problems getting there. However, when I tried to restart the car, I was unable to start. Dash lights flicker, get clicking sound trying to start. Got a jump, immediately drove it to Interstate Battery in hometown. Testing showed the battery needed to be replaced (not completely surprising since battery was 3 years old). Did so with an Interstate battery.
4/22 in Fort Myers, FL, getting ready to return home from winter stay. Loaded up the car on one day, so car was open and closed multiple times. Not aware if any lights were left on overnight. The next morning was unable to start the car, same symptoms as above. Jumped the car successfully, immediately drove it to the Interstate Battery store in Fort Myers. Testing of the battery seemed to indicate the battery was okay, but they decided to replace it anyway.
6/11/22 (last Saturday) drove the car to golf course, no problems. However, when I finished playing, I was unable to open the rear hatch with the key fob. Thought maybe the battery had drained. However, when I tried to start the car, it again failed with the same symptoms. Was able to jump-start it. I took it to Interstate Battery on Monday, 6/13. Battery checked out as being completely okay.
6/16/22 Took car to local Honda dealer. Ran diagnostics, etc. No problems found nor indicated in computer readouts.
Any ideas what to look for?
Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 12:40 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

If the battery is good, we either have a loose connection at the battery, something is draining it, or the alternator isn't keeping up.

First, take a look through this link and perform the simple checks:

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

If that checks good, I need you to test the alternator output. To do this, all you need is either a voltmeter or a multimeter. Here is a link explaining how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

After testing the alternator, let me know what voltage readings you got.

If these tests indicate everything is okay, then we have a draw on the battery. Let me know what you find, and I will continue if needed.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, June 17th, 2022 AT 9:02 PM

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