Not starting

Tiny
ZPATTERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.6L
  • MANUAL
  • 85,000 MILES
Over the last couple of years, I've had trouble with the car starting.

If it was left for a week or more, it wouldn't start when I got back to it and because I travel a number of times a year and need to leave it at the airport, I bought a Buture jump starter which works perfectly.

Lately the problem has gotten worse and if I didn't use it over the weekend, by Monday it wouldn't start. It now needs to be jump started or charged every day!

When I go out to the car in the morning, it needs to be jump started so I can get to work and by the evening, it needs doing again.

I also have a battery charger and when I've fully charged the car, it starts fine but after a day or two, it won't start again.

I went and had the battery checked and it came back as good. I also took off the negative cable, fully charged the car, put the cable back on and it started. I then took the negative cable back off and left it overnight. The next day I put the cable back on and it started. I was told this means the battery is okay and it could be the alternator. I didn't drive the car that day and the next morning it wouldn't start again.

I had a new battery fitted about 3 years ago and a part used alternator fitted about 2 years ago.

Any ideas on what it could be, or my next step would be much appreciated!
Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 1:31 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The battery can pass a load test but still drain itself over a short term from sulfation.

I attached a guide for you to test for a parasitic draw.

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

There should be no more than 50 to 75 milliamps drawn on the battery with everything off.

I would also check the charging system as well.

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

Roy
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 4:07 AM

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