Battery keeps draining

SK8ER247

MEMBER
2014 HONDA CRV
80,000 MILES

Battery drained last night. Jump started and was able to go to a local O’reily’s to diagnose. They reported my alternator working fine, battery was charging. My battery is 1 year old. They mentioned that the voltage regulator failed. I was able to start the car a few times last night without a problem. This morning I tried to start my car and the battery was drained again. Should I get a new battery or replace the alternator?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

The voltage regulator on this vehicle is integral to the alternator. Here is what I'm not understanding. If the alternator is charging, it sounds like the regulator is good unless it charge is too low or too high. Take a look through this test and let me know if you are comfortable doing them.

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

As far as the battery draining overnight, I need you to check for a draw on the battery. It's not hard to do. Here is a link showing how to do it:

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

If the battery draw is above the limits, remove the alternator fuse and see if the draw stops. If it does, chances are the is a faulty diode in the alternator allowing power to back feed through ground and drain the battery.

If that is the case, replace the alternator. Here is a link to get you started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Also, I attached replacement directions specific to your vehicle below.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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