My '99 Dodge Avenger loses battery power if left over a day or two without being driven. I had the battery, alternator, voltage regulator, etc. checked at two different places, and everything was perfect. When it was dark, I checked everywhere for a stray light or anything that was left on, both inside the car, in the trunk, and under the hood. But there were no lights shining anywhere.
I kind of hear a spark sound when I start the car sometimes, but I don't know if it's somehow related.
What could be draining my battery?
2007-11-20 12:01:52 · 9 answers · asked by Chris J 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Your battery may be failing to hold a charge. Now you said that you had it checked at two places and all was fine. Well by the time you have driven it to those places, the alternator had a chance to charge up the battery to where it was supposed to be, hence, the tests showed to be ok. I would suggest that you remove the battery and take it somewhere that has a load tester to test your battery when your car has had a day or two to sit. Everyone else is saying you have a short in the electrical system. that cant be so because if you did, you would be blowing fuses.
2007-11-20 12:13:15 · answer #1 · answered by bobby 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Make sure everything is off (car not running) and install an ammeter (use a multimeter which will give you range select capability) in series with a battery lead and then make sure everything is turned off again.. Read the meter. If there is a current drain, the meter will show it. Then you can start removing fuses one at a time to determine what circuit is causing the current drain. Inserting a meter will also resolve the question of whether it is a real drain or some anomaly in the battery.
The "spark" sound you mentioned may be the sound of the starter solenoid kicking in when you turn the ignition switch.
2007-11-20 12:13:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Having been a car mechanic for more years than I care to remember, I would point the finger at the Alternator.
An Alternator stays always live. If only one of the diode in the diode bridge is busted, it will let the current go through backward, producing a magnetic field who is undetectable with conventional equipment but will very quickly drain your battery.
The way to find out is to feel the alternator after only few minutes engine running. If it gets hot very quickly or becomes a big magnet when you bring a tool close to it, Then it means it is busted and need replacing.
2007-11-20 12:16:59 · answer #3 · answered by Trucky 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
After using the car, have a mechanic attach an ammeter on one of the battery terminals. If there is significant current flow (with all lights an accessories OFF) the electrical system could be grounded somewhere. Removing the fuses one by one will pinpoint the problem area.
If ammeter indicates minimal current flow, problem is with battery. It is discharging internally, perhaps on just one cell.
2007-11-20 16:58:13 · answer #4 · answered by JamesArzadon 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nothing may be. Take your battery to an Auto zone or someplace that will check it for free. I had a pickup that used to do that and the battery checked to be good. I bought a disconnect that attaches to your battery at walmart for about 4 dollars and just disconnected it if I wasn't going to use it for awhile. Fixed the problem, but not the cause.
2007-11-20 12:08:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Based upon past experience, it sounds as if you have a short in the electrical system. If you get that tested, and they say thats not it, go somewhere else and get a second opinion. It may be from an accessory rarely checked, such as the clock- mine was.
2007-11-20 12:11:40 · answer #6 · answered by Wendy S 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
sounds like a short. The parts you mentioned should be tested individually for a more accurate reading, Not when its all together. Good luck
2007-11-20 12:11:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You probably have a short in the ignition. Talk to a mechanic that does free diagnostics.
2007-11-20 12:07:48 · answer #8 · answered by remi50125 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is possible that you have a bad starter with a selonoid that's stuck when the car is off. It could also be a short in your wiring.
Good luck.
2007-11-20 12:13:37 · answer #9 · answered by Felix R 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋