Car battery sometimes gets drained - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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Car battery sometimes gets drained

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dorpus
New User

Jan 22, 2013, 2:12 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1644 views)

Car battery sometimes gets drained	Sign In

Three times now, I've had the car battery get so low that I could not start. The first time, I had it towed to the shop. They couldn't find anything wrong with it, and just recharged the battery. The second and third times, I waited 15 minutes and the battery charged itself and the engine was able to start.

Apparently, something is causing a parasitic drain on the battery, but it only happens sometimes?? What could it be? I have a 2010 Kia Forte. I know my door was not ajar or anything like that.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 22, 2013, 4:28 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1598 views)

Re: Car battery sometimes gets drained	Sign In

There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.

You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 22, 2013, 4:28 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1594 views)

Re: Car battery sometimes gets drained	Sign In

No problem - you have a parasitic drain. Battery is now junk and you dang well should have a warranty from Kia.

Go that route and if not we are here to help.............. Tom

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