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2020 RDX A-Spec Battery Draining Overnight - Help!

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 24, 2:41 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec

Hey everyone, I'm at my wit's end with my 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec. For the past few weeks, I've been waking up to a completely dead battery. It started intermittently, but now it's almost every morning if I don't drive it for at least an hour the day before.

I've had the battery tested at two different auto parts stores, and they both say it's perfectly fine and holds a charge. I even replaced it just in case, but the problem persists with the new battery. I'm suspecting a parasitic draw, but I'm not sure where to even begin looking.

Has anyone else experienced this with their 2020 RDX or similar Acura models? Are there any common culprits for electrical drains on these vehicles? Any advice on how to diagnose this myself before I have to take it to the dealership?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 2:41 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A parasitic draw occurs when an electrical component continues to draw power from the battery even after the vehicle is turned off. This is a common issue and can be frustrating to diagnose.

Here’s how you can approach diagnosing a parasitic draw:

  1. Confirm the Draw:

    • Charge your battery fully.
    • Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable (ensure all doors are closed, lights off, and vehicle is asleep – this can take 15-30 minutes after locking).
    • A normal draw is usually under 50 milliamps (0.05 amps). If you see significantly more, you have a draw.

  2. Isolate the Circuit:

    • Once you've confirmed a draw, begin pulling fuses one by one from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin), while observing the multimeter.
    • When the amperage reading drops significantly after pulling a specific fuse, you've identified the circuit responsible for the draw.

  3. Common Culprits for Acura RDX:

    • Infotainment System/Head Unit: Faulty modules or software glitches can prevent the system from fully shutting down.
    • HVAC Blower Motor Resistor: Can sometimes stay partially active.
    • Door Lock Actuators/Switches: Stuck switches or faulty actuators can keep a circuit alive.
    • Aftermarket Accessories: Any non-factory installed electronics (dash cams, remote starters, audio systems) are prime suspects.
    • Faulty Relays: A relay stuck in the 'on' position will continuously draw power.
    • Body Control Module (BCM): Less common, but a failing BCM can cause various electrical anomalies.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable working with electrical systems, or if you can't isolate the draw after pulling fuses, it's best to take your 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec to a qualified automotive technician. They have specialized diagnostic tools (like thermal imaging for hot spots or advanced scan tools) that can pinpoint the exact module or component causing the issue. They can also check for any low voltage related OBD codes like P0562 (System Voltage Low) or U-codes indicating module communication issues, which might indirectly point to the problem. Addressing this promptly will prevent further battery damage and ensure reliable starts.

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