The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2018 Acura TLX V6 Battery Draining Fast - Parasitic Draw?

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:58 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Acura TLX V6

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2018 Acura TLX V6 with about 70k miles, and lately, the battery has been dying if the car sits for more than a couple of days. It's especially noticeable if I don't drive it over the weekend. I had the battery tested at AutoZone, and they said it's good, but it was low on charge.

I've tried checking for lights left on or anything obvious, but can't find anything. Could this be a parasitic draw, or maybe an alternator issue that's not charging it fully? I'm getting tired of jump-starting it every Monday morning.

Any ideas on what I should check next? Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:58 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a classic parasitic draw or a failing charging system. Since your battery tested 'good' but low, the issue is likely how it's being charged or discharged.

Here's how to approach it:

  1. Check Charging System:

    • Start your car and use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals. It should read between 13.5V and 14.5V. If it's consistently lower, your alternator might be failing to charge the battery properly. A common OBD-II code for this is P0562 (System Voltage Low).
    • Turn on all accessories (headlights, AC, radio) and re-check the voltage. It should remain above 13V. A significant drop indicates a weak alternator.

  2. Test for Parasitic Draw:

    • Ensure the car is completely off, doors closed, and all accessories are off. Wait about 15-30 minutes for all modules to 'sleep'.
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable (set to Amps). A normal draw is usually under 50mA (0.05A). If it's higher, you have a draw.
    • Start pulling fuses one by one while watching the multimeter. When the amperage drops significantly, you've found the circuit with the draw. Common culprits include infotainment systems, door lock modules, or even a faulty relay.

When to See a Shop:

If you're uncomfortable performing these electrical tests, or if you identify a high draw but can't pinpoint the exact component, it's best to take your 2018 Acura TLX to a qualified mechanic. They have specialized diagnostic tools to quickly identify parasitic draws and can test your alternator and starter more thoroughly. Ignoring this can lead to premature battery failure and leave you stranded.

Menu

Help & account