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2018 TLX Battery Draining Overnight - Parasitic Draw?

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:42 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

Hey everyone,

I'm having a persistent issue with my 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec. The battery keeps draining completely overnight, sometimes even after just a few hours. I've already replaced the battery with a brand new one, thinking that was the problem, but it's still happening.

I'm suspecting a parasitic draw somewhere in the electrical system. Has anyone else experienced this with their TLX? Are there any common modules or components in these cars that are known to stay awake and drain power? It's really frustrating to wake up to a dead car every other day.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:42 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Battery drain issues in modern vehicles like your 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec are often caused by a parasitic draw, where an electrical component continues to consume power even when the vehicle is off. Here's a breakdown and what to do:

  1. Identify the Cause:

    • Common Culprits: In Acura vehicles, common sources of parasitic draws can include the hands-free link (HFL) module, infotainment system components, navigation unit, or even a faulty door lock actuator or interior light that isn't turning off completely. Aftermarket accessories are also frequent causes.
    • OBD-II Codes: While parasitic draws don't always trigger specific OBD-II codes, a persistent low voltage condition might eventually lead to codes like P0562 (System Voltage Low).

  2. How to Test for a Parasitic Draw (DIY):

    • Preparation: Ensure all doors are closed, lights are off, and the car has been 'asleep' for at least 15-30 minutes (some modules stay active for a while after shutdown).
    • Method: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable (set to measure amps, typically 10A or 20A range). A normal draw should be around 20-50 milliamps (0.02-0.05 amps). Anything significantly higher indicates a problem.
    • Fuse Pulling: Start pulling fuses one by one from the under-hood and interior fuse boxes. Watch the multimeter; when the amperage drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible for the draw. This narrows down the faulty component.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • If you're uncomfortable performing the parasitic draw test yourself, or if you can't pinpoint the exact circuit after pulling fuses, it's best to take your TLX to an Acura dealership or a reputable automotive electrical specialist.
    • Specialized diagnostic tools can help identify module communication issues or specific components that are failing to enter sleep mode, which can be complex to diagnose without professional equipment.
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