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2017 Regal Sportback Battery Drain / No-Start

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:48 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Buick Regal Sportback GS

My 2017 Buick Regal Sportback GS has been giving me headaches with a recurring battery drain. If I leave it parked for more than a day or two, the battery is completely dead. I've had the battery tested, and it's good, and the alternator is charging fine.

I've checked for obvious things like lights left on, but everything seems to be off. It's incredibly frustrating to come out to a dead car, especially when I need to be somewhere. I don't have any warning lights on the dash when it's running.

Has anyone else experienced a parasitic draw issue with their Regal? What are the common culprits for these cars? I'm trying to avoid just blindly replacing parts.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:48 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A parasitic battery drain can be one of the most challenging electrical issues to diagnose, as it involves finding a component that continues to draw power when the vehicle is off. For your 2017 Buick Regal Sportback, here's a systematic approach:

  1. Perform a Parasitic Draw Test:
    • Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable. Ensure all doors are closed, lights are off, and the car is 'asleep' (this can take 15-30 minutes after turning off).
    • A normal draw is typically under 50 milliamps (0.05 amps). Anything significantly higher indicates a problem.
  2. Isolate the Circuit:
    • Once you've confirmed a high draw, start pulling fuses one by one from the fuse box (both under the hood and inside the cabin) while monitoring the multimeter. When the draw drops significantly, you've identified the circuit responsible.
  3. Common Culprits for Buick/GM Vehicles:
    • Radio/Infotainment System: Sometimes the head unit or amplifier doesn't fully shut down.
    • OnStar Module: These modules can sometimes stay active or develop internal faults leading to a drain.
    • Body Control Module (BCM): The BCM controls many vehicle functions and can sometimes fail internally, causing a constant draw.
    • HVAC Blower Motor Resistor: A faulty resistor can cause the blower motor to run intermittently or draw power even when off.
    • Aftermarket Accessories: Any non-factory installed electronics (remote start, alarm, dash cam) are prime suspects.
    • Glove Box/Trunk Lights: Ensure these are turning off when closed.

When to See a Shop:

  • If you're uncomfortable working with electrical systems or performing the parasitic draw test.
  • If you've identified a circuit but can't pinpoint the specific component (e.g., the 'radio' fuse reduces the draw, but you're unsure if it's the head unit, amplifier, or another component on that circuit).
  • If the draw is intermittent or difficult to reproduce. Electrical diagnostics can be time-consuming and require specialized knowledge and tools, making it a good candidate for professional assistance.
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