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2017 Regal Sportback No-Start After Sitting, Battery Drain Issue

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:43 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Buick Regal Sportback Essence

I have a 2017 Buick Regal Sportback Essence, and lately, if it sits for more than a day or two, the battery is completely dead. I've replaced the battery twice in the last six months, thinking it was just a bad battery, but the problem persists.

I've checked for obvious lights left on or accessories, like the glove box light or trunk light, but can't find anything. There's no check engine light or other warnings when the car is running, but it's incredibly frustrating to constantly jump-start it just to go anywhere.

Could there be a parasitic draw somewhere in the electrical system? How can I diagnose this without special tools, or at least narrow it down before taking it to an auto electrician? I'm at my wit's end.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:43 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer: Experiencing a dead battery after only a day or two, especially after replacing it twice, is a classic symptom of a parasitic draw. This means something in your 2017 Buick Regal's electrical system is consuming power even when the car is turned off.

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

  1. Tools Needed: A multimeter capable of measuring amperage (Amps).

  2. Initial Setup:

    • Ensure the car is fully off, all doors closed, and the hood latch is pressed (or fooled) so the car thinks it's completely shut down.
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
    • Set your multimeter to measure Amps (usually 10A or 20A range). Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the negative battery post and the negative lead of the multimeter to the disconnected negative battery cable. This completes the circuit through the multimeter.
    • Wait about 20-30 minutes for all vehicle modules to 'go to sleep.' Your reading should ideally be below 50 milliamps (0.05 Amps).

  3. Fuse Pulling Test:

    • If your reading is high, start pulling fuses one by one (from both under-hood and interior fuse boxes) while watching the multimeter. When the amperage drops significantly, you've identified the circuit where the draw is located.
    • Once you find the circuit, consult your owner's manual or a fuse diagram to identify which components are on that circuit.

Common Culprits for Parasitic Draws:

  • Infotainment System/Radio: Faulty head units or amplifiers can stay active.
  • Body Control Module (BCM): A failing BCM can sometimes prevent modules from shutting down correctly.
  • Aftermarket Accessories: Anything added to the car (remote start, alarm, dash cam) can be a source if wired incorrectly.
  • Glove Box/Trunk/Under-hood Lights: Even if you check visually, a faulty switch can keep them on.
  • Door Lock Actuators: Sometimes they can draw power if stuck or faulty.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing these electrical tests or can't pinpoint the circuit, it's best to take your Regal to an auto electrician or a dealership. They have specialized diagnostic equipment to trace parasitic draws more efficiently and accurately, especially for complex modern vehicle electrical systems.

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