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2017 Q50 Red Sport 400 - Persistent Battery Drain Issue

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Jennifer H. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:06 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2017 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. For the past few weeks, the battery keeps dying if the car sits for more than a day or two. I've replaced the battery twice, and even had the alternator tested, which came back fine. It's not the original battery, so I'm ruling that out.

I've checked for obvious things like lights left on, but everything seems to be off. Could this be a module staying awake, or some kind of parasitic draw? I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out what's draining it. Any ideas on where to start looking or common culprits for these cars?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:06 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A persistent battery drain, even after battery and alternator replacement, strongly suggests a parasitic draw. This means a component or module is staying active and consuming power when the vehicle is off.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Confirm Parasitic Draw: Use a multimeter to measure the amperage draw from the battery with the car off and all doors closed (wait 15-30 minutes for all modules to 'sleep'). A healthy draw is typically under 50mA (0.05A). If it's higher, you have a draw.
  2. Fuse Pull Method: With the multimeter still connected and showing a high draw, systematically pull one fuse at a time from both the under-hood and cabin fuse boxes. When the amperage drops significantly, you've identified the circuit causing the draw.
  3. Identify the Component: Once the circuit is found, consult your owner's manual or a service manual to identify which components are on that circuit. Common culprits include the infotainment system, navigation module, door lock actuators, trunk light, or even a faulty remote keyless entry module.
  4. Check for Aftermarket Accessories: If you have any aftermarket alarms, stereos, or other electronics, these are often prime suspects for improper installation leading to draws.

Common Causes for Infiniti Q50 Parasitic Draws:

  • Infotainment/Navigation System: These complex systems can sometimes fail to power down correctly.
  • Door Lock Actuators: A faulty actuator can continuously try to lock/unlock, drawing power.
  • Trunk or Glove Box Light: A switch that's stuck 'on' can keep a light illuminated, draining the battery.
  • Body Control Module (BCM): Less common, but a failing BCM can prevent other modules from sleeping.

When to See a Shop:

If you're uncomfortable performing electrical diagnostics or cannot pinpoint the source of the draw after trying the fuse pull method, it's best to take your Infiniti to a qualified technician. Diagnosing parasitic draws can be time-consuming and requires specific tools and expertise, especially if the issue is intermittent or involves complex module communication problems. They can use advanced diagnostic tools to monitor module sleep states and identify the exact component at fault.

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