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2020 QX60 Battery Draining Overnight - Parasitic Draw?

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:49 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Infiniti QX60 Luxe

My 2020 Infiniti QX60 Luxe has started having its battery die overnight or after sitting for a day or two. I've had the battery tested, and it shows good health and charges fine, but something is clearly drawing power when the car is off. I'm worried about getting stranded, especially as winter approaches.

I haven't installed any aftermarket accessories recently, so it's not an obvious culprit. The car starts perfectly fine if I drive it every day, but if it sits, it's dead.

Any ideas on common culprits for a parasitic draw in these vehicles? I'm trying to avoid a costly diagnostic if it's something simple.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:49 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

  1. Confirm Battery Health: Even if tested, ensure the battery is fully charged and load-tested again. A weak battery can struggle to hold a charge, especially in colder weather. Also, check the battery terminals for cleanliness and tightness.
  2. Test for Parasitic Draw (DIY): This involves using a multimeter to measure current draw from the battery with the ignition off and doors closed. Connect the multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the negative battery cable. After connecting, wait 20-30 minutes for all modules to "go to sleep." A normal draw is usually under 50mA.
  3. Isolate the Circuit: If the draw is high, start pulling fuses one by one (both under the hood and inside the cabin) while monitoring the multimeter. When the draw drops significantly, you've found the problematic circuit.

Common Causes for Parasitic Draw in Infiniti QX60:

  • Infotainment/Navigation System: Modules that don't properly shut down, or an internal fault in the head unit.
  • Bluetooth Module: Can sometimes stay active, constantly searching for devices.
  • Door/Trunk Switches: A faulty switch might keep a light or module active, thinking a door is ajar.
  • Body Control Module (BCM): A rare but possible internal fault in the BCM itself.
  • Alternator Diode Failure: A failing diode in the alternator can allow current to flow from the battery when the engine is off.
  • Aftermarket Accessories: Even if not recent, re-check any older installations for issues.

When to See a Shop: Diagnosing a parasitic draw can be time-consuming and requires specific electrical knowledge. If you're not comfortable with electrical testing, or if you can't isolate the circuit, a professional technician can use specialized equipment to quickly identify the source of the draw. They can also check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to low voltage or module communication issues that might point to the culprit, even if no CEL is on.

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