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2018 Outlander Battery Drain Overnight - Need Help!

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Dan C. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:35 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL

Hey everyone, I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL. For the past few weeks, if I leave it parked overnight, the battery is completely dead by morning. It's happened about 4-5 times now.

I've had the battery tested at AutoZone, and they said it's good. The alternator also checked out fine. I'm at a loss for what could be draining it. It seems to happen even if I make sure all lights are off and doors are properly shut.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Outlander? Are there any common electrical gremlins in these models that could cause a parasitic draw? Any advice on where to start looking would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealership.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:35 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A persistent battery drain, even after confirming the battery and alternator are healthy, strongly suggests a parasitic draw. This means something in your 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL is consuming power even when the vehicle is off.

Here's how to approach diagnosing and resolving this:

  1. Confirm the Draw:

    • Charge your battery fully.
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
    • Connect a multimeter in series between the negative battery post and the disconnected negative battery cable (set to Amps).
    • Wait 10-20 minutes for all modules to 'sleep'. A normal draw should be under 50mA (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 amperage drops significantly, you've found the circuit responsible. This narrows down the potential culprits.

  3. Common Causes for Parasitic Draws in Mitsubishi Vehicles:

    • Faulty Audio/Infotainment System: The head unit or amplifier might not be fully shutting down.
    • Hands-Free Link (HFL) Module: These modules can sometimes stay active or develop internal shorts.
    • Interior Lighting/Trunk Light: A light staying on due to a faulty switch or sensor.
    • Aftermarket Accessories: Any recently installed accessories (dash cams, alarms, remote start) can be a source.
    • Faulty Relays: A relay stuck in the 'on' position can continuously power a circuit.
    • Body Control Module (BCM): Less common, but a failing BCM can cause various electrical issues, including draws.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing electrical diagnostics with a multimeter, or if you've identified the circuit but can't pinpoint the exact component, it's best to take your Outlander to a qualified automotive electrical specialist or a Mitsubishi dealership. They have advanced diagnostic tools and wiring diagrams to quickly identify and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Ignoring a parasitic draw can lead to premature battery failure and potential damage to electrical components.

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