wrclapham

My F-I-L is definitely a short distance driver. The typical drive ranges from 10 to 40 minutes round trip every few days (he is 84.) I doubt he ever gets above 40 mph.

Your suggestion is similar to the dealer in that they said just parking it in the driveway and running it for 20 minutes will not recharge the battery. If his type of driving in this model is not enough to keep the battery charged, I am at a loss. The good news is that he has not had any incidents in the last two weeks.

wrclapham

Thanks, all suggestions are worth reviewing. Someone else suggested checking the car in the dark to see if any light was shining in under the hood, inside the car, or in the trunk. I checked for light (none) and also listened for any sounds while the car was idle in the garage, based on another finding that an evaporator motor (?) was running more than it should, but I did not hear anything.

I do have a handheld infrared scanner and could check for hot spots. I am hoping that since the car has not had any starting problems for about two weeks that maybe it is okay. My F-I-L will never leave the car for long periods such as an airport, his driving profile is fairly sedate.

qlaval

Just back from a 30 days vacation, car started on first try. More the key FOB was about 20 feet from my car.

01ESgray

I am fighting the same problem with my 2001 ES. When I turn the key off the fuel pump stays on. It is difficult to hear unless in a quiet garage.

delfini34

Have battery and alternator tested. Any of the national auto supply stores will do it for free. Next check for a "parasitic drain". This is likely the source if the battery checks out. YouTube can show you the method to do this.

01ESgray

I found that I had a bad relay. One of two that powers the fuel pump stayed energized after removing the key.

Arty101

Removing key or powering down?

Mike728

I think they still had a key in '01. He posted in the wrong forum.