Electrical system question
 

Hi all

I have a problem (I think) with my 09 Acura TSX (I know, wrong forum)

It's drained 2 batteries in the last 5 years to the point where I can't jumpstart the car

Using a multimeter, I am seeing 12.3V at the battery terminals (new battery 2 days old) when the car is off. WIth the car running (idle), I am seeing 14.3V. The car does 5 to 20 minutes drives usually

I cannot detect a parasitic electrical drain (maybe I am doing it wrong) -- any ideas?

Thanks

To check for parasitic drain, you need to monitor the current (amps) draw on the battery with the ignition off. You measure current in series with the battery, not across the terminals (parallel) like voltage measurements. Set your DVM to the mA or A range, disconnect one side of the battery and put your meter in series.