Ron81

Hi guys,
I had my car sit for about 1.5 month's and the it won't start, I had to jump the car and then I cleaned the battery terminals and added little bit of distilled water and it's starting with no issues since then (only couple days so far) although I I keep the terminal disconnected when I park at home overnight, as I have a fear it may drain again. Battery is about 4+ yrs old , it's good brand and good ccu,cu, rc. Car is from Midwest but now in California.

is there any suggestions on how to check if the drain is normal while car is not running. Or it could be sign of something else?

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Yes, to check you need to check the amperage using a multimeter hooked up inline with the battery (with car off), unlike wiring it parallel if you were to measure voltage of the battery.

My usual culprits are aftermarket equipment such as alarm/remote starts, GPS trackers, and sound equipment.

05RX330AWD

It would be best to test the battery under load, some retailers offer the service free of charge.
Also try to hook up the battery normally, not unhook it overnight to see if there is some Parasitic Draw overnight.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Our rx350 needed a new battery every three years. Take the car to a place like Autozone for a free diagnostic of the battery and charging system. They connect a device to the battery and ask you to do a variety of things like start the car, turn on all lights and a/c, etc.

There have been a couple threads about parasitic draws. As Lexuswiz stated the culprits have been LoJack type devices and aftermarket audio auxiliary inputs.

Ron81

Only electric aftermarket item I can think of is fm transmitter and mobile charger cable. I am pretty sure they turn on only when ignition is on.but I will unplug them while sitting overnight and get the battery tested. Only thing at the retailer, they try to scare and sell their products. so I don't trust easily but will see couple different places ..

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

That I understand, the free battery testing at the autozone's I've been too near me are fishy. Your best friend is a multimeter and if the funds allow, a digital battery tester.

mylexbaby

Draining out a car battery is one of the worst things to do to it. Instead of trying to test it for reassurance, consider using a trickle charger when it is parked (the kind that plugs into the cigarette lighter is easier than disconnecting the battery each time).

The charger keeps the battery 'topped off' and should give you a bit of a warning when the battery is failing. Then you know to change it.

Btw, 4 years isn't young in battery terms. Many new batteries come with prorated warranties, with only about 50% value after 3 years in service.