I have a 2004 Acura RSX and about a month ago I go out to my car and the battery is dead. I try to jump it but it doesn't work. Turns out it is the original battery (and a rather cheap one with a pretty low cold crank on it), about 50k miles on it so I just decide to replace it.

I get the higher end one they have at Autozone and replace it myself, it works fine. I go out yesterday and it is dead again, not even a click. Both times I checked all the lights and stuff, and I can't see anything apparent that I left on. Another key component may be that I hardly drive it lately, maybe 5-20 miles on the weekend but other than that it just sits there.

Any ideas what could cause this on a new battery assuming I did not in fact leave any lights on or anything? Its under warranty but thought Id check before I took it in.

3/29/2008 7:52:04 AM

if its under warranty, then dont bother posting here. take it in. tell them the deal. might be a small drain.

check for recalls

3/29/2008 8:50:30 AM

You have three possibilities I can see (in order of likelihood):
1) you left a light on, shame on you
2) the new battery is bad, take it back
3) your alternator is going and the battery was dead when you parked it
4) the wiring in your car has developed a low-draw short which is draining your battery

To debug this situation, we need you to jump start the car and see that it keeps running for several miles and when you park it will start back up (if so, it is not #3).

After charging the battery by driving around awhile, park it, turn it off, and test the current draw of your car with an amp-meter. If you don't want to bother with that, then when you next park the car for a week first disconnect the battery and then reconnect it when the week is over. If it starts then you know it is #1 or #4. If it does not then you know it is #2.

If you know it is #1 or #4 then get an amp-meter and test how much power your car is consuming while parked (disconnect your hood lamp). If it is more than a tiny fraction of an amp and you cannot find any lights on then it is #4. Start pulling fuses until the power drain goes away, and you will generally know where the culpret is.

[Edited on March 29, 2008 at 8:53 AM. Reason : .,.]

3/29/2008 8:52:37 AM

^^ Well batteries are normally a maintenance item and not under warranties... so I was asking if it sounds like something other than the battery.

^ Thanks for something helpful.

3/29/2008 10:00:37 AM

It's something beyond the battery.. go to the dealer.

3/29/2008 10:22:22 AM