Q: Several batteries died out

asked by on August 18, 2016

The car has an automatic transmission and has gone around 40,000 miles. It has been draining batteries for no apparent reason. I went to the dealership so that they would solve this problem but they didn't find out what causes this. I have already replaced several batteries. They just die out without any warning, so when I go to start the car and put the key in the ignition, I cannot get it out as the battery died. I'm very concerned to drive the car on any longer distance as I might get stranded somewhere. Do you have any idea what could cause this?

Alternator Replacement $166.62 - $1297.14 Get a Quote
Battery will not hold a charge Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The most likely causes are either a parasitic drain on the battery or a faulty alternator. The battery is basically just a storage device which must be constantly charged by the alternator. A battery that is partially discharged often will meet and early demise. If the alternator is OK, the next thing to do is check for a parasitic draw. Something inside the vehicle that is getting left or somehow drawing too much current, will eventually wear down the battery. A professional can check for this by placing an ohmmeter in series with the negative battery cable and checking the reading. I suggest you have your vehicle inspected firsthand to determine the true cause of the draining battery and extent of the problem. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option since we make house calls.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

fan blower slow to turn on
Thanks for writing in about your 2012 Suzuki SX4. The blower motor must of got water in it and has caused it to have a short internally. If you locate the blower and have it turned on but it doesn't...
Vehicle is shaking when braking from above 35 mph
Hi there. From what you're describing, the squeaking noise is common with a brake pad (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-pads-replacement) on the front of the vehicle that is wearing down to the wear indicator mark that is making contact with the rotor. This could...
Steering shaft problem - 1996 Chevrolet K1500
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Either you have gotten a steering column for a different year or model of Chevrolet truck, or the steering column was modified for another vehicle. You can change the shaft to match the vehicle...
Engine wont reach operating temperature
The first thing to check is to see if the cooling fan clutch is working properly. Start the engine when it is cold and rev the engine up to 1500 rpm and listen to the cooling fan to see if...
oil pressure sensor occuring on dashboard, oil change done yesterday no leaks, switched synthetic
Check your oil level to be sure it is adequate. Oil pressure can be checked and confirmed using an external gauge. If the pressure is normal based on a gauge reading, then the switch and/or circuit has a fault and...
WILL I MAKE IT HOME
You can continue to drive the car but just be sure to check the engine oil level on the dipstick to be sure it is adequate. Although you can drive the car back to Utah, keep in mind that YourMechanic...
Engine shuts off
Hi There, It sounds like you are describing the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) monitors the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on...
Did intake gasket. Car now bogs and stalls when started. Maf and misfire codes
Hello, thank you for writing in. Simply pulling the mass airflow sensor is not a good enough test. You will want to test it with a multimeter to get an accurate reading on how it is working. The symptoms you...
Car clicks but won't start unless jumped - just replaced battery two days ago.
it sounds like you may have a problem with the charging system not properly maintaining a charge on the battery. The clicking sound (usually very rapid) is a result of the battery not generating enough power to cause the starter...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Pilot
If If you’re in the market for a larger SUV, you might think that you have to resign yourself to a gas-guzzling monster like a Suburban or a Chevy Tahoe, but that’s really not the case. With the 2012 Honda...
2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2012 Mazda 5: Which One Should I Buy?
Passenger vans may be one of the most maligned classes of vehicles. From being called "Mom-mobiles" to being mocked extensively by those who have not experienced the comfort and ease of getting into and out of a van, vans just...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Farmer
If If you're a farmer, you know that what you need isn’t a used car – it’s a used pickup truck. How else are you going to haul around hay, implements, garden produce, fertilizer, and all the other things you...