We’ve been having a battery issue with a 2003 Accord EX Coupe. When the cars sits for a couple of days or more, the battery has discharged to the point where it cannot start. It's losing about .2V - .3V per day when it sits; after a 96 hour test battery voltage had dropped to 11.15V. It does not appear to lose any power when the battery is disconnected for 2-3 days. Tests at Advance Auto show that both the alternator (original) and starter (new) are functional. Alternator seems to charge the battery normally. Battery terminals are relatively clean and not corroded. Water level in the maintenance free battery is right to the top of the cells.
At first I had suspected a parasitic battery drain. However, tests with the meter hooked up in series show an initial 500mA - 750mA draw when the multimeter probes first make the connection, which then settles down to about a constant 35mA - 40mA draw, which as I understand it is normal for this vehicle. Opening the door turns on the interior lights and the reading jumps to a little over 2A. After closing the door and waiting for the lights to turn off, the level drops back to ~35mA - 40mA.
The manufacture date on the battery (Autocraft Gold) makes it 2 years old, and has been in use for about 21 months in the vehicle. Full charge seems to be a little low, about 12.4V, which may be due to it's age.
Any ideas, suggestions, or information would be appreciated. Thanks!
At first I had suspected a parasitic battery drain. However, tests with the meter hooked up in series show an initial 500mA - 750mA draw when the multimeter probes first make the connection, which then settles down to about a constant 35mA - 40mA draw, which as I understand it is normal for this vehicle. Opening the door turns on the interior lights and the reading jumps to a little over 2A. After closing the door and waiting for the lights to turn off, the level drops back to ~35mA - 40mA.
The manufacture date on the battery (Autocraft Gold) makes it 2 years old, and has been in use for about 21 months in the vehicle. Full charge seems to be a little low, about 12.4V, which may be due to it's age.
Any ideas, suggestions, or information would be appreciated. Thanks!