Hi everyone! I’m having an issue that’s driving me nuts. I replaced my car battery about six months ago, and now my car dies almost every time I shut it off. I’ve been getting by with a portable jump box, but it’s frustrating.
I’m wondering what could be causing this besides the alternator. I’ve attached a picture of the battery, and it looks like it might be leaking? Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated!
Use a wire brush to clean your battery terminals and connectors. Sometimes it’s just bad connectivity. My neighbor had the same issue, and cleaning it up with dielectric grease saved the day.
Lilnim said:
Use a wire brush to clean your battery terminals and connectors. Sometimes it’s just bad connectivity. My neighbor had the same issue, and cleaning it up with dielectric grease saved the day.
Clean it up and take it to an auto parts store. They’ll usually check the battery and alternator for free. Maybe even show them the picture of what it looked like before cleaning.
What year is your car? I have a 2019 Outback, and my battery kept dying because of the Data Control Module (DCM). The dealership bypassed it under warranty and replaced the battery for free.
ToyoLeez said:
What year is your car? I have a 2019 Outback, and my battery kept dying because of the Data Control Module (DCM). The dealership bypassed it under warranty and replaced the battery for free.
ToyoLeez said:
What year is your car? I have a 2019 Outback, and my battery kept dying because of the Data Control Module (DCM). The dealership bypassed it under warranty and replaced the battery for free.
It’s a 2019, but I haven’t seen any recalls for this.
ToyoLeez said:
What year is your car? I have a 2019 Outback, and my battery kept dying because of the Data Control Module (DCM). The dealership bypassed it under warranty and replaced the battery for free.
Exactly this! I bought a used 2017 Impreza super cheap because the owner couldn’t figure out why the battery kept dying. Pulled the DCM fuse, and the problem was solved.
Start with a new battery, especially if it’s under warranty. If it’s defective, it should be replaced for free. After that, check the alternator with a multimeter to ensure it’s charging properly.
Buy a $5 battery terminal cleaning brush and clean the posts and cable connections. Use some connection grease and pads to protect it. While you’re at AutoZone, have them test your alternator too. It’s easy to replace if needed.
If your battery is from Costco, that might be the issue. Their Interstate batteries aren’t the same quality as those sold elsewhere, according to my Interstate rep.
My car does something similar. If I listen to the radio for 20–30 minutes with the car off, it won’t start. Might want to check how much draw your system has when idle.