[markismail]

For the last several years, my 2010 3.5 Altima has surprised me every few months by draining the battery from 12.6 volts to 8 or 9 volts overnight.
Nox Vidmate VLC
Replaced battery - same problem. Check voltage after driving an hour, shut down engine - voltage is over 12. Next morning, voltage can be 7, 8, or 9 volts. Have to jump the battery to start; charging system checks out fine.

So today I decided to check battery drain. Disconnect battery negative cable, put ammeter leads between battery negative post and car's negative cable.

Drain is around 200 mA. That's way too high - should be closer to 20-40 mA. Pulling each fuse (under hood and under dash) one at a time, drain remains around 200 mA - except the second "Meter" fuse removal lower drain from 200 mA to 120 mA. Still way too high.

Something's pulling over 100 mA 24/7. If car sits overnight, sometimes voltage is almost cut in half.

Has anyone had a similar problem with "phantom battery drain"? Is there a system which can go on by itself, or one that may not show an "active" light on the dash panel?

EDIT: car has a Bose sound system. I've heard from several Nissan forums that some Bose systems can draw power 24/7, whether in use or not.

Thanks.
Tom M.
2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 sedan

I disconnected alternator but the drain current stayed the same. What else could be the problem?

 

[VStar650CL]

Drains in the alternator will usually show up in the field circuit and not the main terminal, so you have to check both individually. Pull the 3-pin connector, then reconnect that and disconnect the main. Keep in mind, no draw test means anything until the car has spent 30 minutes with no electrical activity, ignition off, fobs removed from the car, doors closed (or door switches disabled). Readings before that point are essentially meaningless.

 

[Skelly]

I thought I was the only one with this issue! I have a 2009 Maxima. I LOVE it except for this darn parasitic drain! I've had it 5 years and on the fourth battery now. We returned one within the first 60 days because we thought it was a bad battery. Nope. If I don't run my car 10+minutes every few days, it's dead. A year of that and it's time for a new one. I'll be taking it to a dealer this week. I REALLY hate the thought of getting rid of my car but I can't depend on it and I even keep a charger in it at all times.