Why is my car battery draining every night?
A failed diode in the alternator creates a closed circuit that drains your battery even when the engine is off. If you’re too busy during the workweek and can’t get to it until you’re off, some short term fixes are to disconnect the battery at night, and carry a portable jump starter in your vehicle.
Is my alternator killing my battery?
A defective alternator can kill a battery if bad diodes or an internal voltage regulator prevents it from charging the battery. Or a diode can leak, allowing current to flow after the vehicle engine is shut off. A worn or loose drive belt, or a weak belt tensioner, will also interfere with charging.
What causes a Volkswagen Beetle battery to drain?
Volkswagen Beetle: Battery Draining While Parked 1 Battery Cables. You’ll want to take a look at your Beetle’s battery posts where they bolt to the battery. 2 Bad Battery. When the battery drains when parked, the odds are that it’s the battery itself. 3 Alternator. 4 Beetle Battery Draining While Parked.
What to do if your VW wont start after a battery change?
Leave the cables disconnected for fifteen minutes If this doesn’t yield results, then you can try this alternative method to get your key to reprogram itself: Ensure that the battery is being charged with a charger Leave the key in the ignition with the battery on and the engine off for an hour
Why does my alternator not charge my battery?
Wiring Problem Even when the alternator is functional, if the wiring between it and the battery is damaged, it won’t keep the battery charged. A broken ground wire on the back of the alternator, a loose battery cable, or a faulty or dirty cable could prevent the alternator from providing an adequate charge.
What causes a car battery to charge while parked?
See: Battery Charging Procedure See: Charging System Test A battery discharging for no apparent reason while the vehicle is parked can be caused by an intermittent draw, such as a module waking up, or a continuous draw, such as a dome light or stuck relay.