In this video I have a look at a Jeep that the customer complains about the battery going dead overnight. There are a few simple tests you can do to hone right in on the root cause of the problem. -Enjoy!
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50 thoughts on “How to fix a car battery that dies overnight”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Spicy Kicks Reviews says:

    Just bought a MK2 Supra damn thing dies every night gotta take it to a shop to get it fixed thanks for giving me some knowledge on this really needed it.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Corcoran says:

    good work, now find the drain in my2008 Chrysler wheel chair van please

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars KLR650 says:

    Great job. I really enjoy your sense of humor as you talk. Wish I had one of the fancy Snap-on meters, not necessary but very cool.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Johannemann says:

    Good job Ivan Jr lol 😂

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kristina Dorantes says:

    I'm so glad you found the problem I felt like I was there with you trying to fix the problem. in so proud of you. I feel like they should change the name from auto mechanic to auto mechanic scientist

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MICHAEL C. MURPHY says:

    How do I purchase tools & electronic test equipment from your site?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NICk AYIVOR says:

    SUBSTANTIAL
    Thanks 👍
    South Main Auto Repair
    From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clifford Buckman says:

    wow

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dano C. says:

    You're right, Ivan would have carefully taken that relay apart and cleaned it up and sprayed it with DeoxIT and slapped it back together and called it a fix with.. wait for it…… "No parts required"… Nah, he would have probably replaced it being a relay…

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nathan West says:

    kind of suspected a heated sensor, was certain of it when I saw the spike 😀
    kind of common on older VW
    but you're lucky if they even have a fuse for the maf
    had to fix the engine wiring harness of a T4 cuz they didn't put a fuse in and the whole thing melted
    some real frankenstein kind of fix that was, but it works now

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars steve g says:

    did the check engine light go out???? i have a similar problem with the same year jeep, but no check engine light. i think its something to do with the O2 sensor but i dont have a meter….

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars we live by video says:

    thanks for being straight shooter!! I hate dea;erships that overcharge and lie about what they have to do.. many blessings to you sir!!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Craig Miller says:

    Great class Eric. Thanks for teaching us your procedure for finding parasitic draws. I really appreciate your taking time to share your knowledge and skills with us. Great video.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars KidsandKarma says:

    When putting the meter in series with the negative cable of my car battery there is no draw at all. No amps are drawn, and no microamps are drawn. Meter reads Zero. The meter does work. Tested it on other things. Yet my battery is drawn down 2 volts overnight each night. My car is a 2000 Town & Country Chrysler minivan 3.8L. I have a brand new battery. This is the 3rd battery (new ones in a row) this has done this. What is going on?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars stuart c says:

    Very much like watching your video on electrics
    The process you go through
    determining the problem
    Great videos keep them coming
    👏👏👍🏻

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RV Van Life says:

    Thank you very much

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Randy Kudijaroff says:

    thanks!

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andy Bonneau says:

    Is the Relay Rebuilding Factory a sponsor? 😁

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1keykneedeep says:

    Its got the Big 4. Ohhhh nooooo

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars joe smith says:

    If its cold put it in warm house for a while!

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DEAN WATERS says:

    My three year old battery started to die overnight so I decided to replace it. I then noticed it had screw caps and thought i'd have a look in them. Well I'll be buggered if the electrolite wasn't below the plates. A top up from my water butt and the voltage climbed back up on its own, and now it's like new again.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Randazzo says:

    Just wondering.. My 2018 GMC Sierra is charging at 14.5- 14.8 volts.. seems excessive to me but dealer says normal. Appreciate your opinion Thx.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Medford says:

    Love watching diagnostics

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bart Goins says:

    If you scanned it to see why the "Check Engine" light was on, would you see a code for the bad relay?

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ghhtrainmaster says:

    My dad didn’t drive his car much. The battery was dead every time he needed to go somewhere..Discovered that the light in the trunk was on all the time .

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Uncle J says:

    I would need a video to explain how to use all his testers before I could do anything.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Shade Tree Mech says:

    "The classic tape over the engine light" lol.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JesusBot Superbot says:

    why would i have 3 cords of wires going into my positive post on 96 dodge dakota, its like the dude switched the battery, i dont like how it is hooked up, is this normal? i charged it n suddenly a full tank of gas and it was charged to no charge full gas gage

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dorthea Burnett says:

    HELP!!! I’m tired of buying batteries!😩WHERE ARE YOU AT? I CAN’T FIND A MECHANIC that KNOWS ANYTHING OTHER THAN SELLING ME ANOTHER BATTERY!

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric Beard says:

    My names Eric, I'm a Saab guy but I watch this channel…

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MarvTV says:

    "HON-DOO"…I remember this from a '70s or '80s movie about UAW guys losing their jobs (if I remember that correctly…?)

    WHAT MOVIE WAS THAT?!

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gary hall says:

    Could a high amp draw on 02 heater have caused relay to stck or weld it's self together ? And could the heater circuit have caused the check engine light ? As I didn;t see that you might have pulled any codes.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Craigy Waigy says:

    I'm still chuckling at the "…that's why I don't work at a relay rebuilding factory folks!" – good craich! – Best wishes from the Highlands of Scotland. 🙂

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars It's a Dogs life... says:

    Re decaying currents, its not only resistance (heater) elements that can do that. Eg, any device with a large electrolytic capacitor can do the same thing, ie, high current inrush with rapidly decaying current draw. Examples: Sub woofer during "power-on" likewise power amps etc. Too many people think that wiring them directly to the battery is required for minimal voltage loss to there amp / sub woofer. Should use a 40 ~80 amp relay.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hawk 1966 says:

    I got a charge out of your currently pun, ohm my that was punny!

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MacGyver 2 says:

    Interesting diagnosis technique.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars guy azbell says:

    NASA should hire Mr.O

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tyree says:

    Why is the problem always the last thing you checked!?!
    ☝🙄

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Bynum says:

    Love Love Love this channel. Curious if the fixed relay cleared the CEL? 🤔🤔

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nathan Weissel says:

    What’s an average acceptable amount of parasitic draw on a vehicle?

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Morris says:

    I had my battery tested 4 years ago by O'Reilly Auto Parts and was told then that I had 20% left on the battery. To this day I am still driving around on the same battery. Don't replace what ain't broke.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Elaine Russell says:

    Ur such a joke u over charge I brought my car too u it never ran right I had to trade it in u suck

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MR MOoLA says:

    Thinking about how many multi million dollar cars that were scraped due to electrical issues in the 90's

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cathode follower says:

    Amazing.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Kubash says:

    In 40 years wrenching I never thought of measuring voltage drop across a fuse. Thanks for the good tip!

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wenbiao Liang says:

    currently

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis C says:

    What components have a heater? O2 sensor, MAF sensor-what else?
    Maybe draw could be found by working backwards. Usual suspects?

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Mallard says:

    Good timing..i have to find a drain on my 98 Jeep GC soon….it is not used right now but i gotta get it ready by next month… I already know the steps but good to get refreshed on it just before attacking it…
    You must read minds??

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Mallard says:

    We used to figure out how much cigarette metal foil was the correct amperage when it blew a fuse ….i didn't smoke myself but had fun doing that …

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Mallard says:

    Is the tape over money light to stop the " glare " or for when cops look in your car when your pulled over?
    Our province doesn't care ( yet ) about that until you go for an inspection… But i think i heard that you get ticketed in some areas??

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