In this video we diagnose a parasitic draw on a Honda Odyssey that is causing the battery to go dead overnight. There are many methods that can be used to do this and you will want to chose the best method for your particular vehicle. -Enjoy!
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using "Patreon" to help support us. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills. CLICK HERE: https://www.patreon.com/southmainauto
THANKS A MILLION!!
--Eric O.
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: https://www.paypal.me/SouthMainAuto
The South Main Auto Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/southmainautorepairavoca
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: https://www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=affiliate_go&affiliateID=2525b91fc8e906e8215984074c9d9e8f&go=
WANT AN "SMA" STICKER OF YOUR OWN!?!
Simply send and E-mail to SMAstickers @outlook.com including: your shipping address and e-mail address in the text, I in turn will send you a Paypal invoice for $5 each USA or $6 each international. Let me know how many you want and as soon as the Paypal invoice is paid I will ship them out ASAP! Thanks for your support of our channel!!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair

49 thoughts on “Diagnosing battery draw battery goes dead overnight”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RetroNostalgia says:

    Hey Eric, great video. I heard your tip about never putting customer keys in your pocket, where would you recommend leaving them when you're not working on that car?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jaime Mendoza says:

    Great videos! I’ve picked up a lot of good info from your videos that have helped me keep my vehicles running and saved me lots of $$$. Regarding a parasitic drain issue I’m having on a 2009 Civic, what would you recommend as far as a low current amp clamp and possibly an inexpensive hand held scope-digital multi meter. I’ve been looking online and at videos and not sure what to buy. Once again , I read the comments, and it’s very obvious that you have a large following due to your excellent videos and the way you explain things. Thanks!

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mario García says:

    Hello, good morning, I am contacting you, to be able to comment on the following situation that occurs in my vehicle, it was presenting an electronic problem, without knowing I changed the battery, and nothing, I went on to change the alternator regulator, and well, I I bought, it charges over 14.5V, and I considered the fault finished, one day cleaning the interior, I left the radio on, while I cleaned, and nothing after a few minutes, the voltage began to drop, less to less, until that the battery discharged at that moment, I was surprised because that had never happened to it, I did another test, with the battery charged again, I gave the contact, after a short time, equal to less than less, that in a moment the battery goes, I recharge it, install it, and leave it connected for approximately 2 months, until I realized that the red alarm light was not flashing, I checked it and discharged, that did not happen in the past either, did the current leakage test with the multimeter, because I told myself what And this would have to be a current leak, it is the logical thing to think, and what was my surprise, that the value it gave is 0.02, with the battery just charged, so there is no current leak, and then what is happening to you?, I have explained everything to you with hairs and bones, to see if you could help me determine the cause, because I do not understand it nor do I know what else to do, regarding what I am explaining to you, I await your prompt clarification, please, greetings.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Haritick says:

    Thanks! This was so very helpful. First, I checked if the driver side door would open– no dice! Then, cycling the fuel hatch yielded no clicking back there. So, I thought, easier to pull the speaker than dig out the fuse box. The relay felt warm… Bingo. Thanks again

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Brosius says:

    Well at least you can say it wasn't the last fuse you checked

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Armando Holmes says:

    I'm tired of jumping battery every 2 days what's the correct price to fix

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Armando Holmes says:

    Hello sir great job…did you ever fix the dr…My 3004 oddessy his having same issues…gas tank …and sliding dr not working..is that the cause for sure of battery drain u think..I talked to Honda and they say $1200 to fix which is ridiculous…whats the correct fair price?

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nuts and bolts says:

    Great info I appreciate it 😊

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leslie Philp says:

    My 2002 odyssey has the same issue. Wish you weren’t 4 hours away from NYC else I would have you repair my car. Any office in the city?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Art Lunde says:

    A lot of magnets from Rock Auto.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Paquettw says:

    hi i love your show also is that your wife listens for the sounds she is very pretty

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug King says:

    The info and details about wiring is very very helpful thanks brother

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Timothy Strees says:

    Thanks for the multiplication tip. Never thought of that. Will be trying it next time I have the clamp out.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Filiberto Cavazos says:

    Thank you so much for your detailed video. Very helpful 👍

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John White says:

    She is not old but Hot as I can see.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David WEUM says:

    Currently I have to take off the neg cable when not using car no draw obviosly. I've ordered an "isolation swtch" ($14 including shipping).
    I'll continue to try pulling fuses. I guess I put my multimeter on 200 amps, but it DID NOT seem to work last time. I wish I had help to get to proper multimeter settings.
    My battery is in the trunk of my Saturn.
    But, it's not a bother to take of neg cable and soon, twist off/on my isolator swtch soon to be installed.
    Finally, I spoke with my favorite mechanic yesterday and he said finding a "parasitic draw" is not his specialty!
    I must get 6 – 8 ft cables attached to my trunk battery and tape on multimeter on front window (at correct settings) so I can see which fuse is causing the drain…..my suspicion is radio and interior clock & ceiling light, but it could be more. I'm obsessively trying!
    I bought a Haynes manual to increase my knowledge.
    ITS VERY TOUGH WORK FOR A DYI'er, but I watch everything on YouTube for ideas and especially. how to use a multi meter plus long cords to see changes on windshield to see if I found that parasitic draw after pulling the correct fuse..
    But, if that fails I'll take it into a shop!

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Townclownsunite says:

    "Like an old cow"

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Electric says:

    Can you answer why a special charger is needed to charge AGM batteries
    even though they are charged in car by the same source that charges all
    types of batteries without issue? So why is a special charger needed?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JOHN MEYER says:

    You have done this multiple times and I have watched them all. My '03 Avalanche developed a parasitic loss and caused me to use your methods. I never traced to the exact circuit, but eliminated so many possibilities I decided to replace the gang window, door lock, mirror switch on the driver's door. The switch has gradually lost function over three years ( it isn't a daily driver). I unplugged the switch while I waited for the new one to come in. Checked the battery after three or four days and it was fine. New switch allows me to adjust mirrors and roll down windows. Life is good!

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Tim S says:

    I have one that goes dead after 3 to 4 days. Is that normal?

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cory Peterson says:

    I have a remote start / alarm.. how can I find if it is causing large draw?? When I check for draw I disconnect battery and and sitting at ..044 amp.. I try arming alarm but for some reason it’s not getting power from Barry while I’m testing draw..

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Schmied says:

    Before tearing apart the interior to replace it, verify that the fuel door switch is being depressed by the fuel door. Honda uses mechanical switches that are very reliable, but the fuel doors themselves are not (so they are easy to replace). The part that pushes against the door open switch plunger is likely to be plastic or rubber and worn or fallen off.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Schmied says:

    An INDUCTIVE clamp meter ($) can't detect DC flow, A reactive one ($$$) can.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Admiral says:

    How did I learn to fix a parasitic draw today……just go raw dog if ya know what i mean🤣🤣🤣. I like your method so I will use it from now on. If I could double click the thumbs up I would.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars You Tube says:

    My dad's car and 2 of my cars will all have a DEAD battery if we let them sit for a week. Yet we can't see a draw from the battery.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars charlie whited says:

    It's all good brother no since in apologizing to any one for that matter ur trying and to and show me that's all that should count fr u could have left mfs guessing right well that's what I would do the first time someone started talking out the side of there necks like yaps will do every time trust me everything I have ever done in this life I have always been talked down to no matter how many times u have proved someone wrong there never satisfied is what's sad fr but he'll if they keep wanting to be annoying pricks I'd start charging people to be on my channel being ur basically giving verbal lessons if u think about things fr fr I'm having this problem now but on my 98 merc it started out behind my CD player but awhile back when I first got the thing my alt overcharged the system and it caused smoke to roll from under the dash and yes it smoked the garages and u kno how it comes off the computer to the cluster then out to the car well it blew all that good shit behind the cluster the map so they call it well I kept saying that idc if u do replace the alt or not but some thing caused it to do that and just like everyone else he just fixed the problem at hand not what lead up to the issue fixed feel me people always works around the problems they never fix what caused the shit to go bad to start with but if it wasn't for those kinda folks we wouldn't keep a job long fr feel me lol but ya I had a issuse where Ford put to many things on 1 circuit and it was causing it to blow fuses left and right so I moved a couple of things off the factory fuse box and moved them over to a 4 fuse box I bought it to run my CD player off of it so it wasn't making my music go out every time I looked up and I don't want to have to replace the whole underdash wiring harness ya kno or rerun all new replacement wiring off 50 ft rolls that's a headache to I'm to the point of just flipping a match on this pos and walking away id probably be better off ya kno lol I got a 2002 Ford escape I should be working on swapping the motors I got out here but I can't get a break from the merc to foul with anything else fr fr and summer is too hot to be fouling with anything like that I don't have a car port or garage fr fr but I'll be moving soon so hopefully in the future the next place has got one fr but any who ha but ya man just do u if I feel like u might have helped someone rest easy my friend fr fr not every one is on the being able to teach there slow ass something besides screwing up every thing they touch fr fr cause this is most all them pricks being a keyboard cowboys but ant about shit in person I have always been told how am I any better then the ass whole causing all the problems if I allow myself to fold to them I'm not no better than they are because I allowed them to get under my skin fr cause that's exactly what they want from u that's why they keep being a dick for fr fr so ignore them and do what makes u happy apparently it's u trying to help out the low man on the TomTom pole if ya ask me as long as u don't get very many bring backs ur doing great as far as my concerns are fr fr u wasn't put on this earth to please anyone other than u or family fr other than that till at the less 1 of them pays the first 1 of my bills that's the only time any of there opinions will matter to me any fr fr cause u kno why none of them will pay there Owen bills more or less paying anything for u fr fr so no don't be a stoop a stoop to there mentally challenged acting ass's fr just keep helping those who appreciate u for what u are trying to explain to us fr cheers thanks again hallor at cha on the flip flop

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Regal says:

    Eric, how about doing this test on a diesel truck with 2 batteries? Should I disconnect one battery (pass side) and do the test on the driver side battery?

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JeezusIsreal says:

    On my 05 yukon I just found my oil pressure guage is stuck at 80. Far right. So I'm guessing that explains the battery draw parasite. The cluster.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Robins says:

    Always be nice to the person who buys rubber gloves by the case.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chip Burns says:

    Just disconnect the battery when you park it after work.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gordon * says:

    Well done !! Thank you

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    Found my trailer brake controller had a steady draw whether a trailer was hooked up or not. Finally had to pull the plug going to the controller when not towing. It wasn't a large load but would pull the batteries down if the truck was parked for any length of time (like weeks).

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! zoellar11 says:

    I was looking to help my brother who owns a 2005 Odyssey…..who has a battery drain problem. Great video….I;ve learned a WHOLE LOT! Thanks

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Ross says:

    i came to this one right after your other video on power draw 🙂

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Wood says:

    Use a smaller amp fuse setup inline with your multi meter to save your more expensive internal meter fuse????

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Arthur Fricchione says:

    Excellent presentation Mr Eric/Mrs Eric O. Nothing like today’s world of electronics. I personally liked the day where you had to be smart enough to physically open and close the door and remove the fuel filler cap. I own an odyssey and to be honest it’s a pain in the butt system. Hope you get the job it will be interesting to see how the mechanism functions. You and family stay safe and well 😊 Artie

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ronald Church says:

    54, not 45 I tried to tell you but you couldn't hear me. lol

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patriot Fox says:

    If my 2006 F350 is pulling 55MA on the 200MA setting is that normal?

    I did the test with the test light as well and it does light up. But I know that isn’t always accurate on newer vehicles.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brandon Cartwright says:

    My alternator was giving me a .3 amp draw. The diodes were bad and rebuilding the alternator dropped my draw to 0.01

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose Acosta says:

    Great video. Too bad no closure.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ste Park says:

    you make it look easy thanks and you are teaching a old dog new tricks

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cyrys Von Nachtseite says:

    We would start pulling fuses The key is off. So draw is at a constant even at off. Always found that a power option switch had corrosion in it little draw but not enough to operate a device and not enough resistance to blow the fuse. Cadillac. Was the pwr window or locks switches

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Simon Nather says:

    60 % when it takes little power it is the door switch…. 30 % stereo. and 10 % all els.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phillip Smith says:

    Every man needs a good woman in his shop to help him out. Did you bust her on the bottom? Good for you!

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cliff Glines says:

    The relay would lock the door, so of course you have two clicking areas. First the relay then the door lock, so go after the relay first.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cliff Glines says:

    Is poop and laughter anything like shits and giggles? Tried most of this on a 2000 Bonneville, never figured it out but I didn't have a current clamp.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gone sideways says:

    I have a friend in my town that for last 40 plus years has been go to mechanic for electrical problems even dealerships bring their problems to him, only car I hear him growl about are VW he is not so fond of their electrical engineering, over years he has saved me a lot of money.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Vreeland says:

    First —> I didn't fall asleep this time.
    This is a very good basic electricity lesson.
    Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this video.
    You are redeemed.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars constitutionalUSA says:

    Have one of those vans and the jamb contacts broke and cause all kinds of problems

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.