Battery keeps dying

[billys90tsi]

so i went out to start my car the other day and the battery was dead. I jumped it and drove around for about an hour so i know i had a good charge on it. and the same thing happend yesterday and i did the same and same thing today. im getting ticked off im about ready to install a battery turn off switch in my car. i cant figure out the problem.

 

[larsenracing]

Are you sure your battery is good. How old is the battery. you should take it to an auto parts store and have them test it to make sure it holds a charge. If its bad just get a new one they arnt that expensave and if the bat is good then have you messed with any thing electronic lately like installing a new sterio.

 

[-DSM2NR-]

It's probably your alternator. Check into that. I'm having the same problem currently and I ordered a new OEM alternator which is on its way. In my case the battery would die 2 days after I recharge it
The alternator messed the battery up pretty good so I had to replace the battery. Luckily I had a 1year warranty on it and received a brand new one.

 

[billys90tsi]

its a brand new optima

 

[-DSM2NR-]

it's your alternator, check whether it's working properly or not.

 

[DSM_Otaku]

^^I agree....especially if your battery is brand new like you say.

 

[mjarrell20]

Quick and easy way to figure out if it's the battery or the alternator, start the car with the battery in the car. Once it's running disconect the battery and take it out, if your car shuts off then it's the alternator and if it continues to run then it's just the battery.

 

[leet]

A hypothetical you could check would be your battery terminals. I had one that was terribly glazed over/corroded and it was causing me all kinds of trouble. Replaced it, haven't had an electrical issue since.

 

[spoolup]

In lines with Leet, make sure you also have no problems causing a drainage issue with the car. If you have a sears close by, (or alot of stereo shops) have them measure the current draw/ voltage drop when the car is off. I have seen little things cause problems. Incorrectly wired amps that ar wired so the amps remote line (on signal) is jumped to the POS and its always on.

But my chances are on terminals/ alternator. But do yourself and buy a factory alternator. The autozone, so be it cheap, are replaced atleast yearly on average.

EDIT, searched the battery drain issue, and found this thread: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=50366541#post50366541

 

[Mr Blunt 2gnt]

+1 for corroded terminals. My friends 1g tsi was acting like a bad battery or alternator problem. Its kind of an old mechanic trick but you can poor Coke onto the terminals and the soda will eat through the corrosion. Or do it the right way and disconnect everything and clean it.

 

[turbo2g111]

More than corroded, make sure they're not loose. I had that this weekend. I accidentally bumped it while installing my tower bar. My car died in the middle of a horrible neighborhood at 11:30 pm and I was stuck there until 1:30. Fussy DSMs...