12 Volt Battery Symptom Troubleshooting

12 Volt Battery Symptom Troubleshooting

Low or Dead Battery

NOTE: A battery might be discharged under these conditions:

- Driving a vehicle 6 miles (10 km) or less per day.
- Leaving a vehicle parked without removing the ignition key from the ignition switch.
- Leaving the vehicle idling high electrical loads such as headlight, wipers, rear window defogger, etc.
- Parking the vehicle with the hood unlatched prevents the security system from arming, which causes excessive parasitic draw.

1. Check the battery 12 Volt Battery Test. Recharge or replace the battery Removal and Replacement if necessary.

2. Start the engine, and check the charging system indicator.

Does the charging system indicator go off with the engine running?

YES -

Go to step 3.

NO -

Do the Charging System Indicator Stays On symptom troubleshooting Component Tests and General Diagnostics.

3. Check the following items:

- The hazard warning switch is off.
- The individual map light and ceiling light switches are off.
- All of the doors, hood, and hatch are closed.
- The brake pedal is not depressed.

Are all of the check items OK?

YES -

- With security: Go to step 4.
- Without security: Go to step 5.

NO -

Turn off the applicable switch, and check the parasitic draw Parasitic Draw Check.

4. Lock the doors with the remote transmitter LOCK button. Make sure the security alarm system arms by confirming that the security indicator is flashing slowly, about once every 3 seconds.

Is the security alarm system armed?

YES -

Go to step 5.

NO -

Go to the symptom troubleshooting of the security alarm system Security Alarm System Will Not Arm.

5. Check the following items with the ignition key removed from the ignition switch:

- The brake lights are off when the brake pedal is not pressed.
- The cargo area light is off with the hatch closed.
- The radiator and condenser fans are not running.
- The audio unit (including navigation) is off.
- There is no operating sound from the VSA modulator-control unit.
- The rear window defogger and the power mirror defoggers are off.

Are all of the check items OK?

YES -

Check the parasitic draw Parasitic Draw Check.

NO -

Troubleshoot and repair the affected circuits.