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Old 03-06-2016, 05:38 AM
fornissansentra2004 fornissansentra2004 is offline
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Default 2004 Nissan Sentra battery drain while driving

2004 Nissan Sentra battery draining while driving

If I simply go to work and come home, no problem. If I make stops along the way, problem. I plugged in an LED cigarette lighter electric voltage meter. The battery is at @14+ when car is first cranked. If I make multiple stops, it will eventually go down to 13s and will sometimes hesitate briefly to crank but will usually start on second try. If I turn on the heater/ac blower, it will go down to 12.8. It has 103K miles on it.

I took it by car parts place. They hooked it up and said the battery, alternator, and starter are good but something is draining the battery while the car is being driven.

Any suggestions? Thank you!

Pete
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Old 03-06-2016, 11:04 AM
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NissanTech NissanTech is offline
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I took it by car parts place. They hooked it up and said the battery, alternator, and starter are good but something is draining the battery while the car is being driven.
You should get a second opinion, it doesn't make sense what they said.

Do you have any aftermarket accessories (audio, lights, amps) ?

Sound like the alternator is not charging enough.
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  #3  
Old 03-06-2016, 12:36 PM
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bennyb53 bennyb53 is offline
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Originally Posted by fornissansentra2004 View Post
They hooked it up and said the battery, alternator, and starter are good but something is draining the battery while the car is being driven.
Pete
I agree with NissanTech. If you don't have one already, get a voltage meter (either Analog or DMM) and do a simple voltage test.

1. With engine off, take battery voltage reading. You should get 12v - 12.6v.
Make sure battery is fully charged.
2. With engine running, turn on everything like headlights, fog lites, A/C or heater on high, radio, blinkers, etc., except W/Wipers. Your voltage reading should be in the range of 14.5v - 14.7v, if not, replace your alternator.
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Old 03-06-2016, 01:51 PM
fornissansentra2004 fornissansentra2004 is offline
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Thank you both for answering. Really appreciate your help. I'll get a voltage meter tomorrow, but I did do as you suggested using the cigarette lighter voltage meter. When I started the car, the meter showed low 14s. When I turned on everything, it would wobble between 12.8 and 13.7. So that means I need a new alternator? Thanks again.
Pete
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Old 03-06-2016, 06:18 PM
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When I turned on everything, it would wobble between 12.8 and 13.7. So that means I need a new alternator? Thanks again.
Yes. They probably tested the alternator without loading the system.
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