Why won't my vehicle run

Asked by Rosetta Apr 25, 2017 at 09:51 AM about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We have replaced the alternator and battery and a
few days later I'm back to square one  seems like
something is draining the battery

1 Answer

1,550

How to check for abnormal draw on battery? Turn ignition to off position and remove the key. Check to make sure everythng is off inside the car. There is always a keep alive current being drawn by the radio (channel keeper) and the clock. Disconnect positive (+) battery terminal...connect a multimeter set to measure DC amperes on a 200 or 300 miliamperes scale.Connect the meter between the battery terminal and the battery positive pole..(get the polarity right or the meter will mark backwards)..When you first make the coneection the meter will read upwards of 200 mills hold the meter connected for 40 or 60 seconds and the meter should drop down to below 40 mills ...some SF's will go as low a 25 mills. This drop is caused by the computer going into sleep more. If the reading remains high..200 or 300 mills will drain the battery overnight,and you will have to do some fuse pulling to find the culprit. HOWEVER if you charge the battery and it works good for a day or two...I would recheck the alternator. This is easy: with the motor stopped get a multimeter (VOM) and check the baterry voltage...make a note of it--.....then start the engine and recheck the battery voltage, it shoiud be 2 or 3 volts higher than the first measurement. If it is higher this points to a battery problem and it is not higher then you have an alternator related problem. Good Luck.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    me29
    Reputation
    6,550
  • #2
    JP1956
    Reputation
    2,810
  • #3
    SubaruTech5862
    Reputation
    2,020
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Hyundai Tucson
113 Great Deals out of 2,797 listings starting at $3,455
Used Kia Sorento
78 Great Deals out of 1,875 listings starting at $3,888
Used Toyota RAV4
124 Great Deals out of 3,046 listings starting at $4,999
Used Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
34 Great Deals out of 849 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda CR-V
183 Great Deals out of 4,989 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Highlander
44 Great Deals out of 816 listings starting at $7,498
Used Honda Pilot
42 Great Deals out of 913 listings starting at $1,230
Used Ford Explorer
63 Great Deals out of 2,041 listings starting at $6,990
Used Kia Sportage
67 Great Deals out of 1,940 listings starting at $5,499
Used Nissan Rogue
141 Great Deals out of 4,951 listings starting at $2,995
Used Hyundai Santa Fe XL
13 Great Deals out of 222 listings starting at $9,999
Used Hyundai Sonata
46 Great Deals out of 814 listings starting at $1,543

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.