The reasons for battery voltage drop overnight

Asked by monkeyyear Oct 12, 2015 at 02:42 PM about the 2003 Toyota Corolla CE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After about 60 miles driving on the highway, I used multimeter to check the battery voltage, the reading was 12.25. Then I disconnected the negative wire from the battery post.  The next day I checked it agian,the voltage dropped to 10.43.  My battey is only 48 months old VS. 108 month guarantee. What does cause the battery voltage suddenly drop that much?

3 Answers

You have a parasitic draw, from something that is either shorted or drawing juice that shouldn't be using battery power. You have a multi-meter, that's good. You need to pull eacj fuse, one at a time from both underhood PDS, (Power Distribution Center) and from the fuse box behind the flip-down coin-holder, which is a real pain unless you are a midget contortionist. It's difficult to access but can be done.

6 people found this helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdIKNnwEjIs http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/charging-articles/testing-your-battery-for-parasitic-load.html http

2 people found this helpful.

Now, after all that, your 4 year old battery is ready for re-cycling, use the (probably pro-rated) warranty and get a new one, A lead-acid battery warranty of 108 months is 9 years.... only a selling push... no automotive battery will last 9 years except certain conditions and/or fluke, the normal life span of a battery is 4 to 6 years , maybe some will live longer. Most folks will not even have the same car after 9 years and they (the battery seller) knows it, and who saves paperwork for 9 years and can produce that paperwork warranty.... it will just be rejected anyway But use that warranty regardless. Also Now, after re-reading your question, did you re-connect the battery cable overnight or leave it off and the voltage dropped that much? If the Neg-cable was disconnected then it's simply a battery failure and as before, use the warranty, get a new one, problem solved

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Corolla

Looking for a Used Corolla in your area?

CarGurus has 2,314 nationwide Corolla listings starting at $103.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Jeff Polhemus
    Reputation
    3,360
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    3,270
  • #3
    hashimmir
    Reputation
    2,500
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
44 Great Deals out of 1,134 listings starting at $4,795
Used Honda Civic
192 Great Deals out of 4,047 listings starting at $440
Used Honda Accord
57 Great Deals out of 961 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota RAV4
127 Great Deals out of 3,065 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
181 Great Deals out of 5,013 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Tacoma
37 Great Deals out of 728 listings starting at $9,975
Used Hyundai Elantra
164 Great Deals out of 3,045 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota Prius
14 Great Deals out of 196 listings starting at $2,028
Used Mazda MAZDA3
71 Great Deals out of 1,303 listings starting at $3,499
Used Nissan Sentra
69 Great Deals out of 1,873 listings starting at $190
Used Toyota Yaris
14 Great Deals out of 191 listings starting at $2,449
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 676 listings starting at $3,795
Used Toyota 4Runner
23 Great Deals out of 545 listings starting at $12,999

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.