
There is not much that’s more frustrating than walking out to your vehicle to find that it has a dead battery. If you’re dealing with Acura MDX battery drain, you’re not alone, and the cause is what is often known as “parasitic drain.” Here at Acura of Sherman Oaks, our certified technicians are experts at diagnosing these issues. We’re happy to explain what causes battery drain, and to get you back on the road quickly.
The Most Common Culprit of Battery Drain
Parasitic drain is when an electrical component fails to shut off after you’ve turned off the ignition, slowly draining the battery overnight. In many Acura models, including the Acura MDX, the most frequent cause of a parasitic drain is a faulty HandsFreeLink™ Bluetooth® module. Over time, this module can fail and get stuck in an on position even when the car is turned off. It will continuously search for a phone to pair with, which drains the battery in a matter of hours or days.
Faulty A/C Relay
Another reason your Acura MDX might be experiencing battery drain is a stuck A/C compressor relay. This is an electronic switch that controls a high-powered component. If the A/C relay fails in the “on” position, it can keep the compressor clutch engaged even when the car is turned off. This creates a power draw that can drain a healthy battery overnight.
Other Common Causes
Replacing an old battery that can no longer hold a full charge may be a simple fix for battery drain. Also, failing alternators can sometimes cause battery drain, as they won’t properly recharge the battery when you drive.
Get Your Battery Drain Diagnosed in Sherman Oaks, CA
The factory-trained and certified technicians at Acura of Sherman Oaks have the experience and diagnostic equipment to discover the cause of Acura MDX battery drain. Visit our service center today to have your vehicle inspected and repaired!