Mechanics, I need help

[Bazo]

My wife has a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country and over the weekend her battery went dead. I thought it was odd because the battery was less than 3 years old. So I went last night and swapped it for a new one and put it in. Tested everything and the van started right up like it should.

Well this morning the new battery is dead as a doornail so now I’m concerned. Where do I need to start to try and find out what’s wrong?

Has anyone seen this issue before?

[Johnny Dangerr]

Bad altenator.

[Fargus]

Was it driven last night? Sounds like it could be a couple of things. If it was driven, then it's possible the alternator is bad and not charging. I believe the parts stores can test your alternator with it still on the vehicle. The other issue could be you have something drawing on the battery even when the thing is off.

[Goldeneagle]

Where are you located? I'm betting on alternator.

[Reaper87]

Use a colt meter and check at the battery posts. If you don't have 13+ volts the alternator is bad. But sounds like you have a voltage draw on it though. Best way to check that is to remove the positive cable from the post. If it arcs there is definately has a draw. Then it gets more complicated

[WhiplashTX]

Based on your description sounds like something is drawing it down. Use the ammeter function on a multimeter and see what the amperage is being pulled with it off. It shouldn't be more than 20-30 milliamps. If it's higher than that start pulling fuses till you find the culprit. Diagnosing the actual problem circuit for what's causing the extra draw will most likely not be easy.

[Goldeneagle]

Use a colt meter and check at the battery posts. If you don't have 13+ volts the alternator is bad. But sounds like you have a voltage draw on it though. Best way to check that is to remove the positive cable from the post. If it arcs there is definately has a draw. Then it gets more complicated

The under hood light will make it arc. If you put a new battery in and ran it for very much, it will drain the battery pretty quick if it's not getting a charge from the alternator.

[Bazo]

Was it driven last night? Sounds like it could be a couple of things. If it was driven, then it's possible the alternator is bad and not charging. I believe the parts stores can test your alternator with it still on the vehicle. The other issue could be you have something drawing on the battery even when the thing is off.

No it wasn't driven at all. I put the new battery in and started it up a couple of times and that was that. 12 hours later, dead as it can be.

[Goldeneagle]

No it wasn't driven at all. I put the new battery in and started it up a couple of times and that was that. 12 hours later, dead as it can be.

Did you check to see if the alternator is charging? The starter can drain a battery pretty quick. I don't know where your located, but if it is near me I can come check it for you.

[takarge]

Bad altenator.

X2 I've seen them short out in side of itself and do this a bunch of times!

[Bazo]

Did you check to see if the alternator is charging? The starter can drain a battery pretty quick. I don't know where your located, but if it is near me I can come check it for you.

I'm down in the B/CS area, but I appreciate it.

[Bazo]

I guess it could be anything that would all of a sudden start drawing amps when the car is off?

[Bazo]

Based on your description sounds like something is drawing it down. Use the ammeter function on a multimeter and see what the amperage is being pulled with it off. It shouldn't be more than 20-30 milliamps. If it's higher than that start pulling fuses till you find the culprit. Diagnosing the actual problem circuit for what's causing the extra draw will most likely not be easy.

That's a tool I don't have....wish I did

[Fordtough68]

Most of the time, when I've found that there has been a severe battery drain, suche as the one you describe. It has been the starter solenoid going bad. But with that said, the best thing to do is to use an ammeter to isolate the drain.

[knapper]

Based on your description sounds like something is drawing it down. Use the ammeter function on a multimeter and see what the amperage is being pulled with it off. It shouldn't be more than 20-30 milliamps. If it's higher than that start pulling fuses till you find the culprit. Diagnosing the actual problem circuit for what's causing the extra draw will most likely not be easy.

This is your process. I would check to make sure all interior lights are switched off and check cig lighters for this plugged in. I have even seen a penny fall into one and cause problems. Especially if you have little kids
Check YouTube for videos on parasitic battery drain.