Ricko Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 Hi, I bought my daughter a cheap little Micra as a run around for her first car. It's done really well so far except that it drains the battery over a few days if stationary. I fitted a new battery a month ago to rule that out, she uses it every day so it keeps the charge. Came to it today after it had been idle for a few days and click! How easy is it to isolate the fault? Where do I start? As ever all advice/help gratefully received Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgeway Redneck Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 Hi, Have you checked with a volt meter that the alternator is charging the battery when the engine is running? Also does the car have an after market alarm fitted? Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matone Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 Seems a common problem with newer cars,too many electronics on them.An isolator switch is one answer but not ideal really. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bornfree Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 Check simple things first like the boot light is going off when shut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted February 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 11 minutes ago, Stevemitton said: Hi, Have you checked with a volt meter that the alternator is charging the battery when the engine is running? Also does the car have an after market alarm fitted? Steve. I can do that but I reckon the alternator is charging it ok, she can drive round at night with lights on etc and it'll start the next day. 6 minutes ago, bornfree said: Check simple things first like the boot light is going off when shut Good call, I could do with ruling that one out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bornfree Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 If its nothing simple you really need an ammeter to measure the drain on the battery with everything off. And then isolate circuits by removing fuses until you find the problem. If its the alternator draining the battery ( which I have seen in the past) you will need to remove the cables as it will not have a fuse. And as previously said check the alternator is charging at at least 14 volts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnytheboy Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 Also glove box lights are bad for this! As are any accessories that are not factory fitted, alarms, immobilisers, CD player, sat nav, dash cam! Slightly different but over 6 weeks my gwagen used to go flat and a solar charger panel kept it topped up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matgriff Posted February 13, 2018 Report Share Posted February 13, 2018 One of the most common reasons for this on a Micra is the boot release switch.... I had the same problem, replaced it and it was cured. Google it under Micra boot switch flat battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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