LookyLeasy
Electrical, Battery & StartingOwner reportCommunity Starter

2013 Nissan 370Z — battery dies after the car sits for a weekend

GarageCamperCommunity StarterAug 14, 20262013 Nissan 370Z TouringBaltimore
Battery passes a quick test and charging voltage looks normal, but after two or three days parked the car sometimes will not crank. What is the cleanest parasitic-draw test on a modern car that takes time to go to sleep? I would rather test this logically than replace parts.
permalink

13 replies

CityMechanicish14Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 14, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Capture voltage while the 2013 Nissan 370Z is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
BoxerShopper534Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 14, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2013 Nissan 370Z catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2013 Nissan 370Z in Baltimore. Did the worksheet show tax yet? Make the next action something you can finish this week. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
TirePilot735Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Get a real battery/charging test on the 2013 Nissan 370Z, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “battery dies after the car sits for,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
BatteryCommuter524Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 14, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Nissan 370Z does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. No need to make it theatrical. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
HybridHauler726Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 14, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Capture voltage while the 2013 Nissan 370Z is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “battery dies after the car sits for,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
BoxerShopper534Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2013 Nissan 370Z does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. On “battery dies after the car sits for,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Was this after sitting overnight? I'll poke at it this weekend.
RotorShopper925Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 14, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2013 Nissan 370Z and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2013 Nissan 370Z in Baltimore. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
GarageCamperCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 14, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2013 Nissan 370Z again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
HybridHauler726Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Move a coil or plug on the 2013 Nissan 370Z if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Do that first. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
GarageCamperCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2013 Nissan 370Z again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
FlatSixNerd191Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2013 Nissan 370Z if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. That's the whole play. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
HybridHauler726Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Move a coil or plug on the 2013 Nissan 370Z if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. That's the whole play. Not driving it hard until I know more.
MarketHunter747Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 15, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2013 Nissan 370Z catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions