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2021 Toyota Highlander — battery dies after the car sits for a weekend

BatteryScout255Community StarterMar 28, 20262021 Toyota Highlander XLEBrooklyn
2021 Toyota Highlander XLE, about 59,500 miles. 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?
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4 replies

PistonWrench24Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 29, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2021 Toyota Highlander does it — then decide on parts. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Not driving it hard until I know more.
TruckSeller240Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 30, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2021 Toyota Highlander, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. No need to make it theatrical. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
HybridDaily9Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 29, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2021 Toyota Highlander if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Only after sitting overnight so far.
BatteryScout255Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 29, 2026permalink
It did battery dies after the car sits for twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
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