LookyLeasy
Electrical, Battery & StartingOwner reportCommunity Starter

Anyone else: Battery keeps dying after two or three days parked

V8Hauler14Community StarterJun 12, 20262024 Acura MDX Type SPortland
Battery tested okay at a parts store, but if the car sits for a weekend it sometimes won't crank. Alternator voltage looks normal while running. How would you narrow down a parasitic draw without pulling every fuse blindly? If I fix it I'll come back and update the thread.
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9 replies

V8Hauler14Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 12, 2026permalink
OP here — recorded a short video and noted speed, temp, and whether it was in gear. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
WrenchScout82Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 12, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2024 Acura MDX and see if the fault moves. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2024 Acura MDX in Portland. Any freeze-frame data saved? Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
WrenchScout82Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 13, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Acura MDX is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Any freeze-frame data saved? I'll poke at it this weekend.
ColdStartDad25Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 12, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2024 Acura MDX does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Did the worksheet show tax yet? I'd rather be boring and correct. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
CleanDadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 13, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, a pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Acura MDX is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Do that first. If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
WrenchScout82Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 13, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Acura MDX if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2024 Acura MDX in Portland. When does it actually happen? That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
ColdStartDad25Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 13, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2024 Acura MDX and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Any freeze-frame data saved? Doing the boring step first on purpose.
RotorNerd69Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 13, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Acura MDX catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Save the big job until that test fails. On “battery keeps dying after two or three,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Parts cannon is a personality type I try to avoid. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
WrenchScout82Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 13, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Acura MDX is losing coolant with no puddle. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “battery keeps dying after two or three,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Did the worksheet show tax yet? Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. I'll update if anything new shows up.
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