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1998 Buick Park Avenue Base 4dr Sedan SG (CMI)

1998 Buick Park Avenue
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Large Car
19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy
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October 25, 2012, 9:13 am

HELEN K S
 

Question: Why is my battery draining when i park my car and i do not leave anything on

my car battery is dead after i park my car for more then 2 or 3 days and the battery is less then a year old. When I had the same problem last year my mechanic tested the batttery and said it ws good.After my car went dead again after 3 day they changed the battery and it seemed it solved the problem but now i have the same problem.When i read my gauge readout before i stop the car the battery readout on the gauge it says "Normal 13.3 V". the next if i turn the key to accessory to check the battery itreads only 10.6V


October 30, 2012, 4:13 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

It sounds like you have parasitic draw. That means that something is left on or has shorted and is slowly draining your battery while the key is off. This can happen when the battery and charging system are working fine. Here's a guide on how to isolate it:
http://www.flashoffroad.com/electrical/Batteries/BatteryDrain.html


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