Connect the other lead to ground near the alternator. Set the meter to measure AC volts and connect one of its leads to the positive side of the battery, then start your Equinox. You can do this at home with a voltmeter. If the parasitic power draw isn’t the issue, and the battery, checks out, it’s time to test the alternator. If it passes the test, it’s time to move on to the alternator. They’ll need to charge it for a while, so plan on dropping it off and returning a few hours later. You can take it up to the local parts store and have your Equinox’s battery tested. If it fires right back up when you hook the battery up, you need to be looking for a parasitic battery drain. TestingĪ good anecdotal way to tell if there is a parasitic drain and not a bad battery is to unplug the negative battery cable when you park your vehicle for the period it usually takes for the battery to drain. If you didn’t see a battery light, and now your vehicle is dead when you start it, the first thing you need to look at is the battery. If your Equinox’s battery light illuminates while driving before parking, the alternator is probably responsible for the battery drainage (or in this case, not recharging). When the battery depletes while parked, it’s likely due to the battery itself. Otherwise, sandpaper can work if you’re in a pinch, just make sure to wear gloves. They are usually less than 10 bucks at the local parts store or Wal-Mart. There are specific battery post cleaners that you can buy. Corrosion can impede proper battery connection, leading to drainage issues. If significant corrosion is present, use a wire brush to clean it.
Battery CablesĮxamine your Equinox’s battery posts where they attach to the battery. Other causes include a trunk/tailgate release switch that is always on, a headlight switch stuck in the “on” position, aftermarket accessories such as an alarm system or CD changer, damaged wiring harnesses, and faulty relays. A faulty door switch (that turns the dome light on and off) frequently causes a parasitic power drain. If it’s higher than that, then something is drawing current, and it must be addressed.īefore connecting a multimeter to the battery, verify that the dome light is shutting off when you close the doors. The draw should be less than 25 milliamps (0.025 amps). Remove the negative cable from your Equinox’s battery and use a multimeter to measure the draw. To fix this issue, you’ll need to test for a parasitic power draw. Parasitic Power DrawĪ parasitic power draw is when something is drawing current from your Chevy Equinox’s battery after you turn the vehicle off, like an interior light or a malfunctioning component. If your vehicle is running fine when you park it, and it won’t start, there is an issue with the charging system (alternator, battery, or battery cables) or a parasitic power draw. Chevy Equinox: Battery Draining While Parked Causes The two primary causes for a battery to deplete are parasitic power loss or a faulty battery. If the battery drains while driving, there’s likely an issue with your vehicle’s alternator. If it is draining while your Equinox isn’t running, something is drawing current that shouldn’t be. If your Chevy Equinox’s battery is draining, it’s something that’ll need addressing right away.
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