ssmdhondadriver

What's a typical key-off battery drain in a 2000 Honda Accord?

Last I checked mine was 250 mA, which seems high.

(Battery has gone dead twice now in the period of a few months after getting alternator replaced.)

TheMuffinMan

iTrader: (1)

Is the battery being charged properly? Should be 14-14.5V while the car is running.

Do you have an aftermarket stereo?
Do you have an aftermarket alarm?
Any CEL's?
Any junked up fuses?
Any wiring you've recently played with?

Dannyvho

Current draw of 250mA is way too high: it's enough power to light up a 3 watt bulb. You lose 6Ah per day so in a couple of days the battery gets drained.

Measure the current and start pulling fuses until you find the circuit where the current goes to. Maybe a lightbulb in the glove box or the clock illumination?

TheMuffinMan

iTrader: (1)

I didn't even think of that second part but completely support it. Measuring the current draw on each fuse definitely would narrow it down.

Though most of those bulbs are greater than 3W..... so I'm not sure which it would be. Definitely a smaller bulb if it is one.

92civlude

Should be around 20ma when the system is asleep. Ive seen relay contacts get stuck and cause a draw. Pull the fuses. When you narrow down the affected cicuit, check to see if there are any relays in that circuit. A stuck relay could be the cause.

Dannyvho

The instrument panel bulbs are 3W, cigarette lighter bulb is a tiny 1.2W: you hardly notice these until they break...

TheMuffinMan

iTrader: (1)

Ah good call, forgot about that damn lighter bulb.

ssmdhondadriver

Took a longer look, and it got down to about 12 mA or so. I assume that's not enough to drain the battery.

Not sure what to do next. I'm thinking of just replacing the battery. It's been run down at least three times (the first time due to a failing alternator), and I figure maybe the battery isn't holding a charge very well anymore.

Could just take it to the shop (don't have any equipment other than a multimeter myself), but the battery might be a cheaper gamble.

Anything else I could look for in terms of a quick cheap diagnosis? I assume that if the battery were draining, it would register with the ampmeter. I know that maybe it's something as unpleasant as the alternator isn't charging the battery well, but I'm hoping that's not it.

92civlude

Its reasonable the battery could be the cause. Get it load tested.

Dannyvho

You could check if the alternator is doing its job properly: see post #2.