If the car isn't driven everyday, the battery will be dead on the 3rd day. It's testing in the 14v range when cranked on a good charge and the battery itself is in the 12ish range. Of course it wasn't driven yesterday (or even cranked) so its dead today. Its not just mine but the one my son drives does the very same thing. Any ideas? My husband says the radios on both of them.

 

Are they aftermarket stereos?

 

Yep. Was in there when we bought them. One is Sony and other is Pioneer. How can you tell if that's the reason?

 

Do they have subs connected to them? Normally if they aren't wired in correctly they drain the battery. Have a look at the wiring and a wiring diagram for both the car and your stereo type and make sure they are corect. If you have subs make sure the amp turns off when the radio turns off.

 

I dont think they have subs. I haven't seen anything thats not built into the car and the sound isn't all that awesome either. I know if the stereo is on and you cut car off the radio still runs but when you open your door it goes off.

 

Check to make sure your glove box light is turning off. Another common issue is the lighter shorting out(socket or push in part. The process of chasing down a draw is not complicated but I have had a lot of problems explaining the process in posts. A lot depends on your skill/knowledge.

Most of the time your going to discconnet the battery and put something inline that will show you the draw )amp meter or a test light, Amp meter is better but if your draw is greater the the amp meter can handle you can fry it. Once you get a way to see the draw then you need to start pulling fuses. If it still shows a draw then you have to start disconnecting stuff.

 

the battery could also be shot. a worn out battery can lose its charge fairly quikly. if the battery goes dead while not hooked to anything its all worn out.

 

This is the 2nd new battery we've had since middle of march so hopefully thats not the case.

I always make sure that glove compartment is closed good because I did suspect it at one time. If we drove the car daily, I wouldn't be having this issue but with 4 cars and gas nearly $4 a gallon, it just can't be driven every day. We'll keep plugging away though. Hey..at least its been cranking most of the time.

 

Try taking out the batteries when fully charged and let them sit for 3 days then take a volt meter and see if they are still at 12v.