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What Was Causing My Battery to Discharge

I finally chased down the issue that was causing my battery to discharge….

 

voltage regulator
It was the engine! Seems the voltage regulator had not been working and the engine was using the battery as its source for electricity instead of the stator.

 

Top Causes of Battery Discharge

  1. Parasitic Drain
    • Devices like alarms, dash cams, or interior lights may continue drawing power even when the engine is off.
    • Faulty wiring or aftermarket accessories can worsen this.
  2. Short Trips or Infrequent Use
    • If you only drive short distances, the alternator doesn’t have enough time to fully recharge the battery.
  3. Old or Weak Battery
    • Batteries naturally degrade over time. If yours is 3–5 years old, it may no longer hold a full charge.
  4. Faulty Alternator or Voltage Regulator
    • If the alternator isn’t charging properly, your battery will slowly drain—even while driving.
  5. Corroded or Loose Terminals
    • Poor connections can prevent proper charging and cause voltage loss.
  6. Extreme Temperatures
    • Heat can evaporate battery fluid, while cold slows chemical reactions—both reduce performance.
  7. Incorrect Battery Type or Installation
    • Using a battery that’s not suited for your vehicle or setup can lead to undercharging or over-discharge.

 

 

Thanks for assisting with the troubleshooting.
Al in Arizona