Hi Everyone,

I don't drive my car a ton, and when I do it's usually short trips. Battery has died probably three times in last 2 or so years. I'm pretty sure I need a new battery. With that background, I tried to start it up yesterday and it made a strange clicking/shrieking sound I'd never heard before, and then all the dash lights went on. I tried again and same thing happened, then with the keys in the ignition (not cranked), all the lights would go on for about 2 seconds, then off for two seconds, then on, then off, etc.

Has anyone seen this before? I plan to get a new battery asap, but just curious if anyone can provide more insight regarding what, if anything, might also be going on.

Can I post a video without linking to external site?



Thanks!

 

Combination of a weak battery and poor connections can cause problems. Electronics don't work correctly at reduced voltages.

good luck

 

You might want to consider a trickle charger.

 

I bought a new battery for my 06 tsx. It is a interstate after reading recommendations from others. If I do not drive the car the battery is dead. It is not the alternator and no one seems to know what is wrong. I now have to use a battery tender. Never had to use one with the OEM batteries.

 

Either battery is faulty w/ internal defect causing loss of charge, or there is an external drain causing battery charge to be lost. Check for internal drain w/ VOM measuring Amps in series w/ one of battery cables. If drain is over 50mA w/ everything Off, something is pulling excess current.

good luck

 

had everything checked out by my friend's husband. He said the battery is fine, and he did what you suggested. checked out ok. He is a long time auto mechanic.

 

Issues internal to a battery are very difficult to diagnose. There are multiple member here on AZ who have had batteries check out okay at places like Autozone or even the dealer. However the problem persisted and only after battery replacement did the problem disappear. I can't say that this is what is going on in your case, but it has happened in the past to others.

 

I've had to replace the battery in my 2006 twice in the last 3 years. The second replacement was under warranty. The car is bone stock so I really have no idea what could be causing the battery life to be so bad. Alternator checks fine.

 

Has your commute changed or gotten shorter? Anything else about your daily driving changed - i.e. short trips, with lots of starting and shutting off of the engine? Just a couple of thoughts.............

 

So you have an intermittent drain (not present when diagnostic performed).

good luck

 

The last time i had the battery replaced it tested good at advanced auto but bad at autozone. Replaced battery and everything was good. Making fast clicking noise and flashing lights. Would not start.

NBP04:

Most of my driving the past 2 years has been short trips around 5-15 miles and generally in town with some 30 to 60 mile highway trips. Killed 2 batteries during this time. We used to live in lower alabama where it was extremely hot, now we live in the midwest with cold winters. Havent had any issues with my honda fit battery (traded in) or my wifes pilot. Both were new cars with OEM honda batteries, tsx had OEM battery when i bought it from what I can remember.

Sorry dont mean to thread jack