I know that many people have said that the stock battery is pretty weak. Tonight I was waiting to pick someone up, so I had the engine off but was running the radio, parking lights, and seat warmer (on low). After 20 minutes, my battery was completely dead! I figure that the seat warmer puts quite a strain on the battery, but would that kill it in only 20 minutes, or is it time for a new battery?

I have a 2004 with 47,000 miles on what I think is the original battery.

 

I think the headlights/parking lights put the most strain on the battery. Even when my engine is on and the cabin lights are on the cabin lights slight dim/blink when I turn on the headlights. I forget which has a bigger ampere rating.

 

The seat heater sucks way more juice than the lights. It's not the least bit surprising that having all that stuff on killed the battery. I wouldn't be too worried about the battery based on that.

 

Book says that the seat heaters suck battery fast:

Use the HI setting only to heat the
seats quickly, because it draws
large amounts of current from the
battery.

If the engine is left idling for an
extended period, do not use the
seat heaters even on the LO
setting. It can weaken the battery,
causing hard starting.

Geez when can you use the things, only when moving? Not while idling, not while ignition is off, ONLY when driving. That kinda sucks.

 

You can't seriously be upset about now being able to use the seat heaters when the car is off can you?