I have a 2007 Camry with a mysterious battery drain. Battery's drained every two days. Takes very little to jump start it (I've done it off of a trickle charger that was on for 10 minutes). Battery, alternator, starter all good ... the loads are checking correctly.

Any ideas? Could that be the fans coming on by themselves (heard of dome lights starting on their own too). Please give me ideas so I can take it to the dealer for them to check. I just know it's going to be something on the bizarre side.

 

Camry hybrid or gas only car? Hybrid had an issue of needing a software update to prevent the battery used to start engine for being drained.

Make sure the trunk light is turning off when lid closed.

Do you have an Ipod or anything else connected to the radio via one of the ports, if so disconnect.

Does the car have a remote start, if so read directions as this can cause battery issues if not used correctly.

In checking the alt, did you check for a bad diode. The alt can still work but just not as well and a bad diode can cause battery drain.

If doing so, don't leave the headlights on automatic, turn them off.

Since you also posted at the LILOBODO post, read about the fan turning on by itself.

The may also be something about a remote door lock computer malfunction draining the battery but can't find if this effects your year.

 

She's a gas Camry. The first repair place checked the diodes because they had seen that happen with another make of car. I'm leaving everything turned off that I can when I shut her off, lights, radio, interior lights.

Checked the trunk light. I shut the car off and looked through the panel in the back seat and it was off. Unless it turns itself on .... ever hear of that?

The only thing we've noticed is sometimes while the car is running (while driving it) the A/C will start on its own (neither I or my passenger had turned it on).

The mechanic I originally took her to, said he had another customer that had a car turn it's dome light on after it had been off several hours. It was a door switch. But even if this happens, the car turns its lights off after 10 minutes or so. Could the lights be off but still draining?

Thanks for all your ideas. Anything I can take to the dealer and tell them to check is helpful. I had the dealer keep the car for several days and not do anything to it, hoping the battery would die and maybe they can find it.

 

The Camry A/C system has become very complicated as such would not be surprised if it turned on/off by itself, perhaps the owners manual has something on this.

Has happened on later model Camry the relay for the A/C magnetic clutch sticks closed continuing to power the clutch when the engine is off and causes a dead battery. The relay is located in a plastic relay/fuse box, engine compartment, drivers side labeled MGC Relay.

When engine off and ign key out, from time to time listen for noises including under hood and dash as an indication something is still powered. Check all lights such as brake, tail.

Don't leave the key in ign.

Even with ign key off, there are a lot things that may not be on, but still receive power which makes it tedious to run a problem down.

Is the car under extended warranty (dealer paying for repairs), if not suggest trying to find a shop that specializes in electrical problems like the car is experiencing, much like going to specialist doctor instead of GP.

 

They finally found the problem. A bad dome light. We'll see if that was her only problem. Thanks for all the diagnostic help!

 

Thanks for posting back with the find, hope it works for you.

 

When engine off and ign key out, from time to time listen for noises including under hood and dash as an indication something is still powered. Check all lights such as brake, tail.
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