Something draining battery

Asked by GuruNHFJM Nov 02, 2019 at 03:28 PM about the 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Something in my car is draining the battery, but
only when temperature is below freezing. The
battery is less than a year old. Have had no issues,
then first below freezing night hit this week and car
wouldn’t start next day. I charged the battery and
started right up. Same thing happened last year.

I’m certainly no expert related to car mechanics. I
did hook up a meter to the battery and pulled fuses
one by one. Didn’t find anything using power. Is
there something in a car that only kicks on when it
gets cold and would use the battery?

Any help appreciated!!

1 Answer

157,825

When things get cold they contract. I suspect you have a switch that needs replacing. Many years ago I had a car that when it got really cold outside the horn would start blaring. I replaced the horn switch in the steering wheel and that fixed it. What was happening was the cold caused the switch to contract and make contact like someone was pressing the horn button. I'm thinking the same thing is going on with your vehicle. Only something less obvious than the horn blaring at 3am is turning on and draining the battery. Possibly the interior lights or maybe the blower motor for the heater. I'd suggest waiting until it's cold outside and walk around the vehicle. Look for any lights on and listen for anything running. Once you determine what it is, you can replace the offending switch. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gilbert Tijerina
    Reputation
    490
  • #2
    BoholMark
    Reputation
    460
  • #3
    Marcus Victorius
    Reputation
    410
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
27 Great Deals out of 1,237 listings starting at $9,990
Used GMC Sierra 1500
147 Great Deals out of 6,591 listings starting at $3,975
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
19 Great Deals out of 1,189 listings starting at $8,995
Used RAM 2500
46 Great Deals out of 2,149 listings starting at $13,650
Used GMC Sierra 3500HD
20 Great Deals out of 1,360 listings starting at $12,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
177 Great Deals out of 5,872 listings starting at $2,975
Used Ford F-150
305 Great Deals out of 14,144 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford F-350 Super Duty
49 Great Deals out of 2,726 listings starting at $6,996
Used Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
15 Great Deals out of 972 listings starting at $14,900
Used GMC Yukon
12 Great Deals out of 918 listings starting at $4,555
Used Toyota Tundra
31 Great Deals out of 1,406 listings starting at $6,255
Used RAM 1500
479 Great Deals out of 15,799 listings starting at $1,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.