Battery draining if car sits a few days without being started

Starter cellionoid?

I got a 2011 3.6L Dodge Journey that belongs to my niece. Her battery dies overnight. I did the amp draw test with my meter and it was pulling 2.5 up to 4 amps with no doors opened all switches off. Was pulling fuses under the hood no change. Then I pulled the radio 15 amp fuse under the glove box. The amp draw dropped to .76 after a minute. The bad thing is if you need the AC or Heat the controls for that does not work once the radio fuse is pulled. Now there is another issue this seemed to happen when the bluetooth module for the radio quit working. I will try to get around on disconnecting the bluetooth module to see if the AMP draw is around .76 instead of the 3 to 4 amps like its doing now.

Even 0.76 amps is too high and will drain the battery, just not as fast as 4 amps.

I'm thinking at 0.76 amps the computer probably powers down after 30 mins or so. I was not going to wait that long to see when it actually powers off to a lower amp value. Does anyone have the specs on amp draw it supposed to be?

Hi James, Have you had a response on the battery drain problem you were having. Would be keen to find out as I have the same problem

Same problem here with a constant clicking under the hood

James come back!!! Same problem here. I’ve taken it to the shop 5 times (towed twice) and they can’t figure it out.

My 2015 dodge journey drains overnight/dealer unable to help!!!! Where is the recall???? I see this complaint often.......

Just had mine taken in for the same thing. After 2 days at the dealership we are being told its a parasitic draw from the starter motor. They want $600, and on top of that we are experiencing the "Cant unlock maps" and intermittent Bluetooth connectivity. From reading numerous forums, both are known issues to FCA, and the latter requires a new ucconect system for $3000. Our journey is a 2016, and should not be having these issues. Its all the more frustrating that Chrysler is aware of both issues, hoping they are willing to good will the repairs but we will see.

No answer here, only frustration - same issue: maps - Bluetooth - battery going dead. I am telling people to stay away from Dodge - they are not interested in fixing known issues or customer service

I have same problem, new battery 3 weeks ago, it now runs flat over night every night, clicking under hood, local mechanic can’t find what the source of the problem is & now it won,t start at all.

Same problem in my 2013 journey. It is at dealer second time. Should be recall .

Just returned from the dealer after bringing our 2013 Journey in for battery draining completely dead after 5 days of non use. Dealer performed diagnostics and found that there is a 9 milliamp draw which Chrysler says is well within the 35 miliamps allowed within specs. Came home and found this blog and agree, this should be a recall issue. I'm going to put in a kill switch in our Journey since this appears to be a known problem that Chrysler is not going to do anything about.

dpguru Same problem with 2014 Dodge Journey Replaced battery 2x with same effect. battery drain about 10mA. More than. 3 days won't start.

10 mA as a continuous drain is absolutely not enough to discharge the 50Ah battery of our Fiat Freemont/Dodge Journey. After 10 days with 10mA drain, our battery will be discharged not more than 5% of its nominal energy (2.4 Ah vs 50 Ah). Problem is not continuos 10mA, but, surely, an unwanted strong load (I suppose at least 500mA). I have changed 3 battery. Now, avoiding to left CD inside the radio system, no problem since 6 months. Bye Ezio

Finally found my issue... something was draining from the alternator. They replaced the alternator and no more drain.

Philippjordan and everyone else. I did replace the alternator with a OEM one. Now the car is fine as long as you drive it at least once a week or run it for 10 mins after sitting for 5 days. Oh and someone did put a battery saver device in it. But that part was disconnecting the battery while driving since the headlights would flicker at idle. I removed that device when I did a battery replacement. Since then I had to replace the radiator in it when it blew. Going to do all the brakes with new rotors. Oh and I had to wire in aftermarket backup camera. I was able to use a cheap one from mainland China. The wiring is in the tailgate that you have to splice into. Works just like the factory one did. Not going to pay $300 for one that is most likely going to die after a few thousand miles.

2010 Journey same issue. We just paid $700 to have it rewired. Died after two days of driving it. Paid $1000 for new control panel. It was dead on the dealer lot same day, when we arrived to pick it up. We are just about ready to go take the plates off it, take a bat to it and leave it there. This is absolutely the last dodge we will ever own. Dodge does not care. The horn issue is also something that should be recalled. They won't.

Had same problem, finally found a mechanic who followed things and found the two problems. The first is that the battery is located so low in the engine compartment that it cannot get warm enough to charge properly in cold weather and will gradually drain to the point that it will not start. The solution was to use a trickle charger overnight when it gets below -30C (we live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). That solved most of the problem until it died in July in the middle of nowhere. The people at Brandon Chrysler Dodge had it for a week and finally came down to micro cracks in the battery cables. The cracks got big enough to cause the battery to drain and not charge properly even in summer. This is after new batteries for our key fobs, new key fobs, three new batteries and finally a new alternator . Thank goodness those were all on warranty. Now with a little help in the really cold weather, our Journey runs like a charm. CHECK YOUR BATTERY CABLES. good luck every one.

Got a 2010 dodge journey it crank over but it wont start and it keeps losing voltage

Guys, I have 2012 Dodge Journey SXT. You will need to see a good mechanic who knows a good computer guys to look at the codes on on your ECU.The ECU is keeping something alive when the car is shutdown, this is drawing the power which will eventually drain your battery, once this is corrected you wont have the problem the code may have to replaced or updated .... I went through hell with the Jeep dealership, total waste of time....eventually borrowed an ECU for a car wrecker.Good Luck to you all...

Hi there, I have a 2012 R/T that was draining even a brand new battery after 1 or 2 cold days. As all of you guys I was thinking of a alternator problem or starter, or everything else you can think... I went to my local mecanic that laughed at me saying " you are running your car on auto headlights ?" Never had any further problems by turning on headlights manualy, Even at minus 25-30 o C. it starts every time !!! Try it before battery change

hi i got a 2010 STX, i have battery draining with " tick" noise from under the fuse box and horn goes off automatically ( currently i have removed the horn fuse ) i was wondering any one could help me to fix my car thanks

I have a 2017 Dodge Journey SXT. I am on my third new battery in 4 months. Went to the dealer and had them follow everything. All tests came back fine. No charging issues, no notable draw that would cause any problems. All connections and everything were tight. Mind you this is a new car...... left the dealer and went home..... came out the next morning to a dead battery that was put in brand new while at the dealer. was told the best thing to do is to get a trickle charger. Sad that I have to do that for even a newer vehicle.

SOLVED !!! FOR me... m'y mecanic sais do not use the " auto" mode on headlights switch bécause it is à known problèm . As you Guy I had d'ead battery issues many fîmes before but no more sincè then. HopE it hélas. . Costs nothing

My niece is still having the battery drain issue. We replaced the alternator also and you need to have the fuse in for the radio to have heat which is a really stupid design. As for the clicking under the hood noise there is a Module called the TIPM or totally intergrated Power module which is part of the fusebox under the hood. There is relays soldered to the board and some of them go bad or the TIPM module goes nuts and starts switching relays on. One of them mainly being the fuel pump. I have heard other electronics going nuts like wipers coming on their own or horn will honk like its possessed. The TIPM module is very expensive new from the dealership to temporary fix the issue and there is some places that sell addon relay boards which bypasses the TIPM module so it does not drain the battery. My niece wants everyone on auto which tells you how lazy she is but going to cost her being stranded somewhere if the auto headlight mode is the problem.

Hi, I have 2012 Journey SE Plus. Started having this problem only after 3 years. The dealer said nothing wrong with the car. Left it with them overnight, they said it started no pb (of course I didn't believe them)...changed the battery...etc didn't solve the problem... Eventually, I noticed that after leaving the car, the dash board stays on. So the car does not turn off completely when you leave. I don't know how, but I found a way to turn it off simply by doing it three times.Yes, that's pushing the start button 9 times! after which no lights remain on the dashboard after leaving the car. When I forget to do this, the dashboard is on in the morning and the car would not start without getting a boost. Can anyone say if this is a starter, alternator, or another issue?

We have a 2011 Dodge Journey and have had since brand new. We have battled the battery draining for years. We first discovered that the glove box light did not go out when the glove box closed. We tried several different things to remedy but ultimately took the light bulb out. That solved our problem for years then it started happening again. I did some research and discovered that there is a flash light in the back hatch area. It has rechargeable batteries that the car recharged when put in its spot. The batteries had gone bad so the car was constantly charging the flashlight and draining the battery. Took the flashlight out and haven’t had an issue since. Good luck!

I have a 2011 Dodge Journey as well. Same issues I've gone through 2 NEW batteries in a span of 6 months both under a warranty i was convinced it was the battery at first. But nope, alternator checks out. I can turn it off then go back in a few hours and it wont start... I also live in Winnipeg as well but this past week along i have jumped it probably 10 times already. I have no clue what it could be Dodge couldn't figure it out either. Any help would be great as i dont want to spend big $$$

I had the same problem as everyone else with the battery drain on my 2012 Dodge Journey and after 3 times in the dealer they had a tech that ran into this before . He replaced the Hands Free staying awake and draining the battery . Parts and labor were $768.20 but well worth it . It is Chryslers problem , the car has only 56000 mi . They should stand behind what they make .

2009 to be journey. Check engine light just comes on. Took and had them read the code EGR code for low voltage. I have had a new battery put a couple Years ago. I've had a starting issue...the key clicks over but car does not start, until i shift and start it in neutral. Last dodge i own.

I have a 2012 Dodge Journey Crew and I am having the same problem. First the phone stopped working then the bluetooth stopped working then the battery would go dead after the car would sit for a few days. I thought it was just time for a new battery so I replaced it. The bluetooth worked for one day then stopped working again. A few months later after the car would sit for a few days the battery would go dead so I took it to the local dodge dealer to have them look into it. They could find no problem with the electrical system and blamed it on the new battery saying it was probably bad. They replaced the battery and voila the phone and bluetooth worked again but only for a day. Now after car sits for a few days the battery goes dead. Clearly with all these people having the same issue with the same Dodge vehicle Dodge needs to step up and do the right thing and fix this problem or I and many others will never buy a dodge product again.

Hello everyone,this is Eddie Honda as they know me here in Meriden CT.,,for those of u looking to solve that drain problem on those dodges,,I have encounter 2 cases in my years as a mechanic...on the Dodge journey,,most of them the alternator is the cause.i disconect the alternator both the main wire and the other plug, leave it unplug for 3 days came back,battery was as good as new,,,so I would tell u guys try that first,,,that was my case on one of my customers,,,hope it help some one,, GOD BLESS you all...

SOLUTION: TIPM. There are various relays that fail on these and similar models. After refusing to pay $1700 for a new fuel pump I did some research. There are no recalls affecting this problem. My warranty would have covered it but I am at 62k miles. More research...IDEA; use the 8/80 EPA mandated warranty to cover the repairs. I spoke with FCA (not the dealership) and explained that the fuel relay and EVAP system was failing and the vehicle no longer met emissions standards. The Performance Warranty covers repairs which are required during the first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use (whichever first occurs) because the vehicle failed an emission test. Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs). The specified major emission control components only include the catalytic converters, the electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU), and the onboard emissions diagnostic (OBD) device or computer.

I have a 2013 dodge journey has a problem with some sort of battery drain if you dont drive it every day it will not start have put 2 new batteries in it in 2 months so i know it does not have a bad battery need help for a remedy to this problem thanks

Good to see I'm not the only one with this issue ...I now hate dodge vehicles .

I am having the same problems with the battery draining too! Does anybody have any solutions? I have had a new battery and a new cluster

I had same issue, I read somewhere that the main fuse box under the hood was the issue.. so I disconnected it and pulled it out, Its sort of L shaped the top is flat ( with fuses) and there is a part that goes down and is open at the bottom ( to weather) just above the battery.. took it apart thinking I woiuld have to go to the wreckers if I screwed it and found the circuit board with corrosion on it.. I cleaned it up with alcohol and a toothbrush and it seemed to be good for at least a year, now its happening again as its getting colder.. coiuld be I damaged the battery from all the discharges... but now planning to move the battery into the back with a larger one and weld cables connected battery to front connections...

I have a 2010 Dodge Journey!! Same problems as everyone else on here!! Horn would go off out if nowhere!! Pulled fuses out. Somehow that put a horn in on left hand side by a panel!! Battery draining is about to drive me nuts!! Really to sell it and never again buy another one!!!!

I have a 2012 Journey SXT and I have the slow battery drain problem. Found this message board by Googling the problem. Only have 56K miles on it and replaced the battery twice. The dealership where I bought it couldn't find a problem and blamed the battery. After new battery installed it's still doing the same thing. It takes about a day and a half with no start for it to drain enough that it won't start. I bought one of those mini-jumper boxes and have used it like 20 times (they work great by the way) but sometimes if it's really drained the jumper box doesn't work. I live where I don't have to (or want to) drive every day so need a car that's okay to sit for a few days or even a week sometimes. So after the dealership is denying there's a problem I am trading the car in and getting another brand of car (not Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep)

HAVE A 2009 JOURNEY AND BATTERY WOULD GO DEAD OVERNIGHT, FOUND THE PASSENGER MAP LIGHT WAS FLICKERING ALL THE TIME DRAINING THE BATTERY

2012 Dodge Journey Battery goes dead overnight we have had it to two different garages and when they have it everything reads out okay. Never been fixed we are just dealing with it and hope to trade it soon.

I have a 2009 journey and disconnect the negative battery terminal and still shows a draw on the test light. Goes dead every 4 hours. Any ideas ?

We have the same problem - draw test is showing 2.8 amp draw! i pulled the hands free fuse - no change i pulled the dvd fuse - no change i pulled the radio fuse - draw drops to 1.6 amp will continue to try to find the draw!

I tested this again and for a longer period of time - after 3-4 minutes of testing the draw it drops to 0.7 amps/hour. This is with all fuse in, I can pull radio fuse and the initial draw goes from 2.8 to 1.7, but regardless of fuses pulled, it always settles to 0.7 - which will drain the battery in 4 days if unused.

I have a 2013 and the battery would mot last over 8 hours. My husband replaced the battery no change we replaced the alternator no change. He the focused on the fuses and relays under the hood. He took a picture and took all the relays and fuses out cleaned all the contacts with contact cleaner and so far no more problem and it has been a couple of months now. If it happens again down the road he will start replacing the relays

Try locking the car with the manual buttons, NOT THE KEYS OR DOOR CONSOLE. They both enable the security system. Has worked for me.

I fought the draining issue for months. 1st - replaced battery (fixed issue for 2 weeks) 2nd - had dodge look at it, said it was a drain from bluetooth module. i just took it out, replacement stories didn't seem promising. 3rd - removed glove box light. 4th - replaced battery sensor ($400), car worked for 3 days then battery died again. 5th - new battery put in and sold back to dodge dealership out of town.... problem solved. Bought a ford. I am truly sorry if you have these issues, it is truly devastating. My advice is cut your losses if you can, i spent roughly $2500 chasing an issue dodge can't even fix nor seem interested in...... good luck friends.

We had to purchase a trickle cell battery charger and we keep it plugged in at all times. It is a nuisance but it works. We shouldn't even have to do this. We have had 3 new batteries put in because the dealership kept saying it was the ffault of the battery. It was in a garage for 6 weeks and no answers.

I found that where the connections are near the firewall. There are at least 3 cables connected with one bolt. I tool them off , cleaned them then out dualectric compound and tightened them up On one side . No more issues. I also ran weld cable to another battery licated in the back instead of the fender

I fixed my problem .....sold the piece of shit and bought a Mazda

Why doesn’t Doge admit the problem. Battery drain, ticking noise (actuator), driver window motor, radio and U Connect.. never again will I purchase a Dodge!!

I'm having the same issue and have spent over $1000 replacing battery alternator and instrument cluster which is now a discontinued part. I am about to trade it off and be done. It has been nothing but a headache. The horn blows constantly and we had to pull the fuses. Now it just will start randomly battery drain overnight and we have not been able to find any draws

Yep, finally had to trade the 2012 Dodge Journey for a new Chevy Equinox. Problem solved! The dealer never would own up to saying it was a chronic slow battery drain issue for that model of car and they never could fix it. I'll never buy a Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep again.

2009 JOURNEY SE , HAVING SAME ISSUES.. CAR BOUGHT NEW... OVER 1000.00 SPENT ON ALTERNATORS AND BATTERIES.

Auto headlights are the problem.

My 2012 Journey worked fine until March of this year (2020) when at that time the battery would go dead within 2-3 days of not driving the car. I had the battery replaced at the dealer, and it still kept draining. So I took the car back to the dealer and they tested the drain (cost me $607) and it turned out to be the Bluetooth module which I never used because it was not compatible with the newer iphones. Module was defective. To replace the module it would have cost me $1279.90 which is insane. I said disconnect it and leave it like that. So far the car has been working fine.

Suggestions from above (over a year ago): 1. NEVER buy a Dodge ever again. They don't own up to their mistakes. 2. Do not use AUTO Headlights 3. Lock doors manually. No keys or door console, as they activate the security system 4. Micro cracks in battery cables: replace cables 5. Disconnect Bluetooth and Hands-free modules: they are defective 6. Flashlight in back hatch: remove it as its battery likely died, and car battery tries to recharge it

Sorry auto headlights are not it. Glove box light is not it. Only thing for us is installing a kill switch to stop the mystery draw. Has to be something with the radio/Bluetooth or such. This car is a p8ece of junk.

2015 dodge journey 67000km. Bluetooth works sometimes. Battery dies overnight. On my 2nd battery currently. Going through the list of potential problems. I uploaded my summary notes of this page so you can try the easiest/ most common issues first. i'll let you know if i fix it. just bought this crap from a dealer, they will take it back for a $3000 loss if I buy something else from them - this makes me feel stabby.

I FOUND A SOLUTION to the mystery draw on my Dodge Journey: Disconnected the **Bluetooth Hands-free module** that allows a phone be paired with the car. Yup, turns out this is a popular culprit like others have been reporting. This was after countless battery tests, new batteries bought and installed and mechanics letting the vehicle sit while one-by-one disconnecting and diagnosing where the phantom drain was coming from. Turns out, just disconnecting the module was the culprit. The darn things was constantly trying to connect with my phone and failing to do so. The good news is this will not affect any other system in your Dodge Journey and it is fine to drive and use all the other functions. I hope this saves someone a few hundred dollars.

Guru - Did you disconnect the bluetooth module plug behind the hard buttons below the screen or did you go under the driver side dash, remove the brake pedal and remove the bluetooth module itself?

Update on my dead battery in 12hrs: I've been measuring how many volts are left on the new battery I put in. Careful notes on when it was driven or charged, how long it was sitting and how many volts left on the battery. Removed fuse F128 "Radio" under the glove box. Battery drain stopped/ slowed. Replaced F128 - No overnight drain for ~2 weeks. Parasitic draw test reveals only "Radio" fuse F128 is drawing amperage - 370mA. Unplugged both sides of RF hub in ceiling in back near tailgate. 370mA draw and battery drain persist. Going for the bluetooth module now.

I have the same problem 2015 Dodge Journey 58000 ks had this for 3 days battery flat overnight jump start every time Dealership says he put new battery in the day before I picked up now claiming I’ve left something on?!!? Haven’t touched anything just drive it how I picked it up not using anything but radio HELP PLEASE

I have the same problem with my 2012 Dodge Journey. The battery goes dead overnight every night and I need to start it with a portable power pack or with battery charger / starter. First thing I tried was a new battery and same issue. My Journey does not have the flashlight on the rear door and all the other interior lights turn off by themselves. I tried the parasitic amp draw test and pulled all fuses one at a time and couldn't get current draw lower than 0.7A. I'm going to try to unhook my alternator for a night and see if that corrects the problem. If that does not work then I will reconnect the alternator and try unplugging my Bluetooth module under the dash the next night.

2016 Jourmey - parasidic draw, 3rd battery, now only takes 2 days to go dead, was previously @ 4 ( the current battery has been drained 4X now, so likely getting weaker?!?) Tried removing CD, Lights off of Auto, disabled everything possible in settings, checked glovebox and removed light in back...also moved keyfob to way too far to reach...still draining! Will disconnect Bluetooth and report back in a few days...Todd

I wound up just trading my 2012 Journey for a 2020 Chevy Equinox back in March of this year. Won't buy another Dudge….haha. I hear all Dudge/Chrysler/Jeeps tend to wind up with this problem and it's caused by many different things. I never turned on or used the Bluetooth in the car. Maybe that was the problem. The problem is that I took it the dealership where I bought it and mentioned it's a common problem and they would not acknowledge that it's a chronic problem and just blamed it on a bad battery, which was only about a month old. Dealerships won't acknowledge it and they don't know how to fix it apparently.

Dealer I got my 2009 from says they weren't able to figure it out, they swapped out the alternator and battery, not charging issues with alternator. Swapped out the EVAP purge solenoid last winter because even after a long drive with only the heat on, it would die at the gas station (less than 5 mins to fuel up and start up again). This fixed the issue with the battery dying at the gas pump. But still, I leave it off for a few hours, and the relay is ticking and won't start without a boost. Not even a fully charged lead acid battery booster starts it up most times now. Battery was fine when I tested it over Summer 2020. Definitely something draining the battery. Either in electrical or fuel system. Since the fuel system issue already appeared for me once with the EVAP purge solenoid being bad, I am thinking it has to do with the vapor canister. I'll probably have to swap out a whole bunch of stuff in the fuel system and I am not willing to do that myself. Purge solenoid was relatively easy to replace considering I didn't have to lift up the car. Also note that if I left the car sitting for several days, vapors used to collect up inside the fuel cap. I guess you could blame this on the fuel system or purge solenoid, but at the same time if the battery is being drained by something else, the purge solenoid isn't going to be running in the first place without power. Important to note, this car has 200000+ km on it. I don't want to spend much more money on fixing this car, so I am thinking of just using a kill switch for when I am away from home, and plugging it in with the kill switch disarmed and plugged in during the winter. I'll also install a new battery. This one has gone through way too many discharge cycles. I'll update later if I find solution other than a kill switch.

One of the post was from a Tony where he said push starter to run. Put shift in N and start it up and it worked for one day. Brand new batters 6 months old. It started again every day. Lights go on, dashboard lights up the minute I put my foot on brake to start it up nothing. Something is sucking juice from my battery over night. Ione mechanic said it was my TIMP, $1400-2000, to fix it. I’m getting a 2nd opinion. Has anyone had their problem repaired.

I have a Dodge Journey 2012 SXT. I too have the parasitic drain. The battery dies overnight and I have to use a jump box to start it each time. Yesterday I checked the draw on the battery with only the hood open, nothing else operating. I had a 2A draw still. I check all of the fuses by removing them, finally I removed the TCM F176 fuse and the current dropped. I left the fuse out all day/night. This morning I installed the fuse and it started. I am going to look into this further. I purchased this vehicle about 3 years ago and I have put more money into this piece of crap than I have with any other non- Dodge/Chrysler vehicle combined. Don't be fooled by the cheaper price of a Dodge. They are cheaper for a reason...

PCM F176

So here is what I found and how I am going to correct my issue. After the vehicle runs the amp draw on the battery is about 2A. Once the dash turns off and all systems "power down" the draw sits at 900 ma. Still way too high. If I unplug the PCM F176 fuse, the current draw will decrease to 500 ma which is still too high. I also found that the ABS system is still drawing significant power. I removed the ABS Valves F173 fuse and my current draw goes down to about 30 ma which is perfect. The interesting thing is that I can re-install both of these fuses and the current draw will stay at 30 ma until the next run cycle. I think Dodge has a design flaw here since there are so many people having this same issue. I believe that the PCM/ECM is not telling the ABS system to go to sleep. I am going to design a circuit to power down the PCM and ABS system electrically when the vehicle is not running. I will let you know how it goes. Should take care of my situation anyway. If you have this similar issue, remove these two fuses overnight and see how it goes for you.

Did you have any issues starting up after plugging it back in? I'm afraid to leave this fuse off for too long because I've heard about having to relearn the ECU and keys

This data shod be stored in NVRAM and backed up separately without the need for the main battery. I suppose if their is a problem with the ECM/PCM battery then maybe? I will let you know later today. My battery has been dead for a week at a time so I know I won't have issues on my end.

Sounds good. Also read this somewhere else. I might pull the fuse tonight and see. Worst case, I'll have to take it to the dealer to relearn it and I'll still have a car that barely runs as usual.

Guru997MQG, I just checked mine. With fuses out, keyless entry worked fine. Put the fuses in after 24 hours in 30 deg weather, fired right up. I removed the fuses again and will let sit for another couple of days. It hasn't gone one full day in years! The draw has gone down from 900 ma to about 30ma now so I am very happy. I should also mention that I removed the hands-free fuse from the passenger fuse compartment as well. That really wasn't drawing much, but I didn't want to take any chances. The Bluetooth hasn't worked on this vehicle in years either.

Mark, have you found a ECM power relay? This might be it for you if everything is working once it fires up.

My car runs perfectly, it just drains the battery.

Yes, but it may mean that the relay is stuck open even when the car is off. Everything functions, but it also functions when the vehicle is off.

Hey Mark, I'm starting to think that maybe your drain could possibly be due to something similar to mine. Since I know for a fact I had an issue with the EVAP Purge solenoid killing the battery while pumping fuel, and that having been fixed since replacing the purge solenoid, I have been wondering for some time if the charcoal canister has gone bad (located near the rear left tire I think). I will be replacing this along with the battery next time I take in the vehicle. I'll let you know if it has any changes. The reason I believe there is a possibility of this being an issue for you as well is because this system is connected to the PCM in some way. (https://www.carparts.com/blog/p0443-code-evaporative-emission-system-purge-control- valve-a- circuit/#:~:text=Diagnostic%20trouble%20code%20(DTC)%20P0443,valve%20or%20its% 20control%20circuit.) When I ran my scanner, I did find the p0443 code a long time ago, but didn't search up what it was. The code only relates to the solenoid I believe, but in fact doesn't rule out a bad canister.

Ok! Three months into this. Two different mechanics diagnosed a 1 amp drain going through fuse F128 "Radio" from interior fuse box. Both mechanics recommended replacing "Audio Equipment Radio Receiver 4.3" Screen" (photo below of the back of it) You have to remove some trim below the screen & use a Torx 15 screwdriver to remove this part (its just a metal box with the DVD player integrated) then remove all the plugs from the back (carefully). 30 - 60mins job. The part cost ~$1000. You can try your luck on Ebay but you need to match the part number perfectly. You can find the part number on the top of this box. So far so good, but i'll update if the battery drain issue returns.

As it sits my car works perfectly by removing these fuses. Its been 4 days and it starts right up. Its probably a design flaw like the rest of their products. I am installing some relays so I don't need to pull fuses manually. Spent enough money trying to fix the MANY problems with this vehicle over the years. No more dodge/chrysler/jeep purchases in my future.

So I've been thinking about the radio thing for a long time... Finally decided to pull the M12 30 Amp Green fuse on my 2009 SE. Had the battery plugged in over night. Cranked up with no issues 4 hours later on a full charge. Let it idle 5 min, shut it off. went back down to check on it 2 hours later... Locks weren't slow to open and close. Headlights went on without being dim. Wipers actually moved. In the winter or summer, they would be slow to move even after a full charge and the engine off. This time, it wasn't even plugged in and they moved... it's almost 0 degrees C outside right now. I really hope this is the only problem... Gonna leave it unplugged until tomorrow afternoon to see if it cranks back up. If it does... I know for a fact this was my main issue. If it is, I'll remove the radio. M12 fuse doesn't mess with the car warning sounds, so I couldn't care any less than I do right now if the radio works. I just need something that doesn't need a boost every morning. Also, my radio isn't the one with the colour display on it. It's just the basic model. Doesn't have bluetooth that I know of, GPS, or the satellite radio thing. I'm used to the clock resetting everyday because of the drain anyways, so I'll be fine with not having a clock on the radio.

Hey everyone, Just a quick update. The M12 fuse (Radio and Amplifier) on my '09 SE being pulled stopped the battery from draining, at least enough to provide power to the door locks, lights and so on. Left it unplugged from the battery tender for a full day and its -2 degrees Celsius outside right now. High beams worked, dash lights up, locks had full power. There may be some other drains that aren't so bad, but I'm planning on ordering an Odyessy extreme battery once it's in stock again for this and keeping the M12 fuse off and removing the radio once I have time to clean up the car. As far as starting the car, it gets a low crank for a split second and then relays start clicking. I'm assuming the battery really took a beating with over 100 boosts with either packs or cars. When I plug in the booster, it starts up right away... So this has to be it. Fairly satisfied with this. Wish I'd pulled that fuse two years ago when I first got it.

Hello Mark and Guru997MQG. Is the radio controlled by the ECM? You might think the radio fuse is solving the problem because the radio is eliminated but actually the pcm is not allowing the radio to shut down. I have just acquired a 2011 Journey with the battery drain. Talked to my mechanic buddy and he said the parasitic fuse test may not lead you in the right direction since you could eliminate a component which is controlled by the pcm and the problem is actually the pcm, not the component. His experience has been the pcm being the issue.

Hi Guru9DNSM4, This is very much a good possibility considering different models of radios are having this issue and my radio doesn't seem to have any issues at all once the car is up and running. I'm not willing to pay what it costs to replace the PCM, and as long as the battery doesn't drain with the M12 (radio) fuse unplugged, I'll be happy with that. By the way, has he resolved this issue on multiple vehicles by replacing the PCM?

His experience is that the drain issue is corrected from changing the pcm instead of the components which it controls

Fairly sure it's the PCM. I can't see what else it could be. This car is junk. Replaced the transmission, motor mounts, has a lifter tick sometimes, alternator was swapped earlier (probably not needed), multiple batteries, EVAP purge solenoid, needs new suspension bushings, wipers seized and had to replace the front motor and managed to fix the rear at home... It was initially a intermittent gear ratio error that lead to the transmission swap P0743... kept going into limp mode and wouldn't shift above 3rd until replaced. Now, I am getting a P0700 code and the one for low voltage... I don't know if this car is worth fixing at all. Might do a PCM swap at some point if nothing else breaks down first.

Im not going to toot my horn but i have a 2010 with same issues and when i did the big 3 upgrade, i removed the negative terminal from upper engine bay where you attach the jumper cables.. underneath you will notice dodge just sprayed the paint over the stud and never sanded the paint to make a proper ground to the system. After sanding paint and attaching cables, i have 0 power draw or lights flickering. Not saying it will work for everyone, but the ground wires are a great first place to look

I just ordered a new PCM. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to try out what you said before installing the PCM to see if that does anything. Was it just the ground wire area on the booster spot that needs to be sanded, or did you do anything other than the wire swap on the engine ground as well?

well... Look at this ground right here.

pretty sure the broken and rusty wire is running to the body and attached to another wire running to battery.

Folks, my 2010 dodge journey has parasitic drain. After performing parasitic drain test, we find that the auto start relay keeps switching eventhough when tge car is completely stopped. Has anyone fixed anything like this. Luke what should fix it?

My daughter has a 2010 Dodge Journey SXT and I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We get some really cold nights in January and I have been getting up early before I go to work because my daughter phones me every second morning asking me to come over to her place to boost her vehicle. So I traded her vehicles and I have been checking for a parasitic drain on her battery for the last 2 weeks without any luck until this morning at 5:30 AM to help my wife get ready for work. I went to the front door to remote start my wife's car and noticed the brake lights were activated on the 2010 Dodge Journey SXT so I went outside and yes the battery was dead again. I checked a few websites and this is a known problem with Journeys and the brake switch staying on after turning it off. I would never have noticed it if I would not have gotten up at 5:30 AM with my wife. Thank you honey! Now replacing my brake light switch. I will let you know if that solves it but I am 99.9% sure that is the issue.

My 2013 journey wasn’t starting if it sat for over 12 hours..Alternator was ok, 6 month old battery...my son disconnected the bluetooth and took the bulb out of the glove compartment and I haven’t had a problem in months

2009 journey my battery issue bought this car in July 2020 noticed a rough start not just start when turned the key fob over few months it was getting bad i would make sure everything was off when i shut the car off.I went to auto zone they tested the alternator it was good battery tested bad. At this point it cold winter I don't keep it in a garage my engine lt & tire pressure lt always on battery lt has came on only 2xs and that's only when it was raining bad roads have lot water on them. I haven't had to jump the car at all at this point. Buy NEW BATTERY from auto zone new battery installed rough start 1st try & every dash dummy light for breaks abs tred control came on engine & tire pressure lt came back on too! then didnt want to start hooked cables to jump it took awhile finally started battery good charged. The battery been in my car 3 weeks now the car still starts the same if not worse I drive the car 6days a week to work about 25min drive to & from so this car isn't sitting a day not being started. I still shut everything off like I did w the bad battery which I still have I had a appointment about 40min ride stopped at a gas station shut everything off turned car off(I did hv radio on & heat during the ride)was in the store maybe 10mins at the most got 8n car wouldn't start! I hv cheap jumper cables brand new tho tried starting it few times wouldn't catch the clock on the radio works everything works but won't start. This couple offer to give me a jump they had a 4 cylinder mines a v6 everything hooked up correctly still won't start I call a tow company paid him $45 he hooked his jump box up the car starts right up I'm telling the guy its brand new battery he didn't understand it either. I drive it home nxt day starts for wrk im still shutting everything off before turning the car off. A couple days ago I had a appointment right by my job so I drove the same distance as I would if I was going to wrk I parked shut the car off realized I was in wrong parking lot try starting the car and it wouldn't start! I go into appointment was done less than a hour car started! Didn't start easy now 4 weeks w new battery im afraid to shut my car off unless I'm at work or home! All the dummy dash lights are still coming on I use the defrost mostly passenger side blows cool air rear defrost usually on too and the radio. I stopped using auto light setting w the old battery my inside light only come on when you get in or out the back temperature I keep those off too I noticed the 1 dial has a red padlock on it I don't know what that means &bi don't know how to unlock it either the back flashlight in the hatch I took out before when I had problems with the old battery! Its been hooked up to a computer it showed h2o sensor i replaced it 1 of 4 hooked it up again recently and same code for another h2o sensor by the Cadillac converter is what the guy told me. It wouldn't pass emission test and that might be the engine lt problem. I'm not sure but I don't have hundreds of dollars to start replacing parts. My car makes a loud like winding noise when I accelerate the acts like I'm forcing it it actually go . I need help glad I'm not alone someone mentioned the ground I wondered if this issue im having could be a ground especially with the location of the battery & my battery light only coming on when the roads have a lot of water or I go through deep puddle

2016 journey battery dead over night Heat stays on high heat but screen climate control says off knobs also are not responding??? The touch screen works fine on phone, radio, and settings, but not on climate control

Bought a volt meter for 15 bucks, and lock doors manually after shutting off engine. I get about 4 days of starting before battery is dead even in a Canadian winter. If voltage is below 11v, risk of not starting in winter, tolerates lover voltage in summer but we tend to drive it more often then! Cheap way to avoid an expensive repair. Our last three car replacements all involved collision or flood, so loathe to invest in a fix! https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/3-in-1-Digital-LED-USB-Car-Charger-Voltmeter- Thermometer-Car-Battery-Monitor/PRD5L1K02WKTDU1

My 2012 would die overnight but only at my house. When the shop had it to check for parasitic draws it always came up negative. Discussed with my mechanic, pulled the bluetooth fuse and haven't had a problem since.

So I know that I am late to this conversation, but I've been dealing with these same issues with my 2015 Journey with less than 50,000 miles. I have a parasitic drain issue that is truly intermittent, new battery absolute dead in February, replaced alternator, issue returns in July. Nothing since. One thing I've discovered is that when you hook up your multimeter to do an amp drain test, you "wake up" several components from hibernation just by hooking up the meter. Two of these are the ABS Valve fuse and battery fuse under the hood. I found this by pulling the fuses and seeing the amp drop. However, if after hooking up the meter you wait 5 minutes these items will go back to sleep. My test went like this: upon hooking up meter, draw = 1 amp, after approx 1 min draw = .53, after min or so drops to .48, 1 min or so drops to .46 (components are shutting down ) after 5 min draw drops to zero. At first I did not understand this because of radio memory, phone contact list memory, door FOB sensors etc that require power. But when I disconnect the battery I lose non of these so they are getting power elsewhere, a capacitor perhaps. When I get my FOB and touch the door, the doors click, interior lights come on and draw= 4.5. So I believe my reading. So I wish I had the everyday problem some of you have. Then I could find the problem. I'll never find this.

The only way they will issue a recall is if everyone submits a complaint here.... https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

have a 2013 journey constant drain after 2-3 days of not driving found drain caused by the a b s unit pull the fuse when car shut off no more drain just have to replace it when u go to start it

When I had my radio out I noticed the glove box light bulb was on. It was because the flimsy glove box door hangs to far ahead from the weight of the owners manual. I pulled the glove box door light bulb out and disconnected the radio and never had a problem since.

Sounds like we are not alone, same issue on my 2010 journey R/T something drains the power, usually will work if you use car at least once a day. i had the random horn going off issue as well in the past. i have taken off the flashlight in the back of the car and will see if that helps, just got new battery on friday, mechanic said they went through it trying to find what was causing the draw on the battery but found nothing. worked saturday, monday morning no power at all and had to use the portable booster again. good thing i bought one.

Had the same issue on our 2010 Journey. Pulled the horn fuses a while back, then recently it began draining the battery within 24 hours. Took it to the dealer and they found the horn relay, behind the dash was faulty. Replaced it and in over 4 months now, both issues are gone!

Have 2011 D.J SE plus in Toronto, battery drains over night, replaced battery and i get 12.4 Volts in the morning with brand new battery. there is 14.6-15 volts while driving think it's too much (overcharging) may this cause short battery life (previous battery interstate lasted 2 years and died), always had problem with key FOB battery drains every 4 weeks Thanks