WEAK / DEAD BATTERY (4-DOOR SEDANS ONLY)

Applicable Models

Related Category/Subcategory/Symptoms

ENGINE / IGNITION SYSTEM / UNDERCHARGING,DEAD BATTERY
BODY AND ACCESSORY / OTHER / UNDERCHARGING,DEAD BATTERY

MTOL - 4737 Dealer Repair Information

Symptom and Conditions

Some customers may complain of a weak or dead battery at times.  The   
cause may be due to the trunk lid being in the slightly open position. 
In many cases, the customer may be unaware that the trunk lid is       
unlatched because the 'door ajar' indicator will not light when the    
trunk lid is open and the trunk lid may appear to be closed when       
unlatched.                                                             
                                                                       
Normally, the Trunk Lid Striker Cover (Lock Bezel) will open and allow 
trunk lid latch to engage the striker.  Small springs hold the flap of 
Trunk Lid Striker Cover.  If a spring breaks or moves out of position, 
the flap can shift and interfere with the latching of trunk lid to the 
striker.  This will not allow trunk lid to close and the trunk         
compartment lamp will remain on and drain the battery.                 
                                                                       
When such a failure is occurring, the dark current draw will be around 
180-380 mA, and the draw will be found from PJB fuse #50 & #51 circuits.
                                                                       

Repair Procedure

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired by     
following the repair procedure below:                                   
                                                                        
1. Verify trunk lid is fully closed and that the Trunk Lid Striker Cover
is operating properly. (If trunk lid is found ajar, examine the latch   
and striker to ensure they are operating properly.  If not make         
necessary repairs to return latching to normal operation.)              
                                                                        
2. Check dark current draw. (Normal current draw is between 12-23 mA)   
                                                                        
3. If current draw is between 12-23 mA, explain to the customer that    
they may have had the trunk lid slightly ajar which caused the battery  
drain.                                                                  
                                                                        
4. Refer to the workshop manual if current draw is above 23 mA.