why does my Renault Clio V (2019-Present) have a low battery after only a few hours?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Tools Required: Multimeter, OBD-II scanner, socket set, wire brush or terminal cleaner.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is off. Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shorts during the repair process.

2. Battery Inspection and Cleaning

• Step 1: Remove the battery terminals, starting with the negative terminal followed by the positive terminal.
• Step 2: Inspect the battery for any signs of swelling or leakage. If the battery appears damaged, it may need to be replaced.
• Step 3: Clean the battery terminals using a wire brush or terminal cleaner to remove any corrosion.
• Step 4: Reconnect the battery terminals, securing the positive terminal first followed by the negative terminal.

3. Parasitic Draw Test

• Step 1: Reconnect the multimeter in series with the battery to measure the current draw.
• Step 2: With the vehicle off, monitor the multimeter reading. A reading above 50 mA could indicate a parasitic draw.
• Step 3: Identify the source of the draw by removing fuses one at a time until the current draw drops to an acceptable level.

4. Charging System Check

• Step 1: Start the engine and use the multimeter to check the voltage at the battery. It should read between 13.7 to 14.7 volts if the alternator is functioning properly.
• Step 2: If the voltage is below this range, inspect the alternator and connections for faults. Replace or repair as needed.