It’s frustrating to drive an Acura ILX if its battery dies frequently. What could be the cause of this problem? Also, how can you fix it? We researched these concerns, and here’s what we found.
Some possible reasons why your Acura ILX's battery dies frequently are loose battery cables, the usage of a poor-quality battery, and a bad alternator.
Make sure to troubleshoot the car to find the source of the main problem. Then, use the appropriate solutions based on your findings to prevent further harm to the vehicle.
It would help if you learned as much as possible about the possible causes of an Acura ILX's battery dying repeatedly. So keep reading as we discuss these reasons and their possible fixes in greater detail.
Reasons Why Acura ILX Battery Keeps Dying (And How To Fix This)
Loose Battery Cables
Failure to secure an Acura ILX’s battery may make it seem like the car’s engine stalls frequently. Instead, the battery’s cables might be loose, preventing them from making complete circuits when needed.
This particular issue might cause the battery to die often, particularly when driving the ILX through bumpy terrain.
How To Fix
Turn off and ensure the Acura ILX’s engine is off. Then, allow the engine to cool for a few minutes before opening the hood. Once exposed, tighten the battery’s cables and go for a test drive in your car.
Aim to let the vehicle run for extended periods to ensure that this battery problem disappears.
Watch the video below to learn how to install a car battery to help ensure you’re securing it correctly:
On the other hand, it might not be the battery cable that’s the issue but the terminal. If so, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step-By-Step Guide
- Remove the negative battery cable from its terminal.
- Remove the positive battery cable from its terminal.
- Place a cotter pin next to the battery terminal and connect the positive battery cable.
- Repeat the previous step for the negative battery cable and its terminal.
- Start the Acura ILX and allow it to run for as long as possible to check if the procedure solved the issue.
You can also watch this clip to see the steps mentioned above in action:
Perhaps the cables or their terminals aren’t the components at fault but the battery itself. Ensure you only use quality batteries for your vehicles, especially for an Acura ILX.
Otherwise, you may run into further issues like:
- Weak headlights
- Slow cranking and turnover speed
- Fast corrosion buildup on battery terminals
- Frequent clicking sounds as the car starts
How To Fix
Replace your Acura ILX’s old battery with a new and better unit. Make sure to select the correct automotive battery while thinking of different factors. Some car battery elements to think about are:
Type
Car batteries generally fall under two main types: lead acid and absorbed glass mat (AGM). Each battery class has its unique pros and cons.
For instance, lead-acid batteries are often less expensive than AGMs' price tags. However, these choices may not hold as much charge as AGM batteries.
On the other hand, AGMs typically last longer than lead-acid batteries. Specific AGM models may also be more durable than lead acids, particularly if it drained accidentally.
But these additional features usually come with higher costs.
Fit
Bear in mind that different car batteries exist on the market. The other dimensions possessed by the various options mean you should find the right one that fits your Acura ILX.
Generally, Acura’s vehicles can take size 24/24F top terminal batteries. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or ask the car manufacturer if you’re unsure about the battery you will buy and install for your ILX.
Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA)
CCA is the coefficient that states the measurement for an automotive battery’s ability to start the vehicle at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
A good CCA should be able to allow the car to run for at least 30 seconds at freezing temperature.
Typically, 300 CCA should be sufficient for many vehicles in different locations. But an excellent car battery should have at least 600 CCA, mainly if your Acura ILX is in an area with a cold climate.
Check out this replacement car battery on Amazon.
At this point, you might also be wondering if a car battery can have good voltage and still be bad. Follow that link to know the answer to that concern.
Bad Alternator
An automotive alternator is responsible for charging the battery while supplying the vehicle with sufficient electricity to help different power systems.
If the alternator fails, it might not be able to bring an adequate charge to the battery. The result may be that the battery turns off frequently.
How To Fix
Make sure to purchase the correct alternator for your Acura ILX. Once you have the right model, continue this procedure by following these steps:
What You’ll Need
- Serpentine belt removal tool
- Ratchet and socket set
- Wrench set
- Replacement alternator
Step-By-Step Guide
- Disengage the ILX’s engine and ensure it’s off.
- Wait for the engine to cool before opening the hood.
- Chock the wheels to prevent the car from moving while you’re working on it.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable from its terminal.
- Repeat the previous step for the positive battery cable.
- Remove the bolts securing the alternator.
- Disconnect the hoses attached to the alternator.
- Insert the serpentine belt removal tool into the bolt securing the serpentine belt.
- Slightly pull the removal tool to release tension to the serpentine belt. Slide the belt off of its mount afterward.
- Pull out the old alternator from its mounting bracket.
- Install the new alternator in the exact location of the old unit.
- Secure the new assembly by inserting and tightening its bolts.
- Reinstall the serpentine belt and restore tension to it.
- Return the hoses and other bolts to the alternator assembly.
- Turn on the ILX’s engine and allow it to run for several minutes to check if the battery still dies.
See this replacement Acura ILX alternator on Amazon.
Note: Replacing a vehicle’s alternator generally demands adequate confidence and automotive know-how. Request help from a certified and trusted industry professional if you believe you can’t handle this procedure.
Watch the video below for a visual representation of the steps mentioned above. Note that this clip shows how to replace an alternator on an Acura TL.
Nonetheless, the replacement procedure should still be quite similar for the ILX:
How Do You Stop An Acura ILX Battery From Draining When Not In Use?
Aside from the reasons already mentioned, an Acura ILX battery may continuously drain because of user negligence. Some possible causes are:
- The headlights stayed on overnight
- Failure to remove corrosion buildup on the battery terminals
- Multiple and frequent short drives
- The battery is old and needs a replacement
So preventing an Acura ILX battery from draining while you’re not using it means you should care for your car correctly.
For example, ensure that the headlights and cabin lights are off before leaving the vehicle for the day (or night).
Also, inspect the battery’s condition regularly. Check under the hood and remove signs of corrosion before they become serious problems.
How Do I Find What's Draining My Car Battery?
A parasitic drain may also be one of the reasons why your Acura ILX’s battery dies quickly, even if you’re not using it frequently. Here’s what you need to do to find the source of the parasitic battery drain:
What You’ll Need
- Multimeter
- Replacement fuses
Step-By-Step Guide
- Disconnect the negative battery cable from its terminal.
- Attach the multimeter’s probes to the negative battery cable and its terminal.
- Open the fuse box and replace any worn fuse you find.
- Keep replacing fuses until the multimeter shows a significant amperage drop.
- Once found, close the fuse box, disconnect the multimeter, and return the negative battery cable to its terminal.
See these replacement automotive fuses on Amazon.
Our Final Thoughts
Remember, find the cause of why your Acura ILX's battery keeps dying. Then, use the appropriate method to solve the main issue from its source.
If you think you can’t find the source of the problem or can’t fix it using DIY techniques, consult the help of a certified and trustworthy automotive repair professional.
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