Battery

11236 Views 52 Replies 18 Participants Last post by johara1, Nov 17, 2020

Info Seeker

Discussion Starter · Feb 26, 2020

I have a Passport EX-L purchased new on 3/2019 and now with 5,000 miles. Due to personal reasons it sat, in a garage, for 13 days and needed a jump. Another time it sat for 8 days and needed a jump. Prior to that it sat for 12 and 17 days and it started fine. I understand using a trickle charger, which is not the easiest thing to hook up and starting it every week. Is there a better battery I can purchase to correct this situation? I would like to go on a two week vacation and have my vehicle start when at the airport. The dealer gives me lip service which was not expected. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

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Wrascal

· #2 · Feb 26, 2020

If you're gonna be stranded at an airport then perhaps something like this will come in handy (just keep it charged up):

https://www.amazon.com/Clore-Automotive-Jump-N-Carry-JNC660-Starter/dp/B000JFJLP6/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=auto+jump+charger&qid=1582754195&sr=8-5

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ProdGirl

· #3 · Feb 26, 2020 (Edited)

I can’t go more than 6-7 days, parked in my garage, and in SoCal weather without starting mine. I get a low battery alert on my Kahu app and then on the dash.

Once I get back to work again, after the coronavirus shit goes away, and I will not be able to start it, (I travel for work), so I’m often gone for 3 months at a time, I've got to find another solution as well.

From what my Honda shop and the dealer told me, this one week or so of sitting idle is normal because of how much is being pulled from the battery by just sitting with nothing on. They have a bigger battery available, for about $350, plus labor. But there is no guarantee or studies if this will give you one extra day or week of holding a charge.

Email Honda, they need to put a system update similar to our laptops, where if our Honda is parked secure in our garage for more than a week we shut it down. If it’s sitting idle for just a few days, it just goes to sleep.

email them thru here:

https://crrs.secure.force.com/service/hondaownerw2c

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johara1

· #4 · Feb 26, 2020

Why won't hold a charge? My CRV will set for that long and start. But then my battery went bad and it was replaced now no trouble starting after sitting awhile.Seems like an other problem to add to the list.

ProdGirl

· #5 · Feb 27, 2020

johara1 said:
Why won't hold a charge? My CRV will set for that long and start. But then my battery went bad and it was replaced now no trouble starting after sitting awhile.Seems like an other problem to add to the list.

This is an issue for the Passports & Ridgeline's.
See my post above.

pshadoa

· #6 · Feb 27, 2020

Costco has CAT brand jump starter/compressor for $79. Also has USB port and a 110 v outlet. I have had a couple of these for several years. Costco also has a "mini" size jump starter about the size of a paperback book for $59. Is good for a couple of starts and also has USB ports. I keep one in all of our vehicles.

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carpayments4life

· #7 · Feb 27, 2020

I got my Touring in late Oct and am under 700 miles, so it stays on a 3A trickle charger.

By the brake pedal I found a "hot all the time" fuse and put a red wire there.
Bolted a black wire down to ground and ran the pair of wires out of the rear door, because it is closest to my trickle charger.

I have to trip over the wires, to get to the driver's door, so I don't forget to unplug it and toss it on the floor board, before driving to the store.

Beachbum07

· #8 · Feb 27, 2020

ProdGirl said:
I can’t go more than 6-7 days, parked in my garage, and in SoCal weather without starting mine. I get a low battery alert on my Kahu app and then on the dash.

Once I get back to work again, after the coronavirus shit goes away, and I will not be able to start it, (I travel for work), so I’m often gone for 3 months at a time, I've got to find another solution as well.

From what my Honda shop and the dealer told me, this one week or so of sitting idle is normal because of how much is being pulled from the battery by just sitting with nothing on. They have a bigger battery available, for about $350, plus labor. But there is no guarantee or studies if this will give you one extra day or week of holding a charge.

Email Honda, they need to put a system update similar to our laptops, where if our Honda is parked secure in our garage for more than a week we shut it down. If it’s sitting idle for just a few days, it just goes to sleep.

email them thru here:

https://crrs.secure.force.com/service/hondaownerw2c

Thanks for the link! I just submitted a concern over the battery problem.

Reactions: 1

Beachbum07

· #9 · Feb 29, 2020

I sent an email to Honda using the link from ProdGirl, and complained about the battery draining too quickly. Surprisingly, Honda got back to me the next day. Their email simply stated that they are not aware of any other reports of battery problems. Also stated that my concern would be forwarded to the design and engineering teams.

I highly suggest that those who are having the battery draining issue send an email to Honda with the following link.

email them thru here:
https://crrs.secure.force.com/service/hondaownerw2c

Reactions: 1

ProdGirl

· #10 · Feb 29, 2020

email response today from Honda. Clearly, we need to find a solution on our own unless many others complain.

Dear Heather Thomas,

Thank you for contacting Honda Customer Service and allowing our team the opportunity of responding to your message. Our customer's satisfaction is of utmost importance to us and we assure you of our interest in your feedback. On behalf of American Honda, we do genuinely apologize for the circumstances which have prompted you to reach out to us.

It is our pleasure to note your valuable comments pertaining to the battery of your 2019 Honda Passport vehicle. Honda strives to produce vehicles which exceed our customer's expectations and your insight assists us in fully understanding the consumer perspective regarding what improvements consumers would like to see from Honda in the future.

Whenever a customer reaches out to us, we document feedback, which can then be used by several of our departments. This includes development of future products, options combinations, dealer training, and marketing. Thank you for contacting American Honda and providing our team with this feedback, have a great day.

We welcome you to contact us with any additional comments or questions.

Kind regards,
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Case #10270088

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pshadoa

· #11 · Feb 29, 2020

Maybe time to submit a claim for arbitration. The info on how to do this is in the Owner's Manual. The arbitration people are great to work with and work fast. You will end up meeting with the arbiter and a rep from Honda. .....Just be sure to present this issue as a manufacturing defect not a design defect. Since the vast majority of us do not have problems with our batteries, citing this as a manufacturing defect should be straightforward. In other words, this problem is not common to all Passports. Mine, for example, has sat for a month and started right up afterwards. Be sure to CALL Honda and establish a case number. Also keep all of you paperwork such as service records.... My '06 BMW has this same issue but I only drive it every six weeks or so. So, I keep a Deltran Jr. trickle charger/tender (only $22 on Amazon) connected. I also put a 8x10 sign on my windshield so I won't drive off with the charger connected! Which I did one time. Fortunately the charger cable has a quick disconnect. I also use one of these Deltrans on my Harley. A new $40k vehicle should be able to start after only a week or two not being driven! Again wish you luck dealing with Honda.

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Chad Reimer

· #12 · Sep 19, 2020

I had this same issue with a different vehicle (2014 VW Jetta) when parked outside in the cold. I purchased a battery charger and had it installed so that I could plug the vehicle in when I was planning to leave it parked for a while. It solved the problem. Here's what I purchased NOCO - 1-Amp Smart Battery Charger - GENIUS1 The key for me was to have it installed to the battery so that I could simply connect the charger at the grill and plug it in to the wall. Similar to the way a block heater cord is attached the the grill. A friend of mine did the instal in about 20 minutes including lengthening the wires and adding protection for the wires. I hope you find this information helpful.

johara1

· #13 · Sep 20, 2020

ProdGirl said:
This is an issue for the Passports & Ridgeline's.
See my post above.

I don't think it is limited to just passports, My 2017 CRV touring acted the same and it was the battery. Now the passport uses a different battery due to the engine shutting down when stopping and would bet this maybe the problem. My passport doesn't seem to have that issue it has set for three weeks and started and drove like a tank till it got the flat spots out of the tires....

darksky

· #14 · Sep 21, 2020

Using a trickle charger or jump starter is a bit difficult due to the lack of access to the negative battery terminal. The owner manual describes removing a couple plastic panels to gain access to a negative connect point on top of the engine. Someone posted this solution to use as a negative connect point. This is under the hood on the driver side. Use a stainless steel bolt, washers and nuts and be sure to scrape away paint to bare metal to make a good connection.
This thread has reminded me I need to do this.

Bumper Auto part Automotive exterior Vehicle Hood

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johara1

· #15 · Nov 11, 2020

Went out today and the PP was dead, 6000 miles and it won't start...... hooked the battery charger up while I call the Honda service and he said unhook it or you may damage something.... so I jumped it with my tractor and got it going. Now they said the charged the battery and it's ok....... Two things first they can jump it and is OK? but I can't...... next why did it go dead?..... I think I'm in for the run around till it dies again......

ProdGirl

· #16 · Nov 11, 2020

johara1 said:
Went out today and the PP was dead, 6000 miles and it won't start...... hooked the battery charger up while I call the Honda service and he said unhook it or you may damage something.... so I jumped it with my tractor and got it going. Now they said the charged the battery and it's ok....... Two things first they can jump it and is OK? but I can't...... next why did it go dead?..... I think I'm in for the run around till it dies again......

Yep. You will likely get the run around. After about 10 calls each to my dealer, the alarm co., and Honda Corporate about my low battery alert, I no longer care. They can spend $100’s to tow or road side service a dead battery.

johara1

· #17 · Nov 11, 2020

I know what you are saying, but my time is worth nothing, sitting in the middle of nowhere freezing my buns off waiting for a tilt bed to drag it in ....... jim

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HarveyW

· #18 · Nov 11, 2020

johara1 said:
Went out today and the PP was dead, 6000 miles and it won't start...... hooked the battery charger up while I call the Honda service and he said unhook it or you may damage something.... so I jumped it with my tractor and got it going. Now they said the charged the battery and it's ok....... Two things first they can jump it and is OK? but I can't...... next why did it go dead?..... I think I'm in for the run around till it dies again......

In the 80's and 90's when you turned a car off everything was off. There were no complicated computers, infotainment systems etc. Now when you turn a car off you shutting off the motor. and turning off the lights. The computer, alarm system and some sensors are still drawing power. On top of that, the AGM battery needed to operate all of the various electronic systems including the gps, infotainment etc, does not charge at as high a rate as the typical flood acid battery. Short trips, lots of stop and go, can keep the battery from getting a good, full charge. AGM Batteries are also easier to damage. If the voltage goes below 10 volts then the battery is suffering some damage, which will reduce it's capacity.

If you are not driving the vehicle on a regular basis you might want to consider getting a AGM approved trickle charger and plugging it in when you are not going to be driving the vehicle for a while. I have one of these:

The ring cable is attached to the battery and the plug in is hidden behind the grill with a couple of black zip ties. I just pull out the plug, plug it in and let the tender do it's job if I'm not going to be driving it for a few days.

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ProdGirl

· #19 · Nov 11, 2020

johara1 said:
I know what you are saying, but my time is worth nothing, sitting in the middle of nowhere freezing my buns off waiting for a tilt bed to drag it in ....... jim

Yeah, that’s true.
Thankfully I don’t have to worry about much below 40-60* for the next few months and I’m rarely anywhere after dark anyway.

Gray_Beard

· #20 · Nov 12, 2020

After watching JonDZ Adventuring and some other reviews I decided to order one of these:
Hulkman Alpha 85

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