The 2008 Acura TL battery draining issue may be caused by alternate sources drawing power, a faulty alternator, or corroded battery cables. Although determining the exact cause of the problem is not always easy, the majority of the solutions are very repairable.

You’ve seen it in the movies a million times, but don’t think it will ever actually happen to you—the car that won’t start due to a dead battery. Whether there are zombies chasing after you, or worse, you’re running late to work again, you could be in trouble because a dead battery will leave you dead in your tracks. When rubbing your Acura TL’s dashboard and saying a short prayer don’t work, it’s time to get to the bottom of this problem.

That’s why

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Acura TL insurance costs

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What causes the 2008 Acura TL battery draining problem?

Battery drainage is one of the most common complaints of 2008 Acura TL owners. Many drivers find their TL will not start, their battery is dead, and their car gave them no sort of warning beforehand.

Draining batteries became such a recurring problem in multiple Acura models that a class-action lawsuit was filed against Honda, the company that owns Acura. Acura TL models from the year 2004 to 2008 are included in the suit due to their defective Bluetooth systems drawing power and keeping the battery from holding a charge.

The Bluetooth system isn’t the only thing that could be drawing power, though. If you find your battery is draining unusually quickly, it could be one of the light sources, such as the overhead map light, or the light inside your glove compartment. Additionally, anything plugged into one of the accessory outlets could also be drawing power, so be sure to check all of those.

In other cases, the problem may lie within the

car battery

itself. You can take your Acura to the dealer or a local repair shop and have them test the alternator for you. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the car is running, so if this is found to be the culprit, you’ll have to replace it.

If you still can’t seem to find this pesky battery drainage cause, take a look at the cables connected to your battery’s posts. Over time, corrosion can set in and cause the battery to decay more quickly.

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Jumpstarting your dead car battery back to life

How to fix the Acura TL’s battery draining problem

If you are not the most experienced in the car maintenance department, it is probably best to take your 2008 TL to a certified Acura service center or trusted mechanic. To get to the root of the problem, the car may need to stay in the shop for a few days, so be prepared for that just in case.

If the Bluetooth system is failing to completely turn off (as is the case with many 2008 TLs), we have the solution. This fix will not cost anything but a few minutes of your time, assuming you already have a screwdriver and socket wrench.

To disconnect the Bluetooth system, you’ll have to:

Unscrew the overhead map light unit with a screwdriver to detach it from the ceiling.

Unscrew the four bolts with a socket wrench to remove the inner frame.

Unplug the cable connected to the Bluetooth module located at the back of the unit.

Reassemble the inner frame and screw the unit back into place.

If your issue runs deeper than that, your solution will most likely be an electrical fix. Here are some common ways to bring life back to your battery:

Batteries don’t last forever, so if the solution is to replace the battery, 2008 Acura TLs are powered by a 24F-AGM battery which will run you around $200. If you’re experiencing frequent battery deaths, you can upgrade your battery for a higher cost.

If your alternator has been diagnosed as faulty, you’ll need to have it repaired or replaced. The price for a new one is also steep and could cost you at least $300 for parts and labor.

Maybe your problem is dirty or corroded battery cables. If that is the case, new posts and cables will only cost you around $10 each. If all they need is a good scrubbing, a cleaning kit is also available for around the same price.

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How to save money on Acura insurance

Your Acura battery isn’t the only thing that can be draining—the same can happen to your bank account when trying to insure your car. Thankfully,

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