battery draining problem may be caused by a parasitic drain associated with the A/C relay, or by a faulty battery or alternator. While determining the source of the problem can be tricky, most of the solutions are fairly affordable.

Maybe you’ve been here: you wake up in the morning, pour your cup of coffee, whistle a happy tune as you head out to your car, and—oh, no! Your Honda CR-V won’t start; the battery’s dead. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. In fact, many CR-V owners report repetitive battery draining problems with the 2016 model year, among others.

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What causes the 2016 Honda CR-V battery draining problem?

Drained batteries are one of the most common complaints reported by owners of the 2016 Honda CR-V. Drivers find that their CR-V won’t start, that the battery dies overnight, or that it drains repeatedly over short periods.

In fact, the issue is so common that CR-V owners filed a class action lawsuit against Honda in 2021 over battery draining problems—but only the 2017-2019 model years are covered by the suit.

There’s no single explanation for all 2016 CR-V battery drain issues, but the most common cause is a parasitic drain. If you’re picturing a tapeworm in your SUV’s battery, you’re not far off—the parasite in this case is another electrical component in the car, which continues to suck power out of the battery even after you’ve turned the vehicle off.

In many cases, the culprit in the parasitic drain problem for the 2016 CR-V is an A/C relay. This component helps to power your car’s air conditioning system, and in some cases, it can accidentally get stuck in the “open” position—meaning that it’s drawing power even when the car is off. That’s why you’re turning up in the morning to a car that won’t start.

Although this is one of the most common causes of battery draining in the fourth-generation Honda CR-V, it doesn’t explain every instance of

dead batteries

. In other cases, a different electrical component may be responsible for the parasitic drain—and faulty batteries or alternators can produce the same frustrating results.

MORE:

What’s the warranty on a Honda battery?

How to fix the Honda CR-V’s battery draining problem

In most cases, the best way to fix this problem is to take the car to a trusted mechanic. Because diagnosing the source of the issue can be complicated, a professional technician has the best chance of tracking down the root of the problem. If possible, leave your car with a mechanic for a few days so that they can observe the draining problem and hunt for a possible source of a parasitic drain.

If the parasitic drain is caused by the A/C relay, the solution might be as simple as replacing the relay, which typically costs between $35 and $150, depending on the shop. Most of that cost goes to labor, so if you’re experienced in electrical repairs, you might want to buy the parts yourself and perform the replacement at home.

To replace the A/C relay, you’ll need to:

Use the owner’s manual to locate the relay. It’s likely under the dashboard, and you’ll need to open the car’s hood to access it.

Using gloves and a fuse puller if necessary, remove the old relay.

Install the new relay by aligning the terminals with the fuse box and pushing in firmly.

But what happens if you replace the A/C relay and

the battery light stays on

? Diagnosing this problem can be difficult, so here are a few more potential causes to look out for:

The 2016 Honda CR-V is powered by a 51R battery, which is designed to be light and efficient—but it may not be as durable as other batteries. Consider

upgrading your battery

if you’re experiencing repeated battery deaths.

In some cases, a faulty alternator could be the actual cause of your battery problems. You might need to

repair or replace the alternator

Check your battery terminals to make sure that everything is hooked up correctly and there are no corrosion or residue affecting the battery’s operation.

How to save money on Honda insurance

Dealing with a fast-draining battery can be a serious drain on your bank account! To help keep your car-related expenses low, use the

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