What is causing my Honda Civic Type S' battery to discharge in under a week?

I took delivery of a new petrol engined Honda Civic Type S on 28 April 2011 from Swansway Honda Rochdale with delivery mileage. Since then, when I've taken a week or more long holiday, upon my return the car battery is flat and the car won't start. This has resulted in my having to call out Honda Breakdown Assistance (The AA). This has happened four times since taking delivery. On one such occasion in May 2012 the battery was replaced under warranty. The mileage at this change was 5688.

The latest battery failure occurred on return from holiday on 14 March this year and Swansway took the car to its premises on 25 March for an extended period to fully investigate why the battery power was draining away. They subsequently replaced the battery but still have the car as they appear unable to properly diagnose the fault. This is leading me to suspect that the car is inherently defective and not fit for purpose. Current mileage is around 9,500.

Asked on 18 May 2013 by DD, Rochdale, Lancs

Answered by Honest John

Probably nothing more than a fault with the delay in the interior courtesy light. These often remain live even though the light goes out. Alternatively, a fault with the radio. Radios should always be switched off at the radio itself before switching off the engine.

Tags: storage batteries electrical faults

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