It’s a common scenario: your car struggles to start, and the mechanic declares, “Bad battery.” While often true, a seemingly dead battery can sometimes be a symptom of a deeper issue, leading to a Bad Car Battery Wrong Diagnosis. This misdiagnosis can leave you stranded again, even after replacing the battery. Let’s dive into a specific, yet surprisingly common, cause of this automotive head-scratcher.
One particular culprit, especially in older Infiniti G37 models (like the 2008 variant mentioned in online forums), is a faulty air conditioning (A/C) valve. This valve, designed to cycle even after the car is turned off, can malfunction and continuously draw power, leading to battery drain. Imagine replacing your car battery only to find yourself facing the same starting problems months later. Frustrating, right? This is precisely what happens when the root cause – the A/C valve – remains unaddressed.
Fortunately, there’s a known fix. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) ITB 10-010b addresses this very issue. This TSB recommends replacing the problematic A/C valve with a more robust valve, often sourced from the Nissan GTR. Furthermore, to compensate for the increased electrical load and ensure reliable starts, the TSB also suggests upgrading to a higher capacity battery, such as one from an Infiniti M45.
It’s important to note that dealerships might initially hesitate to apply this TSB if your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) doesn’t directly match the listed vehicles. However, armed with the TSB number and a clear explanation of the battery drain symptoms, many owners have successfully convinced dealerships to perform the repair, often free of charge, even out of warranty.
This issue is often exacerbated by specific driving habits. Do you frequently take short trips, not allowing the battery sufficient time to recharge? Or perhaps your car sits idle for extended periods? These scenarios worsen battery drain, making the faulty A/C valve’s impact even more pronounced. Combined with other factors like an aging battery struggling to hold charge, and potential degradation of grounding wires, you have a recipe for recurring battery problems and potential misdiagnosis.
In conclusion, while a bad battery is a frequent cause of starting issues, don’t immediately dismiss other possibilities, especially if you own an older Infiniti G37 or similar model and experience recurring battery drain. A “bad car battery wrong diagnosis” scenario could be at play. Investigate TSB ITB 10-010b and consider the A/C valve as a potential culprit before simply replacing the battery again. Consulting a knowledgeable mechanic familiar with this TSB can save you time, money, and future headaches.
