92 Honda Accord electrical problems

I've got a voltage leak somewhere. The battery voltage starts at
12.6, then over one day it drops to 11.98, then to 11 the next day.
Honda won't start at that voltage.
When I jump start it, the battery voltage goes to 14.5, which
indicates that the alternator is working properly and charging the
battery.

If I drive it every day, I have no problems; it's only when I leave it
for a few days that it won't start.

Clues to where to start looking? I see some white powder where the
positive and negative cables go together on one side of the battery.
That's my first spot to check, but the wires are well insulated at
that point.......any others?

I hate to trade it in, I just put a cam belt, vacuum motor mount, and
master cylinder about 6 months ago.

TIA

 

The first thing you need to do is to measure the current draw from the
battery with the ignition off. Remove the ground strap from the battery
and connect the negative lead of an ammeter to the negative battery post
and the positive lead of the ammeter to the battery ground strap. If you
see less than 50 mA you probably just have a bad battery. If you see
excessive current, try removing each fuse in turn and see if the current
draw drops. Then you have at least narrowed it down to one fuse circuit.

 

I'm assuming you keep the terminals clean, else there may be some drain
current there that weakens the charge...
connect an ammeter between a wire and the corresponding terminal of the
battery when the car is off, to see if there' any current - if there is,
then the problem is with the car ; if there isnt, replace the battery
(simpler solution).

Yuri

 

The previous comments are all good, but please let me add a couple of
comments.
1. If you can, take the covers off the battery and check the specific
gravity of each cell. The tool you use is not expensive and available
at all auto stores. Instructions should be on the package.
2. Clean the exterior of the battery, that could be your problem.
3. That white powder you mention is acid and should be neutalized with
baking soda, but do not get any Baking Soda in the battery.
4. If you buy a new battery, buy those red and green felt washers that
go under the terminals.
5. The short you are looking for may be in or at the battery.
6. After touching the battery, wash your hands. Protect your eyes.

Wish you luck, Charlie

 

Many thanks to all, most helpful group on the net.

I isolated the problem to the BACKUP (radio) fuse.
Some thoughts on past problems I fixed which may have a bearing.
1. Car has an aftermarket radio which was installed by the store.
2. I replaced the transmission computer about a year ago. What I had
to do prior to the replacement was to reset it each day by pulling
that fuse.

Any connections?