Ford Focus Battery Keeps Dying? The 127 Latest Answer

Smartphones are getting faster and faster, and each update comes with a host of new features that promise to make your life easier. But this technology can also drain your battery life and leave you frustrated.

If your Android™ is draining faster than normal, don’t panic. At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers solve such phone repair problems with simple solutions every day. Here is their guide on what is causing Android battery drain and how to fix it.

Why is my Android phone dying so quickly?

The battery of your Samsung Galaxy® or Google Pixel® can discharge quickly for various reasons. Here are some of the most common:

There are too many push notifications and alerts draining the battery.

There are too many apps running location services.

There are too many apps running in the background.

The screen is too bright.

The screen stays on too long before falling asleep.

The phone is out of service.

The phone’s operating system is outdated.

There are extreme temperature changes that affect your phone and battery.

The phone’s battery has reached the end of its lifespan.

How to keep your phone’s battery longer

If you’re wondering “why is my phone dying so fast?” this guide is for you. Here’s how to keep your Android device charged and optimized to last longer throughout the day. Each solution has been tested on a Samsung phone running Android 12. The steps may differ slightly for other Android devices.

Don’t let a broken phone ruin your day If your phone stops working, your life shouldn’t have to. Go to a store near you or make an appointment to have it repaired quickly. Schedule a repair

1. Limit your push notifications

From breaking news to grocery delivery updates, notifications keep you connected and in the know. However, if too many alerts are active, they can drain your Android battery. To turn off push notifications from an app:

Go to Settings > Notifications (or Apps & notifications). A list of apps will appear. Tap More (or See All) to see all the apps installed on your phone. Select the app you want to restrict notifications for. Turn off the switch next to the app name. You can also individually click on most apps to adjust notification settings (e.g. you can allow Instagram® to send you notifications for new comments but disable them for new followers).

2. Adjust your location services settings

Apps like Waze™ and Google Maps™ help you get around using your phone’s location services. But when those apps are running behind the scenes and you’re not on the go, location services can drain your battery. To customize this:

Go to Settings > Location. Disable location setting services by turning off the switch at the top of the screen. You can also tap App permissions to see which apps are using location services and disable each app individually. On a Google Pixel, tap Apps & notifications > Advanced > Permissions manager > Location to adjust this setting.

3. Lower background activity

Apps like Facebook® and Instagram can continue to run in the background, check for updates, update content, and send notifications even after you close them—which can drain your phone’s battery. To use your phone’s battery optimization feature to reduce background activity:

Go to settings. Tap Battery and device care (or Battery). Tap the Optimize Now button. On some Android devices, a list of apps appears with a warning message next to the apps that are using too much battery life. Tap each message, and then select Restrict.

4. Adjust the screen brightness

Next, try lowering the screen brightness, which saves power and prevents the battery from draining quickly. It also prevents screen burn-in, which can cause permanent damage. To adjust the screen brightness:

Go to settings. Tap Display (or Display > Brightness Level). Adjust the brightness slider to a level that is comfortable for you.

You can also try enabling Dark Mode (or Dark Theme), which uses a dark background to save pixels and battery life, or Adaptive Brightness, which automatically adjusts your screen based on exposure.

5. Adjust your screen timeout settings

Another setting worth tweaking is your screen timeout, which controls how much time elapses before your screen goes to sleep. Because your phone uses energy to stay on, shorter time intervals between sleep cycles are recommended to extend battery life. To customize your screen timeout settings:

Go to settings. Tap Display > Screen Timeout (or Display > Advanced > Screen Timeout). A list of time intervals is displayed. We recommend setting your time interval to 30 seconds to one minute.

6. Check for operating system updates

Running an outdated version of your operating system can also drain your phone’s battery. Regularly updating your operating system not only increases efficiency, but also the installation of security updates. To check if you have the latest version:

Tap Settings > Software update > Check for updates (on some Android devices this appears as Settings > System > Advanced > System update > Check for updates). Tap OK. If your operating system is up to date, “Current software is up to date” will be displayed. If a new update is available, follow the instructions to download it.

7. Protect your phone from extreme temperatures

Whether you’re traveling or staying at home, make sure you don’t leave your phone in very hot or cold environments. Extreme temperatures can not only drain your phone’s battery, but also cause it to overheat and explode, putting your safety at risk. Try to store your phone in a range between 68° and 86° Fahrenheit. Check out our guide for more ways to keep your phone from overheating.

8. Make sure your phone is working

While this might seem like a no-brainer, double check that your phone is working. If your Android is constantly searching for a signal, it can quickly drain your battery. If you’re out of service and don’t know why, follow this guide for troubleshooting steps.

9. Turn on power saving mode

If you’re in trouble and your phone is on its last leg, the quickest solution is to turn on sleep mode. Although this reduces performance, it buys you some time before the next charge of your phone. How to activate the energy saving mode:

Tap Settings > Battery & device care > Battery (or Settings > Battery > Battery saver). Turn on Low Power Mode (or tap Turn On Now).

10. Check if your battery has reached the end of its life cycle

If none of the above steps work, it could be because your Android phone battery is running low.

If you’ve tried these steps and still need a little help, we’re right around the corner. Schedule a repair appointment at your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion or Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions™ store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running the same day.

You want to start your car, but when you turn on the ignition, your car won’t start – and your stomach sinks. When your car won’t start, it’s often due to a battery or alternator malfunction. If it’s one of those things, it can be relatively easy to tell which one.

Battery or Alternator: What Causes the Problem?

At its simplest, starting and running an engine is a three-step process. First, the battery delivers a surge of current to the starter. This starts the engine, which turns the alternator on. Finally, the alternator completes this cycle by charging the battery.

Use the process of elimination to find the culprit by bypassing the role of the battery and jump-starting your car. If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator is probably not keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running but the car won’t restart under its own power, a dead battery is likely your answer.

Signs of a bad battery

Look for these common dead battery symptoms:

Are the dashboard lights dimmed? First check the dashboard battery gauge. The battery should also be charged when the vehicle is switched off. If the dashboard lights are dim, there is probably something wrong with your battery. Try turning on your wipers, lights, or power windows. Then make sure these are all turned off and try starting the car again. Check for battery corrosion. If it still won’t start, use a rag to gently wipe any corrosion off the battery and have someone start it. After letting the engine run for a while, turn off the car. If you can’t get it to restart, that’s a sign the alternator is doing its job of keeping the battery running while the engine is running, but the battery isn’t holding the charge when the alternator has been stopped. The car battery could be old. As batteries age, they become less able to hold a charge because the metal inside corrodes. On average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. [4] Eventually, the battery state of charge will drop to the point where no matter how much current the alternator gives it, the battery cannot hold enough current to start the car. However, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your car battery. Your radio will not turn on. When your ignition is on, the battery should be able to power your radio, headlights, windshield wipers, and other electronic components. If you notice your radio display or headlights flickering or dimming, there’s a good chance your battery isn’t charging well. Your car starts and dies instantly. This can be for a variety of reasons, but checking your battery is the best place to start. This is a strange problem that usually only occurs on certain vehicles and is due to the battery only having enough voltage to start the car. Your battery is bloated. If your battery is swollen, you should be able to tell thanks to the manufacturer’s design: you’ll be able to easily spot bulges in the battery’s casing. This problem occurs when your alternator has overcharged the battery due to a bad voltage regulator.

Signs of a bad alternator

If the above steps show that the battery is working, it’s time to take a closer look at the alternator. There are certain bad alternator symptoms to look out for. Find out how to tell if your alternator is bad¹²:

Weak interior lighting. When driving the vehicle, pay attention to the brightness of the interior lights. If the dashboard starts to darken, the alternator is probably to blame. Weak or too bright headlights. Do you notice that your headlights get brighter when you accelerate and get dimmer when you stop? This is often caused by the alternator not keeping the battery sufficiently charged. growling sounds. Did you hear a growling noise before the problems started? This sometimes happens before an alternator fails. Smell of burning rubber or hot wire. Are there any signs of your alternator overheating, such as: B. the smell of burnt rubber or hot wires? If so, it’s time to replace it. Test the alternator. Some may recommend running the engine with the battery disconnected to test the alternator. However, this is not a good idea as it could damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause major problems. Learn how to test an alternator.

Can you drive with a defective alternator or battery?

While your car can run with a faulty alternator for a short period of time, doing so involves risks and can be dangerous for you and everyone else on the road. Driving with a bad alternator can cause a variety of problems in other parts of your car, including the engine and electrical components. Also, your car’s battery will eventually discharge which will cause your car to die. Unless you have the resources to hop your car and find yourself in a remote area, this could leave you stranded. Your vehicle can also lose power from its power steering, which can cause you to lose control of your car. For these reasons, it is best to have your alternator repaired to protect yourself and other road users³

Repairing your battery or alternator can be an expensive repair. Learn how to find the right mechanic to work on your vehicle. Make sure you have roadside assistance so you can get help if your car won’t start.

Sources:

[1] “Is your car battery dead?” autozone.com/diy/battery/is-your-car-battery-dead Retrieved February 28, 2022.

[2] “10 Warning Signs Your Car Battery Is Dying”, valleyhondadealers.com/blog/10-warning-signs-your-car-battery-is-dying/ Retrieved February 28, 2022.

[3] “Can a car run with a bad alternator (Risks of Driving with a Bad Alternator)”, Jeffery Ekweghi, autovfix.com/can-a-car-run-with-a-bad-alternator-risks-of- Driving-with-a-bad-alternator/ Retrieved February 28, 2022.

[4] https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-long-do-car-batteries-last

Additional resources on car issues:

Disclaimer:

The information contained is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or other advice, nor does it replace such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to ensure that the information is correct, but it may be out of date or even inaccurate in some cases. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with all applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information or any guarantees of results and accept no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide, Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide

There are several things you can do to extend your device’s battery life and allow it to charge longer.

Tip: Your device’s battery life depends on your device type. Get help for your specific device on your manufacturer’s support site.

Choose settings that use less battery

Have your screen turn off earlier.

Reduce the screen brightness.

Set the brightness to change automatically.

Disable keyboard noise or vibration.

Restrict apps with high battery consumption.

Turn on adaptive battery or battery optimization.

Delete unused accounts. Depending on your device, you can: To learn how to change these settings, visit your device manufacturer’s support website.

Take care of your battery

Use the power adapter that came with your phone. Other power adapters and chargers may charge slowly or not at all. They can also damage your phone or your battery. For more information about the charger for your phone, contact your device manufacturer. Keep it cool Avoid situations where your phone can overheat, especially when your battery is fully charged. Your battery will drain much faster when it’s hot, even when not in use. This type of discharge can damage your battery. Charge as much or as little as you need No need to teach your phone battery capacity by charging from full to zero or from zero to full. We recommend that you occasionally drain your battery below 10% and then fully charge it overnight.

Stretch out a low battery

Fix battery issues that won’t go away

Restart your phone (reboot) For most phones, press the power button on your phone for about 30 seconds or until the phone restarts. You may need to tap Restart on the screen. Check for Android updates Open your phone’s Settings app. At the bottom, tap System System update. If necessary, tap About phone or About tablet first. Your update status is displayed. Follow all the steps on the screen. Check for app updates Open the Google Play Store app . Tap the profile icon in the top right. Tap Manage apps and devices. Under “Updates available,” choose whether you want to update all apps or a specific app. Factory data reset IMPORTANT: A factory data reset will erase all data from your phone. While all data stored in your Google account will be restored, all apps and associated data will be uninstalled. Before performing a factory reset, we recommend backing up your phone. Learn how to back up and restore data

Learn how to perform factory data reset While all data stored in your Google account will be restored, all apps and associated data will be uninstalled. Before performing a factory reset, we recommend backing up your phone.

Contact your device manufacturer

If you’re still having trouble, visit your carrier or manufacturer’s support site.

You walk to your car/truck, turn the key and hear the delightful click-click sound. Your battery died overnight, but you didn’t leave the light on. Who knows where the battery cables are, and you haven’t charged your jump box since the last camping trip. Yes we have all been there. We’ll show you the easy way to find parasitic battery drain; In other words, we find out what caused your dead battery.

Why read when you can watch the video? For step-by-step instructions, see our How to Find Parasitic Battery Drain video.

Tools needed:

Multimeter – must have an ampere (DC) reading – at least 10 amps (we used the Southwire 14090T) 8mm, 10mm, 7/16 or 1/2″ wrench/socket – for removing the battery post needle nose pliers or fuse puller – to remove fuses from the locking plate(s) cable ties or small clamps

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What is parasitic battery drain?

It doesn’t involve parasites in your battery, so that’s a good thing. No HazMat suits required yet! Parasitic battery drain is just something that constantly and continuously drains your battery. This could be a faulty relay, headlight/dome light switch, alternator, or other electrical imp. Taking your car to a mechanic with an “unknown” offender can also cost you a lot of money. Most mechanics don’t enjoy diagnosing electrical problems.

How to diagnose battery discharge

You should be able to diagnose your battery drain issue in minutes. An additional helper can help with this project but is not required. Keep in mind that depending on the vehicle, you’ll likely have more than one fuse panel. Most vehicles have at least one fuse panel under the hood and another in the passenger compartment. Some foreign cars have multiple fuse panels in different areas. You might want to check your owner’s manual or check one of the forums.

Step 1: Disconnect the negative battery cable

Using the correct wrench or socket, remove the negative battery cable from the battery post. In our case we were working on a 2000 Ford Explorer so an 8mm bolt was used for the battery terminal. You can perform this test/diagnosis using the positive or negative cable, but using the negative cable is much safer. Grounding a negative wire to ground is not a problem; However, grounding the positive pole can destroy electronics, including your multimeter.

Step 2: Check the pull across the negative cable and the battery post

Turn on your multimeter and dial in the ampere (A) and make sure it is set to DC (direct current). You should see an icon like a solid line with dashes underneath. You don’t want air conditioning (~), this is for your home’s electrics. You will likely have the option for amps or mA (milliamps), so choose which amp you want to start with, preferably 10A or 20A. Make sure your leads are in the correct place on the multimeter. There should be a diagram on the multimeter showing you where to attach the test lead wires.

You will put your multimeter in series with battery drain or current draw. This means that the current draw flows through the multimeter. In our case, we had a current draw of 4.4 amps, so current was flowing through the multimeter. Make sure your lines and dials are in the right places.

Connect one of the leads from the multimeter (it doesn’t matter which one) to the negative battery post and the other to the disconnected battery lead. You should see the multimeter reading the number of amps your battery is actively discharging. Use zip ties or small clamps to keep the multimeter’s leads connected to the battery terminal and battery cable.

Tip: A normally operating vehicle will draw about 50 milliamps from the battery.

Another great video: Best Drills

Step 3: Remove and replace fuses

Start with your fuse box in the engine compartment. Make sure you can see your multimeter while pulling fuses. Use your needle nose pliers or a fuse puller to remove and replace fuses until you see the amps drop on the multimeter. Make sure each fuse is put back in the correct place.

Once you have blown all the fuses in the engine compartment, go to the interior fuse panels. This is where an extra person can help who can monitor the multimeter while you pull fuses. If you don’t have help, the leads on the multimeter should be long enough for you to place the multimeter face down on the windshield.

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Step 4: Isolate and fix the problem

Once you pull the fuse that is the culprit, you can fix the problem. In our case it was the alternator/regulator drawing more than 4 amps continuously which turned out to be a bad alternator. After we removed that 30A fuse, the amp draw dropped to 0.2 amps, which is still more than typical. We also found a secondary draw with the interior lamp relay/switch. By removing both fuses, our amp consumption dropped to almost nothing.

We replaced our alternator and we will replace the interior switch another time.

Step 5: Replace the negative battery cable

After you have fixed the problem(s), you can remove the zip ties/clamps from the multimeter leads and replace your negative battery cable. You should be good to go, and your parasitic battery drain has now been fixed.

“Why does my phone’s battery die so quickly?” As phone repair service providers, we hear this question a lot. While there can be multiple reasons for this issue, the main ones are more related to your “carry and charge habits” than anything else. Yes, you read it right. If your phone’s battery isn’t lasting long, the main things to watch out for are how you use your device, how you charge it, and what/how many apps you have.

Some of these reasons might sound a bit too obvious, but mostly they are the culprits – especially if your device is not too old.

Here in this article, we are going to discuss 11 such reasons of what is draining Android battery and how to solve them

Check which apps are draining the Android battery

First, let’s find out how exactly your battery power is being consumed. Fortunately, Android phones have this “Battery usage” option to show you the details of the battery usage since the last charge.

Click Settings

Find and tap About Device.

Select “Battery” or “Battery Usage” option

In it you can see how the battery is being used, from apps/systems to hardware devices.

You can uninstall the apps you don’t use but still suck up battery. If you find that the useful ones consume a lot of power, you can at least turn off the notifications and pop-ups of these apps.

Restart the device and charge it again

We usually underestimate the power of “rebooting”. At least we don’t know that it can prove to be an effective solution to various software and app related problems.

Rebooting will delete open apps, refresh the phone system, and cause memory leaks. All of these eventually help extend Android battery life. So don’t forget to try this trick. Restart your device and then charge it fully. You will likely get positive results.

Reduce multiple app usage

Let’s face it – mobile apps are inevitable. From phone banking to online shopping and video chatting to surfing social media, they remain a regular part of your “phone usage”. However, having too many of them can lead to the Android battery draining problem. Apps consume data and power to update. Also, they send notifications and additions throughout the day, which makes your phone keep blinking and vibrating. As a result, the phone’s battery drains faster than usual. So, a viable option is to uninstall the apps that you don’t use often. Also, make sure you turn off the notifications and additions from the apps you can’t give up.

Adjust display settings

If you want to fix the phone battery draining so fast problem, here are some display settings to opt for.

Keep the screen brightness at a lower level. Do not set auto-brightness to ON. Instead, manually keep it at a lower level unless you need it higher.

Modern phones with AMOLED displays allow dark mode in certain apps and even at the system level. You should try this to save some amount of power.

Reduce sleep timeout. This ensures that your screen is not left on unnecessarily. The shortest duration you can opt for is 15 seconds – which seems fine.

Background running apps

Some apps keep updating in the background even after you close them, quickly draining your phone’s battery. Calling them silent battery killers isn’t wrong. One of the most important things to do when you see your Android battery draining fast is to close those background apps.

To do this, you must first enable the developer option. Navigate to Settings > About phone > Build number. Tap Build Number seven times.

Now click on the back button and find the developer option. Then tap on “Running Services”

All apps run in the background here. You should (mandatory) close them to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth

You must have noticed that turning on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS (Google Map) can all cause your phone’s battery to drain so quickly. So if you want your battery to last longer, better disable these features unless they’re really necessary.

It’s also important to check if an app is using location services unnecessarily. You can check this from Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions > Location. Review and disable access to any apps that don’t require location service.

Activate a power saving mode

A power saving mode disables all non-essential services and functions in your device and significantly drains the battery. The screen may not look as bright as you’re used to, but this will help keep the battery charged longer. To enable this mode, navigate to Settings > Battery > Power Saving Mode.

Use the original charger

Although Android phones are equipped with a universal charging interface, it is recommended to charge your phone with an original charger. Because a fake charger (with prolonged use) not only affects the battery performance, but also burdens the charging capacity. The ideal charger is one whose output voltage and amps are in sync with battery performance. Therefore, always use the supplied charger. If it is damaged, buy it from the brand’s authorized service center.

Update apps and software system

Updating your apps and software system to the latest version will help improve your phone’s performance. Check for the system update from Settings > About phone > System update. If an update is available, download and install it. Similarly, check if any of the apps on your device need an update. TECNO, Itel and Infinix users can do this via the “Phone Master” app.

Replace a battery

All batteries have an expiration date. After 2-3 years of buying the phone, if you encounter the phone battery drains so fast problem, it may be time to replace the battery. To confirm this, check the health of the battery while your phone is charging. Click Settings > About phone > Battery status. If the status shows “Poor” or any message other than “Charging”, you should take your device to an authorized service center and obtain an original branded battery.

Check out these bad charging habits

The way you charge your device plays a crucial role in ensuring good battery performance and longevity. Here are some bad charging habits to avoid to keep such battery problems at bay.

There are several things you can do to extend your device’s battery life and allow it to charge longer.

Tip: Your device’s battery life depends on your device type. Get help for your specific device on your manufacturer’s support site.

Choose settings that use less battery

Have your screen turn off earlier.

Reduce the screen brightness.

Set the brightness to change automatically.

Disable keyboard noise or vibration.

Restrict apps with high battery consumption.

Turn on adaptive battery or battery optimization.

Delete unused accounts. Depending on your device, you can: To learn how to change these settings, visit your device manufacturer’s support website.

Take care of your battery

Use the power adapter that came with your phone. Other power adapters and chargers may charge slowly or not at all. They can also damage your phone or your battery. For more information about the charger for your phone, contact your device manufacturer. Keep it cool Avoid situations where your phone can overheat, especially when your battery is fully charged. Your battery will drain much faster when it’s hot, even when not in use. This type of discharge can damage your battery. Charge as much or as little as you need No need to teach your phone battery capacity by charging from full to zero or from zero to full. We recommend that you occasionally drain your battery below 10% and then fully charge it overnight.

Stretch out a low battery

Fix battery issues that won’t go away

Restart your phone (reboot) For most phones, press the power button on your phone for about 30 seconds or until the phone restarts. You may need to tap Restart on the screen. Check for Android updates Open your phone’s Settings app. At the bottom, tap System System update. If necessary, tap About phone or About tablet first. Your update status is displayed. Follow all the steps on the screen. Check for app updates Open the Google Play Store app . Tap the profile icon in the top right. Tap Manage apps and devices. Under “Updates available,” choose whether you want to update all apps or a specific app. Factory data reset IMPORTANT: A factory data reset will erase all data from your phone. While all data stored in your Google account will be restored, all apps and associated data will be uninstalled. Before performing a factory reset, we recommend backing up your phone. Learn how to back up and restore data

Learn how to perform factory data reset While all data stored in your Google account will be restored, all apps and associated data will be uninstalled. Before performing a factory reset, we recommend backing up your phone.

Contact your device manufacturer

If you’re still having trouble, visit your carrier or manufacturer’s support site.

This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes and wikiHow contributor Sophia Latorre. Duston Maynes is an automotive repair specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that performs a variety of auto repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from the Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Auto Mechanic through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received the 2020 Big Innovation Award from the Business Intelligence Group and Startup of the Year from the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners anywhere with a convenient and complete car repair. This article has been viewed 1,911,773 times.

Article overview

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If you need to find a parasitic battery discharge, turn off all vehicle electrical components, apply the emergency brake, and remove the key from the ignition. Next, use a vehicle battery charger to charge the battery to 100%. Then use a wrench to disconnect the negative cable from the battery post and attach a digital multimeter to the negative cable and the battery post. Once the multimeter is connected, locate the fuse box under the hood and use a fuse puller to remove the fuses one by one. After pulling a fuse, check the multimeter to see if the reading changes. If it doesn’t change or just drops a few milliamps, replace the fuse and move on to the next one. If pulling a fuse causes the multimeter reading to drop significantly, you’ve found the electrical circuit causing the parasitic load! Read on for tips on how to fix the problem once you’ve identified the parasitic draw!