2020 Nissan Maxima Battery Drain? Diagnosing and Fixing Intake Leaks

Here's your comprehensive guide on addressing battery issues in your 2020 Nissan Maxima, focusing on owner experiences and practical solutions. As one 2020 Nissan Maxima owner noted, "After hooking it all back up, I got 14.48v at the battery on my voltmeter when running. I then turned on the lights, radio, hazards, heater fan and was still getting 14.2V at the battery.”

Symptoms

When your vehicle's battery isn't performing as it should, you might observe a few telltale signs. One common symptom is a service light appearing on your dashboard, even after a restart. As one owner shared, "That light went off on next crank bur still have the service light. Reset the whole control system, at battery, and will try her out today." This indicates an underlying issue that needs investigation.

Another symptom is related to electrical components. Dim headlights or issues with other electrical systems can point to a battery problem. It's important to check if your headlights are receiving the proper voltage. As an owner noted, "Some updates since then, I have confirmed power at the hid plug for low beams (battery voltage while running)."

Battery issues can also manifest as starting problems. If your engine cranks slowly or struggles to start, the battery might not be providing enough power. This can be especially noticeable in cold weather or after the car has been sitting for a while.

Unexpected TCS OFF and SLIP lights appearing alongside the service light can also indicate a battery-related issue. As mentioned by one owner, "I did just get a TCS OFF SLIP Light and service light that came on for the first time. That light went off on next crank bur still have the service light. Reset the whole control system, at battery, and will try her out today." This suggests a possible voltage fluctuation or power delivery problem affecting multiple systems.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the primary issue affecting battery performance stems from an intake leak. An intake leak can cause your engine to run lean, which can put additional strain on the electrical system as the engine control unit (ECU) tries to compensate. This added stress can lead to premature battery failure or performance issues.

The unmetered air entering the engine through the intake leak disrupts the air-fuel mixture, forcing the engine to work harder. This increased effort can lead to higher electrical demands as the engine tries to maintain optimal performance. This extra strain can manifest as starting issues or reduced battery life.

Additionally, the ECU's constant adjustments can trigger various warning lights on your dashboard, masking the underlying intake leak. It's essential to address the intake leak to prevent further electrical system complications and potential battery damage.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a potential intake leak and its effect on the battery requires a methodical approach. First, visually inspect all intake hoses and connections for cracks or loose clamps. This is a straightforward step that can often reveal obvious issues.

Next, check the battery voltage with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine is off. With the engine running, the voltage should increase to around 14 volts, indicating that the alternator is charging the battery correctly. If the voltage is significantly lower, it suggests either a faulty battery or charging system issue, possibly exacerbated by the intake leak causing increased strain.

Using a smoke machine can help pinpoint the exact location of the intake leak. Introduce smoke into the intake system and watch for smoke escaping from any cracks or loose connections. This method can identify even small leaks that are hard to find visually.

Tools needed:

• Multimeter
• Smoke machine (optional, but highly recommended)
• Wrench set
• Screwdriver set

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's a step-by-step guide to addressing an intake leak and its impact on your vehicle's battery performance.

1. Gather Tools and Materials: Collect the necessary tools, including a wrench set, screwdriver set, replacement intake gaskets, and a smoke machine (optional).

2. Visually Inspect Intake System: Carefully inspect all intake hoses, connections, and gaskets for any visible cracks, damage, or loose clamps. Pay close attention to areas around the intake manifold and throttle body.

3. Perform Smoke Test (Optional): If you have access to a smoke machine, use it to introduce smoke into the intake system. Watch for smoke escaping from any potential leak points to pinpoint the exact location.

4. Replace Intake Gaskets: Remove the intake manifold and replace the intake gaskets. Ensure that the new gaskets are properly seated and tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

5. Check Intake Hoses: Replace any cracked or damaged intake hoses. Ensure all connections are secure and properly clamped.

6. Clean Throttle Body: Clean the throttle body using a throttle body cleaner. Remove any carbon buildup or debris that may be affecting airflow.

7. Reconnect Battery: After completing the repairs, reconnect the battery terminals, ensuring they are clean and securely tightened.

8. Reset ECU: Reset the engine control unit (ECU) by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for about 15 minutes. This allows the ECU to relearn the engine parameters after the intake leak has been resolved.

9. Test Battery Voltage: Start the engine and use a multimeter to test the battery voltage. It should read around 14 volts while the engine is running, indicating that the alternator is charging the battery correctly. As one owner shared: "After hooking it all back up, I got 14.48v at the battery on my voltmeter when running. I then turned on the lights, radio, hazards, heater fan and was still getting 14.2V at the battery."

10. Monitor Performance: Monitor the engine's performance and check for any recurring symptoms, such as service lights or starting issues. Drive the car under various conditions to ensure the problem has been fully resolved.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Intake manifold gaskets (Part number varies based on engine type - consult your vehicle's manual or a parts specialist)
• Intake hoses (as needed)
• Throttle body cleaner
• Wrench set
• Screwdriver set
• Multimeter
• Smoke machine (optional)
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Shop towels

Real Owner Costs

Addressing an intake leak can vary in cost depending on whether you choose to DIY or take it to a professional mechanic.

DIY:

• Intake manifold gaskets: $20 - $50
• Intake hoses: $10 - $30 (per hose)
• Throttle body cleaner: $5 - $10
• Total DIY Cost: $35 - $90

Professional Mechanic:

• Labor: $200 - $500 (depending on the mechanic's hourly rate and complexity of the job)
• Parts: $50 - $100 (markup on parts)
• Total Professional Cost: $250 - $600

Keep in mind that these are estimated costs. The actual cost may vary depending on the specific parts needed and the mechanic's rates in your area. One owner reported fixing a similar issue by replacing the alternator and battery. "Well so far the new alternator fixed the problem"

Prevention

Preventing intake leaks involves regular maintenance and inspections. Here are some tips to help keep your vehicle running smoothly:

• Regularly Inspect Intake Hoses: Check intake hoses for cracks or damage during routine maintenance. Replace any damaged hoses promptly.
• Check and Tighten Clamps: Ensure all clamps on intake hoses and connections are tight and secure.
• Clean Throttle Body: Clean the throttle body every 30,000 miles to prevent carbon buildup and maintain proper airflow.
• Replace Air Filter Regularly: A clean air filter helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the intake system, reducing the risk of damage to intake components.
• Monitor Engine Performance: Pay attention to any changes in engine performance, such as rough idling or decreased fuel economy, which could indicate an intake leak.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from NISSAN owners:

Success Stories

"Quote: Originally Posted by 1993maximaTAG the alternator shot bad today .... so i when and got a new alternator and a battery i hope today i will get to install both the new alternator and battery and see what happen from that i will get you all posted Well so far the new alternator fixed the problem" — 1993maximaTAG (source)

Owner Experiences

"One lasted 8 months the other lasted 10 months. The third one was put on about a week ago from today and I went ahead and put a new o Reilly’s one on there (still under warranty just had to pay the difference)." — Goldpanda94 (source)

"Some updates since then, I have confirmed power at the hid plug for low beams (battery voltage while running). I don't believe the voltage changed prongs though when I switched to the high beams." — feloniousengineering (source)

"Not sure what it is but hopefully it’s just a parts issue and not an electrical issue. Hope this can help you out haha so I did end up having to get my alternator replaced later on in the year when it got hot out again." — Goldpanda94 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "After hooking it all back up, I got 14.48v at the battery on my voltmeter when running. I then turned on the lights, radio, hazards, heater fan and was still getting 14.2V at the battery." — maximanut2001 (source)

⚠️ "I then turned on the lights, radio, hazards, heater fan and was still getting 14.2V at the battery. After turning off the car, battery was giving my 13.1V." — maximanut2001 (source)

⚠️ "That light went off on next crank bur still have the service light.Reset the whole control system, at battery, and will try her out today. I wonder, had both back wheel bearings replaced last fall." — Roymg (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix an intake leak?

A: Fixing an intake leak can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on your experience and the complexity of the job. If you're not comfortable working on your car, it's best to take it to a professional mechanic.

Q: Can I drive with an intake leak?

A: While you can drive with an intake leak, it's not recommended. An intake leak can cause your engine to run lean, which can lead to overheating, decreased fuel economy, and potential damage to engine components.

Q: Is this a common issue?

A: Intake leaks are relatively common in older vehicles or those with high mileage. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent this issue.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: If you have experience working on cars and are comfortable with basic mechanical tasks, you can attempt to fix an intake leak yourself. However, if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to take it to a professional mechanic. The intake manifold gaskets need to be installed correctly to prevent future issues.