How do I charge my Acura ILX battery?
To get your Acura ILX started again, you can recharge the 12‑volt battery with a portable charger or by jump‑starting from another vehicle, then drive to restore charging through the alternator. If the battery won’t hold a charge, replacement or a professional check may be needed.
What kind of battery and where to find it
The ILX uses a 12‑volt battery for starting and electrical systems. Some trims may use an AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery, while others use a conventional lead‑acid battery; check the battery label or owner’s manual to confirm the type. The battery is typically located in the engine bay on the passenger side, though some trims place it in the trunk. If you’re unsure, consult the manual or contact a dealer.
Charging options
There are two common, practical ways to recharge a depleted ILX 12‑V battery: using a portable battery charger for a controlled, gradual recharge, or jump‑starting from another vehicle and letting the alternator take over after startup. If the battery is very discharged, a brief drive of 20–30 minutes at highway speeds can also help recharge it via the alternator.
Option A: Charging with a portable battery charger
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, put the transmission in Park (or Neutral if required), and turn off the engine and all accessories.
- Locate the 12‑V battery and identify the terminals: positive (+) and negative (−). If the battery is in the trunk, access may differ; verify with the manual.
- Attach the charger's positive clamp to the battery’s positive terminal, then attach the charger's negative clamp to a solid ground on the vehicle (a clean metal area of the chassis away from the battery).
- Set the charger to 12V and select a low charging rate (about 2–6 amps). For a deeply discharged battery, slow charging is safer and reduces overheating. If your charger supports AGM batteries, use that setting if applicable.
- Begin charging and monitor the charger's indicators. Do not leave the setup unattended if you notice swelling, overheating, or a hissing sound.
- When the battery reaches full charge (often indicated by the charger or by a resting voltage around 12.6–12.8 volts), disconnect the clamps in reverse order: negative first, then positive. Reattach any terminal covers if applicable.
- Start the engine and run for 15–20 minutes to let the alternator finish recharging the battery, then drive normally to complete the recharge.
The goal is a reliable cranking power and stable electrical performance. If the battery cannot hold a charge after a full cycle, seek replacement or professional diagnosis of the charging system.
Option B: Jump‑starting from another vehicle
- Position both vehicles safely: engines off, transmission in Park (or Neutral), parking brakes engaged, and no open flames nearby.
- Connect the red (positive) jumper clamp to the ILX’s positive terminal, then connect the other red clamp to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal.
- Connect the black (negative) jumper clamp to the donor vehicle’s negative terminal, and attach the other black clamp to a clean, unpainted metal ground on the ILX (not directly to the dead battery). If possible, attach to a chassis ground away from the battery to reduce sparking near the battery area.
- Start the donor vehicle and run it for a few minutes, then try to start the ILX. If it starts, let it run and drive for about 20–30 minutes to recharge via the alternator.
- Remove the cables in reverse order: negative clamp from the ILX, negative clamp from the donor, positive clamp from the donor, then positive clamp from the ILX.
Note: If the ILX does not start after a jump, or if the battery repeatedly dies, the issue may lie with the alternator, wiring, or a parasitic drain. Seek professional service.
Post-charge checks and maintenance
After charging, test the resting voltage with a multimeter: around 12.6V indicates a full charge. With the engine running, the alternator output should be about 13.8–14.7V. If readings are consistently low or the car still has starting problems, have the battery and charging system inspected by a technician.
Safety considerations
Work in a well‑ventilated area, keep flames and sparks away, remove jewelry, and use proper eye protection. If you’re dealing with an AGM battery, use a charger rated for AGM batteries and avoid high‑rate charging unless the charger and vehicle specify it.
Summary
Charging an Acura ILX battery is straightforward with the right equipment and precautions: use a quality 12V charger or perform a safe jump‑start, verify the battery is holding a charge, and ensure the alternator recharges the battery after driving. If charging issues persist or the battery won’t hold a charge, replace the battery or have the electrical system checked by a professional.
