Honda: 2009 Honda Civic: dead battery., Honda, parasitic draw

Question
Hi Gary. The other I went to start my 2009 Honda Civic and noticed that I couldn't unlock the door electronically. After manually opening the door, I put the key in the ignition, but the engine wouldn't start. It didn't make any sound at all. The first thing I did was check the lights to see if I had left them on, but they were in the off position. I got a jump-start, but I don't know why this happened to my new car. I live in NYC and the weather has been very cold lately, but I drive the car almost every day. I called the local Honda Service Center to see about having the battery replaced, but they said the battery is fine and I must have left the lights on. That's not the case at all. Why would this happen and what should I do about it? They are being very dismissive of me at the Honda Service Center. What do you think? Many thanks in advance!

Answer
Jessica,
First of all,the newest Civic is a great car. I'm sure you like it. Now, the battery concern may or may not be a problem. You say that you're certain the headlamps were not left on. Does the car have any aftermarket electronics, such as an alarm or remote start? I have seen a lot of intermittent issues with aftermarket accessories. If there are not any installed, your Honda dealership can simply test your car for a draw. A parasitic draw test is rather simple. If the car has less than about 25 milli-amps draw after the control units go to "sleep", then everything is okay at that time.