Battery Issues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Elyria Ohio
Battery Issues
68 427 conv. I know it it common to have bastery issue with the older vettes. But does anyone know how to check for excessive current draw? Like what draw should there be with engine off , and how would I check for this??
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 487
From: Willowbrook IL
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16
You need a god digital volt/ohm/amp meter
1. set the meter to amps and connect the meter probes for amps
2. disconnect the battery at the positive termiinal
3.connect one DVM lead to the battery and the other to the battery cable - this completes the circuit DO NOT TRY TO START ENGINE
4. read the DVM display. should be about 10 milliamps, if all doors and lights are out. Is the little light in the rear compartment out with the lid closed?
5. Begin removing one fuse at a time to isolate the problem circuit. When the current drops off when a fuse is pulled that is the circuit with the short.
Don
1. set the meter to amps and connect the meter probes for amps
2. disconnect the battery at the positive termiinal
3.connect one DVM lead to the battery and the other to the battery cable - this completes the circuit DO NOT TRY TO START ENGINE
4. read the DVM display. should be about 10 milliamps, if all doors and lights are out. Is the little light in the rear compartment out with the lid closed?
5. Begin removing one fuse at a time to isolate the problem circuit. When the current drops off when a fuse is pulled that is the circuit with the short.
Don
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 43
From: Native Californian CALIFORNIA
Army
I have followed your advice but need a little clarification. With the DVM set to amps I get a .005 reading. Is this 5 milliamps? Is it ok to have this type of draw with everything off?
Please send me a pm
Thanks
Please send me a pm
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Another quick and dirty test-- use a 12volt test light. Remove a battery cable, clip the test light on there, and touch the probe to the battery terminal. If it lights up there's a draw. Pull the clock fuse first, then the interior lights, and keep looking
