Novice looking for some help
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Novice looking for some help
Recently bought a 79 in good working order, but the battery will not keep a charge. New battery is only 6 months old and already dead. Any suggestions where to start? Not the most mechanically inclined person. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Lakewood Colorado
They can check it out for free at Checker or Autozone.
Sometimes if they sit for a while and discharge they won't come back and hold a full charge.
If you have a voltmeter you can check what voltage it reads after a full charge and anything less than 11.5, you may have a defunct cell.
There are others in here that are smarter than me at this and hopefully they will chime in.
Sometimes if they sit for a while and discharge they won't come back and hold a full charge.
If you have a voltmeter you can check what voltage it reads after a full charge and anything less than 11.5, you may have a defunct cell.
There are others in here that are smarter than me at this and hopefully they will chime in.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
If your voltage gauge is showing the alternator is charging then you should check to see if you have a battery drain when the car is turned off.You will need a 12 volt test light and a short jumper lead.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 9
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
There was a thread awhile back about the same thing. I wish I could remember exactly what the item was, but there was a draw on the battery even when the car was shut off. Over time, it was enough to kill the battery. Do you have an aftermarket radio? If so, check to see if it was Bubba-ized when it was installed. Could have a short to the antenna or something that is killing your battery. Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Vettemod.com For the C3 People
St. Jude Donor '06
I believe there is actual a draw on the battery from the alternator when key is off, as well as bad grounds all over the place.
Six weeks later, with same issue, I found the solution to this problem. Knife blade swith, Parts store, $20.
Best!
tt
Six weeks later, with same issue, I found the solution to this problem. Knife blade swith, Parts store, $20.
Best!
tt
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
$12 plus shipping and handling will solve your problem:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1206
If you search archive posts/threads you will find that just about every Vette owner on here sufers with this battery drain issue. You and everyone esle usually has a short somewhere in the front wiring harness (most likely in the console). This will casue a short drain and kill your battery. A battery disconnect on the positive post will stop the juice to the car and keep the batter charged. You just have to turn the disconnect on/off each time you use the car - depending on how bad the drain is.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1206
If you search archive posts/threads you will find that just about every Vette owner on here sufers with this battery drain issue. You and everyone esle usually has a short somewhere in the front wiring harness (most likely in the console). This will casue a short drain and kill your battery. A battery disconnect on the positive post will stop the juice to the car and keep the batter charged. You just have to turn the disconnect on/off each time you use the car - depending on how bad the drain is.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Rochester New York
Just did this all yesterday LOL
Everyone here is right, put in a disconnect for insurance while you're checking fuses and wiring. It'll save your battery.
The PO of my '81 let a blind monkey with wire cutters loose under the dash - I'm finding new and wonderful problems daily.
Everyone here is right, put in a disconnect for insurance while you're checking fuses and wiring. It'll save your battery.
The PO of my '81 let a blind monkey with wire cutters loose under the dash - I'm finding new and wonderful problems daily.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: THE Eastern Shore Maryland
There was a thread awhile back about the same thing. I wish I could remember exactly what the item was, but there was a draw on the battery even when the car was shut off. Over time, it was enough to kill the battery. Do you have an aftermarket radio? If so, check to see if it was Bubba-ized when it was installed. Could have a short to the antenna or something that is killing your battery. Good luck.
Last edited by jetdoc; May 23, 2007 at 07:13 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
A battery disconnect is a good idea period. These cars are 30+ years old and have been subjected to mice, water and Bubba damage over the years. Hitting a bump might cause a frayed wire to short somewhere and end up burning up the car and possibly your house.
Rick B.
Rick B.