C4 electrical question
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C4 electrical question
My 84 Vette has been going through batteries at an alarming rate. While replacing the latest, I noticed another battery cable running along the chassis, but not connected to anything. Judging from its location, I'd say it connected to the + side of the battery. Should there be 2 positive cables connected to the battery, or did a previous owner replace a cable and leave the old one in place? I've replaced the alternator, but the batteries only last 2 months tops before they have to be jumped in order to get the car to start, and even after 30+ minutes running, the car is a no-start once its been shut off. Thanks for any help on what is probobly a stupid question, and everybody keep on waving!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
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From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
Sounds like you have short somewhere, disconnect the fuses one by one, doing 1 fuse a night until you battery stays charged. If you have a volt meter, just check each fuse till you see one 1 using power. Except remember there are AUX fuses which are hot all the time.
Should only be 1 positive cable to the battery.
Should only be 1 positive cable to the battery.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Farmington Hills MI
Does the disconnected positive cable run along the firewall to the starter? It is a real bear to remove the positive cable from that area (I know, I just cut mine and ran the replacement cable over it to the starter).
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2
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Thanks for the tip-I will try that today. Just curious-My car has an aftermarket Alpine stereo in it with a clock,CD player and a bunch of stuff that I don't understand (I am digitally limited) could the power required to maintain the memory(s) be the source of the drain? At any rate, I'll start there. Thanks again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
Thanks for the tip-I will try that today. Just curious-My car has an aftermarket Alpine stereo in it with a clock,CD player and a bunch of stuff that I don't understand (I am digitally limited) could the power required to maintain the memory(s) be the source of the drain? At any rate, I'll start there. Thanks again.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Hernando Beach Fl
Voltage check: engine running 1000 RPM lights on, AC on, Radio on= 13.8Vdc at the battery, and at least 14.5 at the big wire on the alternator. If alternator is 14 volts or higher and battery is less than 13volts you have a resistive connection somewhere between the two.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
My 84 Vette has been going through batteries at an alarming rate. While replacing the latest, I noticed another battery cable running along the chassis, but not connected to anything. Judging from its location, I'd say it connected to the + side of the battery. Should there be 2 positive cables connected to the battery, or did a previous owner replace a cable and leave the old one in place? I've replaced the alternator, but the batteries only last 2 months tops before they have to be jumped in order to get the car to start, and even after 30+ minutes running, the car is a no-start once its been shut off. Thanks for any help on what is probobly a stupid question, and everybody keep on waving!!
