[Z06] keeping battery charged
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: west bloomfield MI
keeping battery charged
I often let 2 weeks or more pass between drives on my 04 z06. The last time was only 1.5 weeks and the battery was dead?. I did check the typical interior light ect, but was off. Anybody elde experience quick battery run downs?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,061
Likes: 266
From: Slower than a speeding bullet................ Fort Lauderdale, FL
My '02 used to run down in 3-4 weeks, but yours is much faster.
The cars memory system uses battery life.
Either drive it more often, or get a Battery Tender plus.
The cars memory system uses battery life.
Either drive it more often, or get a Battery Tender plus.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,563
Likes: 2
From: Dallas Tx
My 04 was doing that and what I found was the underhood light was staying on. I've got the Z16 with the light hood, so I don't just drop it like normal hoods. If I do drop it it'll go out, but if I just leave it popped open or gently shut it the light can stay on.
I unplugged it, no more dead batteries. Probably need a new switch, but I avoid dealers like the plague.
I unplugged it, no more dead batteries. Probably need a new switch, but I avoid dealers like the plague.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by BobZ06
I've heard that when you park the car it should be left in Reverse. Not sure why but I was told that it makes some difference regarding battery drain 
Can someone confirm this?
Can someone confirm this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by dodgeboy
I often let 2 weeks or more pass between drives on my 04 z06. The last time was only 1.5 weeks and the battery was dead?. I did check the typical interior light ect, but was off. Anybody elde experience quick battery run downs?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Hillsdale NJ
The drain is caused by the myriad of computers in your car and all cars of its generation. It should take apporximately 4-5 weeks, maybe 6 for the battery to go dead. If it is going dead sooner than there is another problem that should be taken care of under warranty.
The battery tender is an excellent idea if you do not drive the car for extended periods. It also will not allow an ovber charge. A quick search will lead you to many threads discussing the battery tender and which is best.
The battery tender is an excellent idea if you do not drive the car for extended periods. It also will not allow an ovber charge. A quick search will lead you to many threads discussing the battery tender and which is best.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 36
From: INDIANA
I believe the problem to be the junk AGM factory battery. I have stored my 92 convert for the last 12 years during the 3 worst winter months, and with only being sure to have a good charge when beginning storage, have had NO trouble with the battery staying charged all winter. I have had an '01 Z06, and now a '03 Z06, and having won a new Optima battery racing the 92 in open road racing, (which by the way won't fit the same 92) 
, I have for the last 3 years used the Optima in the '01 then the '03 Z06, and the AGM's in the 92. For the last 3 years also, the Z06 (with the Optima)made it thru the entire storage period with no charging, and NO problem starting in the spring. The 92, with the AGM battery fron the Z06's, as been dead in the spring the last 3 years, with this last year getting a full charge in the middle of January as insurance. Humm, no matter which car its in, the AGM battery can't make the downtime, the Optima, and the 7yr life Delco before it, NEVER has had a problem making it thru the winter.
, I have for the last 3 years used the Optima in the '01 then the '03 Z06, and the AGM's in the 92. For the last 3 years also, the Z06 (with the Optima)made it thru the entire storage period with no charging, and NO problem starting in the spring. The 92, with the AGM battery fron the Z06's, as been dead in the spring the last 3 years, with this last year getting a full charge in the middle of January as insurance. Humm, no matter which car its in, the AGM battery can't make the downtime, the Optima, and the 7yr life Delco before it, NEVER has had a problem making it thru the winter.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
The AGM battery that GM used was not a good design and GM has since changed the replacement battery for the Z06. Mine would not hold a charge either and when I took it in to get a new one. I got a complete refund on my money (this was my second battery) and the new GM replacement battery was even cheaper.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: Parry Sound Ontario
Mine goes low after 4 to 5 weeks. I now have a Battery Tender. I installed the permanent harness by slipping the harness eyes over the studs on the top of the standard battery cable clips and adding a nut.
I route the the harness out of the engine bay to a point just under the wiper arm on the passenger side. That way it's easy to plug and unplug without opening and closing the hood.
As the Z can sit for a few weeks from time to time due to weather or our gravel road condition the tender is a great battery conditioner.
I route the the harness out of the engine bay to a point just under the wiper arm on the passenger side. That way it's easy to plug and unplug without opening and closing the hood.
As the Z can sit for a few weeks from time to time due to weather or our gravel road condition the tender is a great battery conditioner.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by jamesb@z06
The AGM battery that GM used was not a good design and GM has since changed the replacement battery for the Z06.
And the replacement battery was what? What year did this happen? I have a 2003 Z06 and it has an AGM battery.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Originally Posted by Michrider
My 04 was doing that and what I found was the underhood light was staying on. I've got the Z16 with the light hood, so I don't just drop it like normal hoods. If I do drop it it'll go out, but if I just leave it popped open or gently shut it the light can stay on.
I unplugged it, no more dead batteries. Probably need a new switch, but I avoid dealers like the plague.
I unplugged it, no more dead batteries. Probably need a new switch, but I avoid dealers like the plague.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 813
Likes: 2
From: da up
My battery was draining down also.
as sugested on this forum
I put an amp meter between the battery and the cable.
IIRC,the currant draw was initially high (maybe 5a),but reduced to .003A after 5-10 minutes. (normal)
Every day I've checked the CCA on the GM battery with a electronic battery tester . It's dropped 140 CCA in 7 days while not connected to anything.
I bought a red top.
rod
as sugested on this forum
I put an amp meter between the battery and the cable.
IIRC,the currant draw was initially high (maybe 5a),but reduced to .003A after 5-10 minutes. (normal)
Every day I've checked the CCA on the GM battery with a electronic battery tester . It's dropped 140 CCA in 7 days while not connected to anything.
I bought a red top.
rod
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 10
From: Bartlett, IL
Cruise-In XI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I will be picking up my 4th Vette on Friday this week, I have always had battery issues with my cars (My Grandsport which I owned for 4 years went through 4 batteries while I had it) I finally started using my Battery Tender (which I purchased for my motorcycles) on the vette and have never had problems since, the only way to go unless you drive the car frequently
Collections Hold
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 2
From: Tacoma WA
My original delco batt in my '97 was still good after 7-years. When I got rid of it last fall, I pointed out that it was all original including batt. I think the stock Z06 batts do have an issue though.