Battery draining problem!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Saskatchewan, CANADA
Battery draining problem!!
Hi!
My 1998 is consistently draining my battery when sitting parked in the garage.
To the point, that I have to give the Corvette a boost in order to start.
I thought I had a problem with my battery , but now am on my third one and she's dead now.
Last time I had the Corvette in for an oil change, I had the dealership check the Alternator. An AVR test was done and everything was OK. The starter amperage was also tested and passed as normal.
So,,For some reason a brand new battery will last for about 3 weeks and then I have to boost it in order to drive the Corvette.
Anybody experience the same thing and have any suggestions of what could be causing this.?
Thanks,
My 1998 is consistently draining my battery when sitting parked in the garage.
To the point, that I have to give the Corvette a boost in order to start.
I thought I had a problem with my battery , but now am on my third one and she's dead now.
Last time I had the Corvette in for an oil change, I had the dealership check the Alternator. An AVR test was done and everything was OK. The starter amperage was also tested and passed as normal.
So,,For some reason a brand new battery will last for about 3 weeks and then I have to boost it in order to drive the Corvette.
Anybody experience the same thing and have any suggestions of what could be causing this.?
Thanks,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 104
From: Florida
sounds like you have a parasitic drain somewhere.
you may have to put a digi volt meter in series with your battery and car and let it go into sleep mode then check the amperage, it should be around 20mA i believe. If its more, something is staying on and draining your battery.
you may have to put a digi volt meter in series with your battery and car and let it go into sleep mode then check the amperage, it should be around 20mA i believe. If its more, something is staying on and draining your battery.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
sounds like you have a parasitic drain somewhere.
you may have to put a digi volt meter in series with your battery and car and let it go into sleep mode then check the amperage, it should be around 20mA i believe. If its more, something is staying on and draining your battery.
you may have to put a digi volt meter in series with your battery and car and let it go into sleep mode then check the amperage, it should be around 20mA i believe. If its more, something is staying on and draining your battery.
Wiring: Disconnect cable from negative post. Touch one OHM meter probe to cable, other probe to negative post on battery. Meter should read 20ma or less. If not, pull one fuse at a time whilst re-checking readout.
Good luck!
..rickko..
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Here's a great How To from Bill Curlee which walks you through how to check for a drain. It has pics.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...rent+draw+test
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...rent+draw+test
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 6
From: Saraland Alabama
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
With all the computers on a C5 constantly drawing that small current it is normal that it will draw your battery down in three or four weeks, especially if car is not driven on long enough trips to fully charge the battery. My Red Top died before it was 2 years old because I drive my car infrequently usually 2-3 weeks between crank ups and I wasn't using a battery tender at that time. After I had to replace the Red Top, I purchased a battery tender which I use most of the time now. It will not overcharge your battery as it cycles on and off as needed. I have not had another problem.
I would strongly recommend that you use a Battery Tender on your car because from the sound of your post your car is also a semi-garage queen like mine.
I would strongly recommend that you use a Battery Tender on your car because from the sound of your post your car is also a semi-garage queen like mine.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 2
From: Elkins Park PA
Is it running at all during that 3 weeks, or does it just sit parked and shut off?
If it's not running, or not running for very much time, then a dead battery in 3 weeks really doesn't sound that bad to me. I'd suggest getting a battery tender to solve that problem....
If it's not running, or not running for very much time, then a dead battery in 3 weeks really doesn't sound that bad to me. I'd suggest getting a battery tender to solve that problem....
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
With all the computers on a C5 constantly drawing that small current it is normal that it will draw your battery down in three or four weeks, especially if car is not driven on long enough trips to fully charge the battery. My Red Top died before it was 2 years old because I drive my car infrequently usually 2-3 weeks between crank ups and I wasn't using a battery tender at that time. After I had to replace the Red Top, I purchased a battery tender which I use most of the time now. It will not overcharge your battery as it cycles on and off as needed. I have not had another problem.
I would strongly recommend that you use a Battery Tender on your car because from the sound of your post your car is also a semi-garage queen like mine.
I would strongly recommend that you use a Battery Tender on your car because from the sound of your post your car is also a semi-garage queen like mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield kentucky
We have replace 3 drivers seat switchs in the last month or so for pulling batterys down in c5's. the cost is $101.00 for the swich at the dealer. Good luck
Last edited by vettes4fun; Aug 22, 2007 at 07:25 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 0
From: Omaha Nebraska
St. Jude Donor '06
http://www.gmpartshouse.com/
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Evergreen colorado
With all the computers on a C5 constantly drawing that small current it is normal that it will draw your battery down in three or four weeks, especially if car is not driven on long enough trips to fully charge the battery. My Red Top died before it was 2 years old because I drive my car infrequently usually 2-3 weeks between crank ups and I wasn't using a battery tender at that time. After I had to replace the Red Top, I purchased a battery tender which I use most of the time now. It will not overcharge your battery as it cycles on and off as needed. I have not had another problem.
I would strongly recommend that you use a Battery Tender on your car because from the sound of your post your car is also a semi-garage queen like mine.
I would strongly recommend that you use a Battery Tender on your car because from the sound of your post your car is also a semi-garage queen like mine.
Always had that problem till the battery tender
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield kentucky
