Battery/charging probs?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton MT
Battery/charging probs?
Hi,
I was wondering about battery/charging problems.
I just replaced my battery again, free because it was less than a year, from the battery store, because if I let my vette sit for more than a week, it is deader than a doornail.
So, with the new battery, it seems to hold the charge longer but even after, say ten days, it does still turn over a little slow.
My question is, is there maybe a recharging problem in the car, or...is there something constantly drawing on it, which is normal for vettes?
Sure would appreciate some info on this. I do have a trickle charger but I dont put it on unless I am storing it for the winter, which hasnt happened yet.
Thanks,
Vettenlady
I was wondering about battery/charging problems.
I just replaced my battery again, free because it was less than a year, from the battery store, because if I let my vette sit for more than a week, it is deader than a doornail.
So, with the new battery, it seems to hold the charge longer but even after, say ten days, it does still turn over a little slow.
My question is, is there maybe a recharging problem in the car, or...is there something constantly drawing on it, which is normal for vettes?
Sure would appreciate some info on this. I do have a trickle charger but I dont put it on unless I am storing it for the winter, which hasnt happened yet.
Thanks,
Vettenlady
Last edited by vettenlady; Nov 28, 2008 at 04:52 PM. Reason: signature
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,457
Likes: 0
From: bolckow missouri
yes this is a common problem , i keep a battery tender hooked up to mine at all times , you can get one from forum vendor chip ( willfulone ) CCA , chips a great guy and will take care of you 
oak
oak
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Lots of posts on this issue if you do a Search. C5's are battery hungry so even having her sit a few days without use may create a drain. Best advice is to get a device to keep the battery charged. Battery Tender is one choice. Also, Chip of CCA has a new one out that I just purchased, which is superior IMHO to the Battery Tender.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
C5's are notorious for draining batteries when the car sits for a while. I bought one of the CTEK 3300 smart chargers from Chip. If my car sits for even a couple of days - I plug it in. The smart chargers will not overcharge the battery, where a trickle charger will keep charging the battery even after it's reached full charge.
Battery Tenders are another brand of smart chargers.....
Battery Tenders are another brand of smart chargers.....
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
with the comments and I fitted an Optima Yellow Top and hook it up to a tender when its going to sit for any length of time. A battery Tender will solve the immediate problem in that it'll keep it topped off but it may be masking another problem. AGM batteries such as the Red Top wont leak but they don't like being discharged. Once they are fully discharged it may be impossible to recharge them.I'd still be worried if a new battery is draining so quickly. A fully charged battery should last way longer than a week.
What I'd suggest is to try to find out if you have a drain. Sometimes the seat switches can stick open or you may have an add on device thats causing a draw.
Bill Curlee posted this set up to check for current draw. Check out post #9
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...979-drain.html
If you find theres more draw than you should see you can pull fuses to track down the offender.
Last edited by DeeGee; Nov 29, 2008 at 02:18 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: new zealand
My car was in transit from the States for about 8 weeks. Got a brand new battery fitted before it left. When it arrived - dead as a doornail. 
Completely sulphated and wouldnt take a charge.
Could jump the car but even after 30 minutes running wouldnt move off and died.
Just goes to show you need to drive them.
Battery tender now in use.!!!
Completely sulphated and wouldnt take a charge.
Could jump the car but even after 30 minutes running wouldnt move off and died.
Just goes to show you need to drive them.
Battery tender now in use.!!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My car was in transit from the States for about 8 weeks. Got a brand new battery fitted before it left. When it arrived - dead as a doornail.
Completely sulphated and wouldnt take a charge.
Could jump the car but even after 30 minutes running wouldnt move off and died.
Just goes to show you need to drive them.
Battery tender now in use.!!!
Completely sulphated and wouldnt take a charge.
Could jump the car but even after 30 minutes running wouldnt move off and died.
Just goes to show you need to drive them.
Battery tender now in use.!!!
Definitely agree with the driving bit
