battery dead...again?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: North Port Florida
battery dead...again?
Ok, I don't know what's going on here, but after changing the battery out for a new one only 1 week ago, my new one is dead! Nothing was left on and the last time I was in the car was yesterday while listening for the funny knocking sound (that I believe is 1 of the cats failing 
). The car was running for about 30 mins and wasn't driven after. Could tht have been enough to drain a brand new battery so fast??? Also, the temps dropped a bit low the past two nights (upper 40's in FLA overnight). I know temps have an impact on battery wear...but GEEZ!
Anyway, my wife is talking about buying me a battery tender for a B-day gift now...sounds like it might be a good idea since the car is rarely driven! Any other input would be great...can't believe it died so fast! Any suggestions on a battery tender would be cool, too. Thanks!
). The car was running for about 30 mins and wasn't driven after. Could tht have been enough to drain a brand new battery so fast??? Also, the temps dropped a bit low the past two nights (upper 40's in FLA overnight). I know temps have an impact on battery wear...but GEEZ! Anyway, my wife is talking about buying me a battery tender for a B-day gift now...sounds like it might be a good idea since the car is rarely driven! Any other input would be great...can't believe it died so fast! Any suggestions on a battery tender would be cool, too. Thanks!
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What you mention should not have drained the new battery that fast. I'd say you have a problem somewhere in the electrical system - some short somewhere that is keeping a constant drain on the battery. Might want to have someone take a look at the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,253
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From: Northwest CT
You didn't drive it at all but just ran it for 30min. in driveway? Thats all you did w/ new battery installed? Just a guess, you may have an issue w/ the alternator. My car has no probs sitting 2 weeks. I use Battery Tender Plus if I plan to leave it more than 2 weeks. Picked it up on Amazon.com for 43.00 no shipping (on sale last year). Good luck! 
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Park the car in a dark garage or wait until after sundown - you sure there isn't a light left on? Check things like the courtesy lights on the mirror and the glove box.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: North Port Florida
found the culprit....
My 17.5 year old teenage son
He was "sitting in the car" after I went to bed (I work nights and sleep during the day) and was playing with the "buttons" in the car. He must've turned the interior lights on and forgot to turn the switch off
After a quick jump start, all seems good. For fun, I even tried to jump the original battery and, go figure, it holds a charge just fine...Junior just paid me $90 for a new battery
My 17.5 year old teenage son
He was "sitting in the car" after I went to bed (I work nights and sleep during the day) and was playing with the "buttons" in the car. He must've turned the interior lights on and forgot to turn the switch off
After a quick jump start, all seems good. For fun, I even tried to jump the original battery and, go figure, it holds a charge just fine...Junior just paid me $90 for a new battery
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7,683
Likes: 3
From: La La land cali
St. Jude Donor '09
I have had the battery drain over the rearview courtesy light.
I have also experienced the loose battery cable with the hole not tapped deep enough.
I have dropped bolts and wrenches down under the battery plate and I have had to remove it completely. Now I know to throw a rag down before working on the battery posts, terminals, etc.
There are four big bolts that hold the plate down under the battery on a Z...
I haven't figured out exactly why that is... maybe if you flip the car over it insures the battery stays in place?
I have also experienced the loose battery cable with the hole not tapped deep enough.
I have dropped bolts and wrenches down under the battery plate and I have had to remove it completely. Now I know to throw a rag down before working on the battery posts, terminals, etc.
There are four big bolts that hold the plate down under the battery on a Z...
I haven't figured out exactly why that is... maybe if you flip the car over it insures the battery stays in place?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
found the culprit....
My 17.5 year old teenage son
He was "sitting in the car" after I went to bed (I work nights and sleep during the day) and was playing with the "buttons" in the car. He must've turned the interior lights on and forgot to turn the switch off
After a quick jump start, all seems good. For fun, I even tried to jump the original battery and, go figure, it holds a charge just fine...Junior just paid me $90 for a new battery
My 17.5 year old teenage son
He was "sitting in the car" after I went to bed (I work nights and sleep during the day) and was playing with the "buttons" in the car. He must've turned the interior lights on and forgot to turn the switch off
After a quick jump start, all seems good. For fun, I even tried to jump the original battery and, go figure, it holds a charge just fine...Junior just paid me $90 for a new battery
Since he now is the proud owner of a battery, does he have a car to go with it?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
my battery kept running down as well, ended up being the light bulb in the glove box. The door wasn't touching the button that turns the light off and you can't tell if its on with the door shut. I just took the bulb out and no more dead battery.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 77
From: Louisville KY
Got a question. I have a 03 vette I am the only owner. I believe that when I read the owners manual in 03 I thought I read that if you leave a light on, the computer cuts it off in 15 or 20 minutes. I do know that when I work on the car such as oil change or detail the interior my under the hood light and my interior lights go off.
So if the computer turns off the lights, how can a light be left on and run down the battery? I just don't think that is possible with the vette.
So if the computer turns off the lights, how can a light be left on and run down the battery? I just don't think that is possible with the vette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7,683
Likes: 3
From: La La land cali
St. Jude Donor '09
Got a question. I have a 03 vette I am the only owner. I believe that when I read the owners manual in 03 I thought I read that if you leave a light on, the computer cuts it off in 15 or 20 minutes. I do know that when I work on the car such as oil change or detail the interior my under the hood light and my interior lights go off.
So if the computer turns off the lights, how can a light be left on and run down the battery? I just don't think that is possible with the vette.
So if the computer turns off the lights, how can a light be left on and run down the battery? I just don't think that is possible with the vette.
it was possible with my 2000... I had my car detailed and the dimmer switch was clicked "on" - I couldnt see it in the daylight and didnt know enuff about Vettes at the time.
I was told by a Chevy mechanic to check it- sure enuff-
Now, whether it clicked off and had pulled enough juice to cause a problem, I don'ts knowz
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: North Port Florida
I have had the battery drain over the rearview courtesy light.
I have also experienced the loose battery cable with the hole not tapped deep enough.
I have dropped bolts and wrenches down under the battery plate and I have had to remove it completely. Now I know to throw a rag down before working on the battery posts, terminals, etc.
There are four big bolts that hold the plate down under the battery on a Z...
I haven't figured out exactly why that is... maybe if you flip the car over it insures the battery stays in place?
I have also experienced the loose battery cable with the hole not tapped deep enough.
I have dropped bolts and wrenches down under the battery plate and I have had to remove it completely. Now I know to throw a rag down before working on the battery posts, terminals, etc.
There are four big bolts that hold the plate down under the battery on a Z...
I haven't figured out exactly why that is... maybe if you flip the car over it insures the battery stays in place?
Too bad it cost me a car 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: North Port Florida
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: North Port Florida
Got a question. I have a 03 vette I am the only owner. I believe that when I read the owners manual in 03 I thought I read that if you leave a light on, the computer cuts it off in 15 or 20 minutes. I do know that when I work on the car such as oil change or detail the interior my under the hood light and my interior lights go off.
So if the computer turns off the lights, how can a light be left on and run down the battery? I just don't think that is possible with the vette.
So if the computer turns off the lights, how can a light be left on and run down the battery? I just don't think that is possible with the vette.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 34
From: Frankfort Kentucky
found the culprit....
My 17.5 year old teenage son
He was "sitting in the car" after I went to bed (I work nights and sleep during the day) and was playing with the "buttons" in the car. He must've turned the interior lights on and forgot to turn the switch off
After a quick jump start, all seems good. For fun, I even tried to jump the original battery and, go figure, it holds a charge just fine...Junior just paid me $90 for a new battery
My 17.5 year old teenage son
He was "sitting in the car" after I went to bed (I work nights and sleep during the day) and was playing with the "buttons" in the car. He must've turned the interior lights on and forgot to turn the switch off
After a quick jump start, all seems good. For fun, I even tried to jump the original battery and, go figure, it holds a charge just fine...Junior just paid me $90 for a new battery
