Battery drain...400mA cold draw???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 586
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From: Glendale CA
Battery drain...400mA cold draw???
isn't this a bit high?
I'd assume 20mA was the normal draw for our rides on "sleep mode" (car shut off with no lights running for over half hour)
looks like I have to perform the "pull and check" for the relays
I'd assume 20mA was the normal draw for our rides on "sleep mode" (car shut off with no lights running for over half hour)
looks like I have to perform the "pull and check" for the relays
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
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From: Oregon
I see you are from Glendale.. (I lived in Burbank back in the 70's). Is "Deeds Automotive" still on Magnolia Blvd? The owner, Glenn Deeds is a old Bonneville racer and was always pretty good with my Vette back then. I would assume he would be up to date on the c-5's if you run into trouble.. Just a suggestion,
Good luck!
Good luck!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Sounds high to me
Bill Curlee suggests it should be 20mA dormant
One of the common problems is the switch on the seat motors, particularly the lumbar switch. Might be worth starting there. The other common mistake is to leave the interior lights turned on at the rotary switch on the instrument panel.
Bill Curlee suggests it should be 20mA dormantOne of the common problems is the switch on the seat motors, particularly the lumbar switch. Might be worth starting there. The other common mistake is to leave the interior lights turned on at the rotary switch on the instrument panel.
Last edited by DeeGee; Nov 5, 2010 at 02:11 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,365
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The correct BCM current draw should be 20 Milliamps or less. Most C5 run around 25ma but I have see some as low as 15 ma.
Leave the engine compartment fuse box for last and start with the passengers compartment box first. Pull the power seat breakers FIRST! The power seats have a tendancy stay on and cause this issue.
Also pull the fuses for the Bose system amp.
Examine the car in the dark for lights staying ON.
Once you prove the interior circuits good,,, check the headlight circuits, and then test the current draw of the alternator.
Look at my electrical stickey. I think I cover this in detail in that post.
There are several COMMON things that cause excessive current draw
-Seat multifunction switch & Lumbar Switch
- Bose Amp relay stuck on
- Alternator didoes bad and drawing current
- Headlight control module bad
- Interior light on (check in the dark)
- Added aftermarket accessory not shutting off
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...n-long-30.html
Then scroll to post #590
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 1,818
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Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Have you checked the battery? If not, have a reputable auto repair shop perform a load test and also have them check the alternator output. If you have the original AC Delco battery, it could be on its last legs.
Even a 400mA drain should not cause a fully charged battery that's in good condition to not be able to start the car if it just sat overnight.
Even a 400mA drain should not cause a fully charged battery that's in good condition to not be able to start the car if it just sat overnight.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 586
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From: Glendale CA
Have you checked the battery? If not, have a reputable auto repair shop perform a load test and also have them check the alternator output. If you have the original AC Delco battery, it could be on its last legs.
Even a 400mA drain should not cause a fully charged battery that's in good condition to not be able to start the car if it just sat overnight.
Even a 400mA drain should not cause a fully charged battery that's in good condition to not be able to start the car if it just sat overnight.
but there's a little sticker on it that says 7/09...could that be expiration date?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
The link to Bill Curlee's post is really good information.
Watch this video on the C5 battery/ECL: Video link
Watch this video on the C5 battery/ECL: Video link
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 174
Likes: 6
From: Pearl River New York
After reading this post I decided to check my draw on my battery as I had a problem over the winter. I hook up the meter as in the picture on the 10 amp setting and got a reading
of 2.42 is that reading times 10 because of the 10 amp setting or is it actually 2.42 amps
and is it a good reading
of 2.42 is that reading times 10 because of the 10 amp setting or is it actually 2.42 amps
and is it a good reading
