[Z06] Battery Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Fl
Battery Question
I am sure that this has been answered before but I could not find in a search. I am new to the ZO6 and have had a '02 C5Z for 7 months. Recently since I retired, it has sat for longer than when I was working. My question is, how many days does the battery charge last with the only presumed drain being the computers? It had sat 5 days until yesterday and was dead. Had AAA start it and went for a ride to recharge it. Is this shorter than it should be going dead? I do not see anything obvious running when it is parked. Any advice will be appreciated. This is the first hi-tech car I have had and need to figure it out. Thanks, Jeff
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
My car had a 1 yr old traditional lead acid battery when I got it and would be hard to start after sitting for just 1-2 wks. Then it completely died once after sitting for 3 wks, replaced it with an optima red top. Now it can sit for 2 weeks without a charge and it starts fine. If it will be sitting longer than that I put a battery tender on it. These cars are hard on batteries, a lot of electrical draws. Also the battery sits on top of the pcm so all the more reason to switch to an AGM style battery.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 42
From: shavertown Pa.
You really can't charge the newer batteries just by taking it for a ride, when they go flat modern batteries have to be brought up slowly over a long period of time.
Have the battery tested then if its good look for a draw on the system.
Have the battery tested then if its good look for a draw on the system.
Last edited by bob guzzy; Sep 9, 2015 at 09:20 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 11
From: las vegas nv.
Get a model 1500 Batteryminder--47.00 shipped to your home ebay--works perfect--no more worrys about a dead battery--besides its good for your battery-longer life--if your battery is going south-
-optima redtop 75/25-
-optima redtop 75/25-
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Fl
The battery is about two months old. I had my friend check for power draws yesterday. It had about 2 times the normal draw. We are going to check for the source next week when he has time in his schedule. We suspect possibly the new stereo as the two times the car went dead were after that. As far a recharging it, I was told by him that with the 100 amp alternator if you take at least a 20 mile drive down the highway it will be fine.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Fl
Good one. I actually did drive it more but at this time I am retired and I was wanting to reduce extra trips after I found out about the valve spring problem. It happened to be at the same time my friend went on 2 wks. vacation. The springs are now replaced and I am free to fly. Hopefully next week the battery thing will be solved though before I am on a first name basis with the local AAA guys...LOL!!!
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Fl
Update, my friend has checked battery and all components for shorts and found none both times and verified that the battery is good. He noticed while driving it in traffic and at lights the alternator does not charge at as high a number as when driving normally. He thinks maybe changing to a smaller pulley on the alternator it may help. The last time the car was dead in three days. Any ideas? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 32
From: Ocala FL
I keep my car on a Battery Tender 100% of the time in the garage. With the cigarette lighter adapter it's so easy to plug it in after a drive. Just keep the window rolled down, reach in and plug it in. When I'm ready to take it for a spin I just pull it out. Simple.
