Phantom battery draw
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Phantom battery draw
There are similar posts regarding this issue but might goes a bit further. I have a 99 model 6 spd. Owned for over 3 years. Recently the battery started going dead when idle for 3 or more days. Had local mechanic look at it (very experienced). Connected amp meter and routinely disconnected each fuse one by one. Could not get the draw below .13 amps. Also checked alternator and checked out ok. Any other thoughts or ideas on where my battery power is going? I'm using a trickle charger now whenever it is parked but that is getting to be a pain since it is my everyday car, although it does frequently sit for 3-5 days without being driven. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
Larry
Larry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,364
Likes: 6
From: Rocky Mount Virginia
There are similar posts regarding this issue but might goes a bit further. I have a 99 model 6 spd. Owned for over 3 years. Recently the battery started going dead when idle for 3 or more days. Had local mechanic look at it (very experienced). Connected amp meter and routinely disconnected each fuse one by one. Could not get the draw below .13 amps. Also checked alternator and checked out ok. Any other thoughts or ideas on where my battery power is going? I'm using a trickle charger now whenever it is parked but that is getting to be a pain since it is my everyday car, although it does frequently sit for 3-5 days without being driven. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
Larry
Larry
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 217
From: Victoria tx
same thing on my 99. red top is great and checks perfect but if it sits for a couple days then its dead. I personally think its my connections because the second I hook up the cables to my truck it cranks right away. I just haven't had a chance to check because I work a lot. but if that isn't it then im in the same boat as you. keep us updated
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 97
From: Castro Valley State of Insanity
Had a similar situation in my 99 GMC dually. Turned out one of the hinges on the courtesy mirror in my sun visor was broke and not completely turning off the light when the cover was closed.
Found it by accident while cleaning the interior and could feel how warm the cover was, a rubber band around the cover solved the problem.
Found it by accident while cleaning the interior and could feel how warm the cover was, a rubber band around the cover solved the problem.
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.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 1,154
From: Oregon
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
The module is located under the right headlamp from what I have read. Here is a post about it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-bad-why.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-bad-why.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Here is a simple way to try and see if the drain is via the engine or the I/P fuse box circuits.
At the right side rear of the engine fuse box is a stud. This is where power from the battery goes to the engine fuse box. Also on the stud is the power feed to the I/P fuse box. Both are large RED wires.
Disconnect the I/P power feed and see if that eliminates the drain. If it does then your issue in in that circuit. If not then the problem is in the engine fuse box circuits. Could be there is some drain from each but not as likely. If you disconnect the I/P box feed and the drain only goes down some, then you have a drain going on in both circuits.
At the right side rear of the engine fuse box is a stud. This is where power from the battery goes to the engine fuse box. Also on the stud is the power feed to the I/P fuse box. Both are large RED wires.
Disconnect the I/P power feed and see if that eliminates the drain. If it does then your issue in in that circuit. If not then the problem is in the engine fuse box circuits. Could be there is some drain from each but not as likely. If you disconnect the I/P box feed and the drain only goes down some, then you have a drain going on in both circuits.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Alpine TX
Here is a simple way to try and see if the drain is via the engine or the I/P fuse box circuits.
At the right side rear of the engine fuse box is a stud. This is where power from the battery goes to the engine fuse box. Also on the stud is the power feed to the I/P fuse box. Both are large RED wires.
Disconnect the I/P power feed and see if that eliminates the drain. If it does then your issue in in that circuit. If not then the problem is in the engine fuse box circuits. Could be there is some drain from each but not as likely. If you disconnect the I/P box feed and the drain only goes down some, then you have a drain going on in both circuits.
At the right side rear of the engine fuse box is a stud. This is where power from the battery goes to the engine fuse box. Also on the stud is the power feed to the I/P fuse box. Both are large RED wires.
Disconnect the I/P power feed and see if that eliminates the drain. If it does then your issue in in that circuit. If not then the problem is in the engine fuse box circuits. Could be there is some drain from each but not as likely. If you disconnect the I/P box feed and the drain only goes down some, then you have a drain going on in both circuits.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Alpine TX
The module is located under the right headlamp from what I have read. Here is a post about it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-bad-why.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...e-bad-why.html
I just loaded AllData on my PC, so I should be able to figure more of this stuff out myself now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Yes you could put the ammeter anywhere in the circuit. Just be careful by using a positive side lead so you don't accidently ground the circuit.
