'99 Electrical Issue
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 9
From: Western Massachusetts
'99 Electrical Issue
Not paying attention to time I had lights/radio on I managed to run my battery down while doing some work to the point that I couldn't start the car I put my charger on for about 30 miniutes - the car started with no problem and I drove the car for a few minutes. Continued to start after that. This morning I ran the car on backroads as well as the interstate. The DIC guage showed charging between 13.5 volts and 13.9 volts depending on road speed/idle. In the past I was up to around 14.1 volts. I never left the guage on display until now to watch the fluctuation. Probably always doing it. We are doing the Corvette Caravan next week 1089 miles each way not counting side trips. Last thing we need is a problem. Any input/suggestion appreciated. Vette had been serviced 5k ago. Note - car has 57k, maybe <10k on battery, replaced 3 years ago.
Last edited by VETTEC599; Aug 11, 2014 at 03:10 PM. Reason: Misspellings - punctuation
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The IPC Digital and ANALOG volt meters DO NOT read actual battery voltage!
The values that you see displayed are a voltage reading AFTER the Ignition Switch that is being supplied as the HOT IN RUN AND START feeds to the modules and other circuits.
If that voltage is low, you most likely have dirty/burnt or damaged contacts inside the ignition switch.
Prove this by using a DC Volt Meter and read the voltage directly on the battery terminals and compare that the two voltage readings on the IPC.
IF, you have a good reading directly on the battery terminals, I would say your good to go.
NOTE! You should NOT use the alternator to recharge a dead battery. Recharge it with a battery charger to full charge. The charging system is designed to MAINTAIN a full charge on a good battery.
Here is an ignition switch post for you to read:
- C5 ignition Switch repair - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
Bill
The values that you see displayed are a voltage reading AFTER the Ignition Switch that is being supplied as the HOT IN RUN AND START feeds to the modules and other circuits.
If that voltage is low, you most likely have dirty/burnt or damaged contacts inside the ignition switch.
Prove this by using a DC Volt Meter and read the voltage directly on the battery terminals and compare that the two voltage readings on the IPC.
IF, you have a good reading directly on the battery terminals, I would say your good to go.
NOTE! You should NOT use the alternator to recharge a dead battery. Recharge it with a battery charger to full charge. The charging system is designed to MAINTAIN a full charge on a good battery.
Here is an ignition switch post for you to read:
- C5 ignition Switch repair - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ch-repair.html
Bill
