Battery Draining?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Escondido CA
Battery Draining?
Anybody know of a way to determine if there is something in the electrical system that is draining the battery with the ignition off?
My battery wouldn't start the engine twice now, after sitting for a few days in the garage. Jumped it ok the first time, and charged it, but it happened again.
Voltmeter readings:
8.5V when it wouldn't start (Interior lights were dim, and heard clicking during start)
14V during initial charge off the alternator after jump.
13.5V after an hour driving with engine on.
12V after engine off.
The alternator/regulator seems to be OK based on the voltage readings.
I'm thinking either the battery won't hold a charge, or there is something draining it overnight.
If I put an ampmeter in line with the battery positive lead, what should the NORMAL reading be when the ignition is OFF. (i.e., what kind of current does the computer, clock, etc., use to stay alive?)
Any other ideas?
[Modified by Don Lindeman, 1:47 PM 8/31/2002]
My battery wouldn't start the engine twice now, after sitting for a few days in the garage. Jumped it ok the first time, and charged it, but it happened again.
Voltmeter readings:
8.5V when it wouldn't start (Interior lights were dim, and heard clicking during start)
14V during initial charge off the alternator after jump.
13.5V after an hour driving with engine on.
12V after engine off.
The alternator/regulator seems to be OK based on the voltage readings.
I'm thinking either the battery won't hold a charge, or there is something draining it overnight.
If I put an ampmeter in line with the battery positive lead, what should the NORMAL reading be when the ignition is OFF. (i.e., what kind of current does the computer, clock, etc., use to stay alive?)
Any other ideas?
[Modified by Don Lindeman, 1:47 PM 8/31/2002]
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 505
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Re: Battery Draining? (Don Lindeman)
How old is your battery. is it the original? My guess would be your battery needs to be replaced. I just replaced mine recently with the new Delco AGM. (no acid to leak) and my electrical problems disappeared.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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Re: Battery Draining? (redriverjohn)
How old is your battery. is it the original? My guess would be your battery needs to be replaced. I just replaced mine recently with the new Delco AGM. (no acid to leak) and my electrical problems disappeared.
Robert :)
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 79
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From: Millersville MD
Re: Battery Draining? (Don Lindeman)
Don, the battery drain problem has been well documented on the forum for the early C5's. it is a very common issue, if you let the car set for a period of time (varies) the battery will drain due to OBC use, my 97 and 2000 did this as a matter of routine, the 2002 with the newer gel/mat type battery seems to be a lot better, if you dont drive the car very often, you might consider a trickle charger to keep everything up to snuff, hope this helps
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Escondido CA
Re: Battery Draining? (Don Lindeman)
Thanks guys.... Really appreciate the inputs.
I've squeaked 5 years out of OEM batteries before (mine's a mid '99) so I was thinking maybe I had a drain problem. However, after reading your responses, I came to the conclusion that I needed a new battery and decided to go shopping.
I found an Optima Red Top at CostCo in San Marcos, (Ca) for $99 + Tax. and a Kirkland (CostCo) brand for $34 + tax. Since the Kirkland had 50 more CCA than the OEM, and the same warranty as the Optima, I decided to go with the Kirkland at 1/3 the price. If they had a Yellow Top for $100 it may have been a harder decision. I installed it this morning (perfect fit), so now time will tell. A trickle charger is now on my "Vette ToDo List".
Thanks again,
Don
[Modified by Don Lindeman, 1:45 PM 8/31/2002]
I've squeaked 5 years out of OEM batteries before (mine's a mid '99) so I was thinking maybe I had a drain problem. However, after reading your responses, I came to the conclusion that I needed a new battery and decided to go shopping.
I found an Optima Red Top at CostCo in San Marcos, (Ca) for $99 + Tax. and a Kirkland (CostCo) brand for $34 + tax. Since the Kirkland had 50 more CCA than the OEM, and the same warranty as the Optima, I decided to go with the Kirkland at 1/3 the price. If they had a Yellow Top for $100 it may have been a harder decision. I installed it this morning (perfect fit), so now time will tell. A trickle charger is now on my "Vette ToDo List".
Thanks again,
Don
[Modified by Don Lindeman, 1:45 PM 8/31/2002]
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Re: Battery Draining? (Don Lindeman)
"A trickle charger is now on my "Vette ToDo List"."
Don,
Forget the trickle charger and get a "battery tender" - will never over charge the battery. I have left my on for long periods without any problems
Mordi
Don,
Forget the trickle charger and get a "battery tender" - will never over charge the battery. I have left my on for long periods without any problems
Mordi
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