Electrical issue ?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
From: CT
Electrical issue ?
Hello, looking for some advice on a possibly strange problem. I have a 2003 Z06 and when I went to get in it this morning all the interior lights were out and when I put the key in the car was totally dead. So I jumped it and it started right up and ran. I then went to pull out of my garage and it died and was dead again. I was able to jump it again and it started again. At that point I noticed that none of the dash lights would turn on even when I turned the headlights on.
the battery is only about a year or so old. I also just drove the car 4 days ago with no problems.
I had to get to work so had not tested anything and was going to start with having the battery checked when I could get it out. A quick checked of the battery cables and they appeared tight. I was looking to see if anyone can think of any problems that would cause this or has had a similar experience.
Thanks in advance, Brian.
the battery is only about a year or so old. I also just drove the car 4 days ago with no problems.
I had to get to work so had not tested anything and was going to start with having the battery checked when I could get it out. A quick checked of the battery cables and they appeared tight. I was looking to see if anyone can think of any problems that would cause this or has had a similar experience.
Thanks in advance, Brian.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 3,982
From: Cape Coral, Florida
I'd first check the battery voltage AT THE BATTERY and see what it reads...12.66 volts is fully charged. If the battery voltage is OK you would need to investigate further...you should see if the battery is being charged once you get it running...once again check it at the battery !!...also battery cables that "appear" tight isn't the best way to check them.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
From: CT
Thank you, that’s the plan when I get home.
Wasn’t sure if there was any known problems that would cause these symptoms but I’ll definitely start with the battery.
About the cables, I know, just didn’t have time to actually check them, gave them a wiggle and didn’t move but had to get to work so couldn’t start properly diagnosing.
Wasn’t sure if there was any known problems that would cause these symptoms but I’ll definitely start with the battery.
About the cables, I know, just didn’t have time to actually check them, gave them a wiggle and didn’t move but had to get to work so couldn’t start properly diagnosing.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
If the battery is LOAD TESTED good, and the system is charging, with tight battery terminals, there likely is a battery drain from some component in the system.
Lots of posts under "Battery drain".
In my case, my car had similar symptoms and I first pulled the seat circuit breakers in the passenger footwell center. Then I did a battery drain test. That test showed only a tiny drain-- so it was one of the seat breakers, but in your case it could be any number of things.
Lots of posts under "Battery drain".
In my case, my car had similar symptoms and I first pulled the seat circuit breakers in the passenger footwell center. Then I did a battery drain test. That test showed only a tiny drain-- so it was one of the seat breakers, but in your case it could be any number of things.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,658
If the battery is LOAD TESTED good, and the system is charging, with tight battery terminals, there likely is a battery drain from some component in the system.
Lots of posts under "Battery drain".
In my case, my car had similar symptoms and I first pulled the seat circuit breakers in the passenger footwell center. Then I did a battery drain test. That test showed only a tiny drain-- so it was one of the seat breakers, but in your case it could be any number of things.
Lots of posts under "Battery drain".
In my case, my car had similar symptoms and I first pulled the seat circuit breakers in the passenger footwell center. Then I did a battery drain test. That test showed only a tiny drain-- so it was one of the seat breakers, but in your case it could be any number of things.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 799
From: Espanola New Mexico
As mentioned in previous post have the battery charged and load tested before doing anything else. Check the battery cables, disconnect and wire brush the cable terminals and battery posts, also check positive cable at starter solenoid, and check the negative/ground connection. If problem still exists then you will have to measure sleep mode current drain, should be approximately 25ma after 20 minutes or so to confirm that your car has or doesn't have excessive current drain.
