Known electrical problems for C5? ('99?)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 0
From: Troy MI
Known electrical problems for C5? ('99?)
My car has been suffereng from a dead battery periodically lately.
I have a brand new Die Hard battery.
I have the top down window accessory, an aftermarket stereo, and QT cut outs. Other than these items the electrical system is un touched.
The stereo is not staying on at all.
The QT cut out switch does stay illuminated, but I would be shocked if the LED in the switch could kill the battery.
The batter has died about 3 times over the past two months. One time I left the hatch open for a while, the other two times the car was locked up and sate for about a week.
I have been suspicious of the top down window module, but I am wondering what else I can look for. For right now I am going to leave the module out and see what happens.
Have there been any known issues with the car killing the battery on its own, or any issues with the top down accessory leaving things on and killing the battery?
The alternator seams fine, I don't get any voltage drop while the car is running w/ the stereo, AC, or head lights.
I have a brand new Die Hard battery.
I have the top down window accessory, an aftermarket stereo, and QT cut outs. Other than these items the electrical system is un touched.
The stereo is not staying on at all.
The QT cut out switch does stay illuminated, but I would be shocked if the LED in the switch could kill the battery.
The batter has died about 3 times over the past two months. One time I left the hatch open for a while, the other two times the car was locked up and sate for about a week.
I have been suspicious of the top down window module, but I am wondering what else I can look for. For right now I am going to leave the module out and see what happens.
Have there been any known issues with the car killing the battery on its own, or any issues with the top down accessory leaving things on and killing the battery?
The alternator seams fine, I don't get any voltage drop while the car is running w/ the stereo, AC, or head lights.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 3
From: Memphis Tn
Re: Known electrical problems for C5? (msuc5vette)
Did your old battery leak? You could check the pcm and wiring under the battery for any damage. I don't think the lightswitch itself would drain the battery, but you may recheck the wiring, something could be shorting it. Maybe your new diehard is not big enough? :confused: :smash:
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 0
From: Troy MI
Re: Known electrical problems for C5? (ScreaminDemon)
It's the biggest SUV Die Hard that will fit.
It has only been a problem if the car has sat for a week. It shouldn't sit that long, but we have had some bad weather lately in MI so I haven't taken it out as much as usual.
Is there an inexpensive meter I can buy to check the current drain when the car is off?
It has only been a problem if the car has sat for a week. It shouldn't sit that long, but we have had some bad weather lately in MI so I haven't taken it out as much as usual.
Is there an inexpensive meter I can buy to check the current drain when the car is off?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,329
Likes: 16
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Mid-TN Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Re: Known electrical problems for C5? (ScreaminDemon)
Did your old battery leak? You could check the pcm and wiring under the battery for any damage. I don't think the lightswitch itself would drain the battery, but you may recheck the wiring, something could be shorting it. Maybe your new diehard is not big enough? :confused: :smash:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Known electrical problems for C5? (msuc5vette)
My car has been suffereng from a dead battery periodically lately.
I have a brand new Die Hard battery.
I have the top down window accessory, an aftermarket stereo, and QT cut outs. Other than these items the electrical system is un touched.
The stereo is not staying on at all.
The QT cut out switch does stay illuminated, but I would be shocked if the LED in the switch could kill the battery.
The batter has died about 3 times over the past two months. One time I left the hatch open for a while, the other two times the car was locked up and sate for about a week.
I have been suspicious of the top down window module, but I am wondering what else I can look for. For right now I am going to leave the module out and see what happens.
Have there been any known issues with the car killing the battery on its own, or any issues with the top down accessory leaving things on and killing the battery?
The alternator seams fine, I don't get any voltage drop while the car is running w/ the stereo, AC, or head lights.
I have a brand new Die Hard battery.
I have the top down window accessory, an aftermarket stereo, and QT cut outs. Other than these items the electrical system is un touched.
The stereo is not staying on at all.
The QT cut out switch does stay illuminated, but I would be shocked if the LED in the switch could kill the battery.
The batter has died about 3 times over the past two months. One time I left the hatch open for a while, the other two times the car was locked up and sate for about a week.
I have been suspicious of the top down window module, but I am wondering what else I can look for. For right now I am going to leave the module out and see what happens.
Have there been any known issues with the car killing the battery on its own, or any issues with the top down accessory leaving things on and killing the battery?
The alternator seams fine, I don't get any voltage drop while the car is running w/ the stereo, AC, or head lights.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Known electrical problems for C5? (Richin Chicago)
Mine has done the same thing since I bought it (2 years ago), and has been to 4 dealers about it, and no one can figure out the problem (even my alternator has been replaced) , so recently, I did the easiest thing i could think of, went to walmart, bought a 62 dollar battery, with a free 3 year FREE replacement warranty ( NO prorate) , and when it goes bad, ill just take it in for a new one. (until then, i replaced a battery every 6 months). My brother has been doing this for about 3 years on his boat battery, and they dont even charge tax on the battery, its just FREE REPLACEMENT. I figure what the hell.
Daren
[Modified by Darens99Vette, 11:16 AM 7/5/2003]
Daren
[Modified by Darens99Vette, 11:16 AM 7/5/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,001
Likes: 506
From: Hilton NY
Re: Known electrical problems for C5? (Darens99Vette)
Always check the current draw at rest; if too much current is being drawn no battery will last long. Look for 20 ma total after 1 minute.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
