Electrical short or common problem ?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette ca
Electrical short or common problem ?
I have a 2006 c6. I have a new battery in my car. If i drive it every couple of days no problem, will start for months on end. However if i leave the car for more than about 4 days the car will not start due to dead battery. I already went through one battery, yesterday I put a red top Optima battery in. My question is- Is this normal for this car or should I have my mechanic check for a short ? Also, I have only had the Optima battery for 1 day so maybe I should just wait and see if it dies- any ideas ? Remember it was dying with the previous battery which was brand new- just not an optima battery. Confusing enough ?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,283
Likes: 8,559
From: Rochester, NY
You definitely have a problem as there is no way the car should not be able to sit for 4 days without the battery going dead. There has been quite a bit posted on this topic so I am sure you will get some advice more useful than my telling you it is not normal or do a search. Good Luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,778
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
It could be as simple as how long/many miles do you put on your car when you drive. Just a trip around the block is not enought. Anything added, Lojack radar ditector Etc?
It could have a problen that needs dealer attention. All cars & situations are different!
It could have a problen that needs dealer attention. All cars & situations are different!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,296
Likes: 156
From: Location: Location: kAnSaS
its not really a short but you do have a draw somewhere. If you want to find a draw yourself try this simple trick: Take the ground cable off and hook up a test light with one end to the battery negative post and the other end of the light to the cable you took off. If the light comes on you got a big draw!! At that point keep it connected and start pulling fuses,,,,,whenever the light goes out then thats the curcuit that you have a draw on. That will give you an idea whats going on. You might have more then one that causes the light to go dim but some are computer related and will just dim the light a touch but a big draw like what your talking about you will really notice whe nyou pull that fuse. I probably didnt explain that very well if you like PM me for info. good luck, paul
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,939
Likes: 448
From: CHOCOWINITY NC
Here's a slick tool for determining individual circuit drains..
Plugs into individual fused circuits and measures the drain. Only $18
* Original fuse is replaced in-line during testing, thereby maintaining circuit protection.
* Makes circuit testing easier, FUSE BUDDY adapter end is shaped like a fuse.
* Ideal for electrical troubleshooting at the fuse box.
* Can be used to measure all circuit draws up to 20 Amps.
* Can even be used to test parasitic drains (battery drains).
* Measuring Capability: 0 - 20 Amps / 48V DC or AC.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW411.html#1118
Plugs into individual fused circuits and measures the drain. Only $18
* Original fuse is replaced in-line during testing, thereby maintaining circuit protection.
* Makes circuit testing easier, FUSE BUDDY adapter end is shaped like a fuse.
* Ideal for electrical troubleshooting at the fuse box.
* Can be used to measure all circuit draws up to 20 Amps.
* Can even be used to test parasitic drains (battery drains).
* Measuring Capability: 0 - 20 Amps / 48V DC or AC.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW411.html#1118
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 2
From: The Great Pacific Northwest...........I carry a gun cause a cops too heavy.
I have never had good luck with Optima batteries, but any new battery should be put on a low charge for 24hrs. before installing. It will nearly double the life of the battery.
My C6 will sometimes sit for up to a month without a battery tender and I never had any problems starting in over 3 years.
My C6 will sometimes sit for up to a month without a battery tender and I never had any problems starting in over 3 years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
I have never had good luck with Optima batteries, but any new battery should be put on a low charge for 24hrs. before installing. It will nearly double the life of the battery.
My C6 will sometimes sit for up to a month without a battery tender and I never had any problems starting in over 3 years.
My C6 will sometimes sit for up to a month without a battery tender and I never had any problems starting in over 3 years.
Thx-Red Cell.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 70
From: Davie Florida
Ours ended
up being a pinched wire on the pass side sunvisor!!! They spent almost a month trying to fnd and we were in the process of a buy back when they finally found it, Have had no problems since.
Also, are you auto or manual?? In the C5 there was a DBS problem with the manual tranny bu I thought it was not a problem with the C6
Good Luck
Also, are you auto or manual?? In the C5 there was a DBS problem with the manual tranny bu I thought it was not a problem with the C6
Good Luck
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,552
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Some early '06's had DBS, but different than classic DBS in the '05 MN6's.
There is a BCM reflash available to correct this, if it applies to your car.
Also any aftermarket gizmo can do this like Lojack or radar detector...
There is a BCM reflash available to correct this, if it applies to your car.
Also any aftermarket gizmo can do this like Lojack or radar detector...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735
Likes: 3
From: New Harmony IN
St. Jude Donor '09
My 2005 has a very inexpensive battery in it (was in it when I got the car in Feb.) , figured I would see how long it would last, with all the talk especially on the 05's that have the dreaded DBS, have not had one failure yet and car has been sitting for 2 weeks in 15 degree to 40 degree temps under a car port, no battery tender, warmed up to 45 degree yesterday and took her for a spin and she fired right up, no problem. BTW mine is an MN6.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,552
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
My 2005 has a very inexpensive battery in it (was in it when I got the car in Feb.) , figured I would see how long it would last, with all the talk especially on the 05's that have the dreaded DBS, have not had one failure yet and car has been sitting for 2 weeks in 15 degree to 40 degree temps under a car port, no battery tender, warmed up to 45 degree yesterday and took her for a spin and she fired right up, no problem. BTW mine is an MN6.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 148
From: Magnolia Texas
several threads on C6 battery issues. suggest you check the drain first using a testing tool or the light in the neg. curcuit as suggested. also, some discussion here on the On-Star module being suspect in these situations. if you don't find it, have your dealer check it out.
good luck!
good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove CA
Here's a slick tool for determining individual circuit drains..
Plugs into individual fused circuits and measures the drain. Only $18
* Original fuse is replaced in-line during testing, thereby maintaining circuit protection.
* Makes circuit testing easier, FUSE BUDDY adapter end is shaped like a fuse.
* Ideal for electrical troubleshooting at the fuse box.
* Can be used to measure all circuit draws up to 20 Amps.
* Can even be used to test parasitic drains (battery drains).
* Measuring Capability: 0 - 20 Amps / 48V DC or AC.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW411.html#1118
Plugs into individual fused circuits and measures the drain. Only $18
* Original fuse is replaced in-line during testing, thereby maintaining circuit protection.
* Makes circuit testing easier, FUSE BUDDY adapter end is shaped like a fuse.
* Ideal for electrical troubleshooting at the fuse box.
* Can be used to measure all circuit draws up to 20 Amps.
* Can even be used to test parasitic drains (battery drains).
* Measuring Capability: 0 - 20 Amps / 48V DC or AC.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TTW411.html#1118
