Latest DBS problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 26
Latest DBS problem
Hello all,
As I posted yesterday, my 06 C6 now only lasts 2 days before having a dead battery. I had the electrical system checked and I was told the starter is drawing amps when the car is off and it needs to be replaced. The car starts fine, so I was wondering if the priority start module that "Bugman" refers to on his website will solve my problem. As I understand it, the module will disconnect the battery when it drains down to a certain point keeping it at a usable level.
The dealer wants $700.00 to replace the starter so I would like to put it off if I can. Any thoughts?
You guys have always been very helpful. Thanks in advance to everyone that responds.
Mark
As I posted yesterday, my 06 C6 now only lasts 2 days before having a dead battery. I had the electrical system checked and I was told the starter is drawing amps when the car is off and it needs to be replaced. The car starts fine, so I was wondering if the priority start module that "Bugman" refers to on his website will solve my problem. As I understand it, the module will disconnect the battery when it drains down to a certain point keeping it at a usable level.
The dealer wants $700.00 to replace the starter so I would like to put it off if I can. Any thoughts?
You guys have always been very helpful. Thanks in advance to everyone that responds.
Mark
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 19
From: Taylor Mill KY
The starter is a load and would only draw current if the relay, switch, or solenoid that supplies current was compromised in some way. I am not sure what type of device is used on the newer vettes. It is possible that the starter is drawing too much current when starting the car leaving the battery in a low condition. I just get the impression from your comments that the starter is killing the battery while at rest? If this is the case, maybe it has an attached solenoid that is bad. Just my opinion and I defer to those who have a schematic. Seems to me that there are many other possibilities. Maybe there are some more details you might have left out?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,520
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
From: Denver PA
St. Jude Donor '07
I installed a Priority Start on my 05 C6 and it does the job. It will cut off the circuit if the battery drains to a certain point. no more dead battery. If it cuts the circuit, open hatch, pull cord to open door and push in the cigarette lighter and the system is alive again.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 26
additional facts..
Hello,
My car is 42 months old and has 26,000 miles, so unfortunately it is out of warranty.
I was told that the starter is drawing amps when the car is off. Can you replace just the solenoid or do you have to replace the whole starter?
Thanks, you guys are the best!
Mark
My car is 42 months old and has 26,000 miles, so unfortunately it is out of warranty.
I was told that the starter is drawing amps when the car is off. Can you replace just the solenoid or do you have to replace the whole starter?
Thanks, you guys are the best!
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
If I'm not mistaken the re-flash is only for the 2005 Manual Corvettes. If your battery is the original I would replace it. What kind of test was done? If they just put a volt meter across it, it doesn't mean anything. A load test is required. I agree with the above the starter is probably not the problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
If it's the original battery I'd replace it before spending 700 bucks on a starter. You are creeping up on 4 year old battery anyway so it won't be to much longer on that battery!
Just can't see how the actual starter is drawing current? There are several threads how can check for excessive current draw which would be worthwhile doing. I'm just not buying that it's your starter drawing current while the car is parked...
Just can't see how the actual starter is drawing current? There are several threads how can check for excessive current draw which would be worthwhile doing. I'm just not buying that it's your starter drawing current while the car is parked...
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
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
If I'm not mistaken the re-flash is only for the 2005 Manual Corvettes. If your battery is the original I would replace it. What kind of test was done? If they just put a volt meter across it, it doesn't mean anything. A load test is required. I agree with the above the starter is probably not the problem.
Although anything is possible, I would bet that the starter is not the problem. There may be a drain on the system from something else, or after 42 months, the battery just may be toast...which would not be out of the ordinary. Battery drain is a fairly easy thing to diagnose...and testing the battery with a real load tester is also very easy. I wouldn't bother spending money on the battery cut off until after you fix the actual problem. It probably won't be necessary then.
The main connection at the starter can be removed and then the drain tested....normal drain at the battery with everything off and the car having sat still for a few minutes should be in the range of 7-15 ma and it will NOT be steady, it will fluctuate up and down constantly in that range.
Last edited by cclive; Jun 12, 2009 at 08:18 PM.