battery problem
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: columbia mo
battery problem
If the car sits more than 3-4 days it won't start.
I took the car to check the alter. and the battery. They told me that everything is fine. But I still have problems to get my car to start after sitting for couple of days.
The battery is optima red top.
Can I use Batery tender while the car sits for long time or I have to pull the battery off the car and then hook it up to the battery tender? Which way is safe - left in the car or pulling the battery out?
Is it posible that the battery does not hold charge?
I know that all the new corvettes have battery drain problem.
I called the local GM dealer and they told me- it has to do with all the computers and sensors of the car.
Can somebody tell me what is going on? Or have I been told all kinds of lies? My altern. is working and my battery takes charge. I hate to buy a new battery and throw my optima battery.
I took the car to check the alter. and the battery. They told me that everything is fine. But I still have problems to get my car to start after sitting for couple of days.
The battery is optima red top.
Can I use Batery tender while the car sits for long time or I have to pull the battery off the car and then hook it up to the battery tender? Which way is safe - left in the car or pulling the battery out?
Is it posible that the battery does not hold charge?
I know that all the new corvettes have battery drain problem.
I called the local GM dealer and they told me- it has to do with all the computers and sensors of the car.
Can somebody tell me what is going on? Or have I been told all kinds of lies? My altern. is working and my battery takes charge. I hate to buy a new battery and throw my optima battery.
Last edited by storm trooper; Dec 1, 2009 at 11:10 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I had the same problem and the dealership told me the same thing about all the computer crap. They couldn't find anything wrong. Mine only has 1800 miles on it.
Long story short - I purchased a CTEK Battery Charger and keep it connected when I am not driving it.
The package comes with permanent terminals and battery clamps. I put the terminals on, so alls I have to do is plug it up each time. Takes about 30 seconds to open hood, plug in and I'm done!
Here is the link:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ctk3300.html
Long story short - I purchased a CTEK Battery Charger and keep it connected when I am not driving it.
The package comes with permanent terminals and battery clamps. I put the terminals on, so alls I have to do is plug it up each time. Takes about 30 seconds to open hood, plug in and I'm done!
Here is the link:
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ctk3300.html
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,642
Likes: 9
From: Dalllas/Ft Worth Area TX
Check switch!
If the car sits moore than 3-4 days it wont start.
Took the car to check the alter. and the battery. They told me that everything is fine. But i still have problems to get my car to start after sitting for couple of days.
The battery is optima red top.
Can i use Batery tender while the car sits for long time or i have to pull the battery of the car and then hook it up to the battery teder.Which way is safe left in the car or pull the battery out.
Is it posible that the battery does not hold charge.
I know that all the new corvettes have battery drain problem.
I called the local GM dealer and that is what they told me.It has to do with all the camputers and sensors on the car
Can somebody know what is going on or i have been told all kinds of lies. MY altern. is working and my battery takes charge. I hate to buy new battery and throw this optima
Took the car to check the alter. and the battery. They told me that everything is fine. But i still have problems to get my car to start after sitting for couple of days.
The battery is optima red top.
Can i use Batery tender while the car sits for long time or i have to pull the battery of the car and then hook it up to the battery teder.Which way is safe left in the car or pull the battery out.
Is it posible that the battery does not hold charge.
I know that all the new corvettes have battery drain problem.
I called the local GM dealer and that is what they told me.It has to do with all the camputers and sensors on the car
Can somebody know what is going on or i have been told all kinds of lies. MY altern. is working and my battery takes charge. I hate to buy new battery and throw this optima
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 655
Likes: 114
From: Orange County, Southern California
If the car sits moore than 3-4 days it wont start.
Took the car to check the alter. and the battery. They told me that everything is fine. But i still have problems to get my car to start after sitting for couple of days.
The battery is optima red top.
Can i use Batery tender while the car sits for long time or i have to pull the battery of the car and then hook it up to the battery teder.Which way is safe left in the car or pull the battery out.
Is it posible that the battery does not hold charge.
I know that all the new corvettes have battery drain problem.
I called the local GM dealer and that is what they told me.It has to do with all the camputers and sensors on the car
Can somebody know what is going on or i have been told all kinds of lies. MY altern. is working and my battery takes charge. I hate to buy new battery and throw this optima
Took the car to check the alter. and the battery. They told me that everything is fine. But i still have problems to get my car to start after sitting for couple of days.
The battery is optima red top.
Can i use Batery tender while the car sits for long time or i have to pull the battery of the car and then hook it up to the battery teder.Which way is safe left in the car or pull the battery out.
Is it posible that the battery does not hold charge.
I know that all the new corvettes have battery drain problem.
I called the local GM dealer and that is what they told me.It has to do with all the camputers and sensors on the car
Can somebody know what is going on or i have been told all kinds of lies. MY altern. is working and my battery takes charge. I hate to buy new battery and throw this optima
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Texas
My battery went dead last week, battery is less than 1 year old. I charged it and now it's dead again and back on the charger. No the lights weren't left on and the stick was in reverse. I'm getting tired of battery problems with vettes. This is my second vette and it seems the batteries last about a year. 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,520
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
My battery went dead last week, battery is less than 1 year old. I charged it and now it's dead again and back on the charger. No the lights weren't left on and the stick was in reverse. I'm getting tired of battery problems with vettes. This is my second vette and it seems the batteries last about a year. crazy:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
1. You appear to have a 2006, so the TSB for unique 2005 battery drain issues shouldn't apply. The TSB, however, does cover some less common 2006 battery drain issues as well, so it might be worth doing anyway.
2. Leaving the interior lights on will not drain your battery since the car has a battery saver feature which will shut the lights off after about 20 minutes.
3. The Optima battery is a deep discharge battery and shouldn't be the issue .. IF the battery is good. Even Optimas can go bad though.
The question that remains unanswered is if you have any aftermarket electronic equipment connected to the car. Are any devices left connected to the car after it is shut off? Are the fobs stored away from the car? Your dealer should have a troubleshooting checklist from GM that will help eliminate any external sources of unusual battery drain. Make sure you go through this checklist with your dealer before doing anything else.
In moderate temperatures, a C6 should be able to go up to 4 weeks before discharge, shorter in colder weather. At the worst, your car should last two weeks before you need to attach a tender. A good, modern tender can be left on for months without adversely affecting your battery.
2. Leaving the interior lights on will not drain your battery since the car has a battery saver feature which will shut the lights off after about 20 minutes.
3. The Optima battery is a deep discharge battery and shouldn't be the issue .. IF the battery is good. Even Optimas can go bad though.
The question that remains unanswered is if you have any aftermarket electronic equipment connected to the car. Are any devices left connected to the car after it is shut off? Are the fobs stored away from the car? Your dealer should have a troubleshooting checklist from GM that will help eliminate any external sources of unusual battery drain. Make sure you go through this checklist with your dealer before doing anything else.
In moderate temperatures, a C6 should be able to go up to 4 weeks before discharge, shorter in colder weather. At the worst, your car should last two weeks before you need to attach a tender. A good, modern tender can be left on for months without adversely affecting your battery.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 511
Likes: 5
From: Germantown Md
My 06 is having very similar issues. OEM battery went out 2 months ago. Replacement battery was OK until I parked car for 2 days and now battery so dead will not take a charge. Replaced it today and going to dealer tomorrow for systems check. Will keep folks posted on outcome.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,642
Likes: 9
From: Dalllas/Ft Worth Area TX
This problem with knee and switch has been discussed before.
1. You appear to have a 2006, so the TSB for unique 2005 battery drain issues shouldn't apply. The TSB, however, does cover some less common 2006 battery drain issues as well, so it might be worth doing anyway.
2. Leaving the interior lights on will not drain your battery since the car has a battery saver feature which will shut the lights off after about 20 minutes.
3. The Optima battery is a deep discharge battery and shouldn't be the issue .. IF the battery is good. Even Optimas can go bad though.
The question that remains unanswered is if you have any aftermarket electronic equipment connected to the car. Are any devices left connected to the car after it is shut off? Are the fobs stored away from the car? Your dealer should have a troubleshooting checklist from GM that will help eliminate any external sources of unusual battery drain. Make sure you go through this checklist with your dealer before doing anything else.
In moderate temperatures, a C6 should be able to go up to 4 weeks before discharge, shorter in colder weather. At the worst, your car should last two weeks before you need to attach a tender. A good, modern tender can be left on for months without adversely affecting your battery.
2. Leaving the interior lights on will not drain your battery since the car has a battery saver feature which will shut the lights off after about 20 minutes.
3. The Optima battery is a deep discharge battery and shouldn't be the issue .. IF the battery is good. Even Optimas can go bad though.
The question that remains unanswered is if you have any aftermarket electronic equipment connected to the car. Are any devices left connected to the car after it is shut off? Are the fobs stored away from the car? Your dealer should have a troubleshooting checklist from GM that will help eliminate any external sources of unusual battery drain. Make sure you go through this checklist with your dealer before doing anything else.
In moderate temperatures, a C6 should be able to go up to 4 weeks before discharge, shorter in colder weather. At the worst, your car should last two weeks before you need to attach a tender. A good, modern tender can be left on for months without adversely affecting your battery.
Ps: After that I would go out into the dark garage and find the rear view lights on and IT WAS WAY AFTER TWENTY MINUTES. That was when I started to check them during the day by leaning down, been there and done that, I HAVEN'T HAD A DEAD BATTERY IN OVER TWO YEARS SINCE I PUT THAT Oring ON!
Last edited by 2006c6keller; Dec 7, 2009 at 03:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
I'm sorry that I have to beg a difference with you, the hood and trunk lights will go off. I have had a dead battery several times and the only problem found several times was that the interior REAR VIEW MIRROR lights was the only thing that could be found wrong and left on, and my previous post solved the problem - NO MORE DEAD BATTERIES! Other CF members have had the same problem and they have discussed it and the THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE LEFT KNEE ACCIDENTLY HITTING THE SWITCH. Do a search and you should be able to find the posts.
Ps: After that I would go out into the dark garage and find the rear view lights on and IT WAS WAY AFTER TWENTY MINUTES. That was when I started to check them during the day by leaning down, been there and done that, I HAVEN'T HAD A DEAD BATTERY IN OVER TWO YEARS SINCE I PUT THAT Oring ON!
Ps: After that I would go out into the dark garage and find the rear view lights on and IT WAS WAY AFTER TWENTY MINUTES. That was when I started to check them during the day by leaning down, been there and done that, I HAVEN'T HAD A DEAD BATTERY IN OVER TWO YEARS SINCE I PUT THAT Oring ON!
I'm not sure why some lights stayed on in your car...and others have also reported this happening. It's possible that the function doesn't work properly on all cars or has changed over the model years. I'm not sure why it seems to be so inconsistent, but it is supposed to shut off everything after 20 minutes.
Last edited by StanNH; Dec 7, 2009 at 11:42 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
It seems to me that if a C6 won't sit for more than a couple of days without having a dead battery, it would be better to track down the battery drain and get the problem fixed, rather than just putting a trickle charger on it and treat the symptom while masking the disease. Its really very similar to the idea of adding air to a tire every few days rather than just taking the tire off the car and finding the leak.
If there is a drain on the battery because of some electrical problem in the car, then it just doesn't matter what kind of battery is in the car...its going to die. A battery that's not as strong might die in two days and a great battery might be able to hold out for 50% longer....which is three days...the difference is meaningless. Any battery that is capable of starting the car will be able to handle the normal 11-17ma of draw that is normal for this car. If the draw is more than that, then there is something wrong that needs to be found and fixed.
If there is a drain on the battery because of some electrical problem in the car, then it just doesn't matter what kind of battery is in the car...its going to die. A battery that's not as strong might die in two days and a great battery might be able to hold out for 50% longer....which is three days...the difference is meaningless. Any battery that is capable of starting the car will be able to handle the normal 11-17ma of draw that is normal for this car. If the draw is more than that, then there is something wrong that needs to be found and fixed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Texas
Mine is going in the shop tomorrow to get checked out. Just a quick note if you have a GMPP they will cover the cost of $35 a day for a rental while yours is in the shop for up to 5 days per repair. I'll post the results as soon as I know something.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,642
Likes: 9
From: Dalllas/Ft Worth Area TX
Ground strap diagram
It seems to me that if a C6 won't sit for more than a couple of days without having a dead battery, it would be better to track down the battery drain and get the problem fixed, rather than just putting a trickle charger on it and treat the symptom while masking the disease. Its really very similar to the idea of adding air to a tire every few days rather than just taking the tire off the car and finding the leak.
If there is a drain on the battery because of some electrical problem in the car, then it just doesn't matter what kind of battery is in the car...its going to die. A battery that's not as strong might die in two days and a great battery might be able to hold out for 50% longer....which is three days...the difference is meaningless. Any battery that is capable of starting the car will be able to handle the normal 11-17ma of draw that is normal for this car. If the draw is more than that, then there is something wrong that needs to be found and fixed.
If there is a drain on the battery because of some electrical problem in the car, then it just doesn't matter what kind of battery is in the car...its going to die. A battery that's not as strong might die in two days and a great battery might be able to hold out for 50% longer....which is three days...the difference is meaningless. Any battery that is capable of starting the car will be able to handle the normal 11-17ma of draw that is normal for this car. If the draw is more than that, then there is something wrong that needs to be found and fixed.
Ps: Do a search and you might find the ground strap diagram.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
06 car here, cold NY winters where car can be garaged for a couple weeks without starting(never charged), 750 watt stereo equipped and still on the original battery. Dont let them BS you. Theres something wrong somewhere.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Shelbyville Indiana
First thing to check is to make sure the interior lights are OFF when you leave the car. Look at interior lights under the rear view mirror AFTER you get out and the car locks that they dim down. If they DO NOT dim down, you probably have the left knee problem which accidentally hits the "Interior/dash dimmer" switch. It is easily pushed in. Also make sure the switches on the mirror are OFF when you are in the car. To solve this problem: Take a tight, thick Oring and slip over the switch **** and hold **** as you push it down to hold switch out. This is one of the major difficulties of new Corvettes and new owners of C6's. Hope this solves your problem, you would be suprised at how people have had this problem.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Texas
The results are..... ZILCH they could find nothing wrong. On the other hand there was no charge either. I spoke to the service manager and he said that a module was probably hung open and it's very hard to catch. We'll see if it happens again. He did advise me to turn on passive door locks and I did.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: New York
Ok maybe it something very simple that we are overlooking. Answer is the batteries that GM puts in the Corvettes are Crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom line change to the optima battery and you are done. The synergy between the oem battery and the C6 does not work. Over the years there has been countless problems from the OEM battery. Funny I have never seen a post about the optima. Pricey it is but well worth it, I bought it after 2 crappy OEM batteries and my problem was solved.
Bottom line change to the optima battery and you are done. The synergy between the oem battery and the C6 does not work. Over the years there has been countless problems from the OEM battery. Funny I have never seen a post about the optima. Pricey it is but well worth it, I bought it after 2 crappy OEM batteries and my problem was solved.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Ok maybe it something very simple that we are overlooking. Answer is the batteries that GM puts in the Corvettes are Crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom line change to the optima battery and you are done. The synergy between the oem battery and the C6 does not work. Over the years there has been countless problems from the OEM battery. Funny I have never seen a post about the optima. Pricey it is but well worth it, I bought it after 2 crappy OEM batteries and my problem was solved.
Bottom line change to the optima battery and you are done. The synergy between the oem battery and the C6 does not work. Over the years there has been countless problems from the OEM battery. Funny I have never seen a post about the optima. Pricey it is but well worth it, I bought it after 2 crappy OEM batteries and my problem was solved.
It's a factory battery and I'll bet many here have experienced the same starting performance as I have. Bottom line is I don't believe GM has a clue WHY some cars have no battery issues while others are battery abusers.....
There simply has to be some electronic gremlins that are there after everything else is eliminated....