Battery problem
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Battery problem
A good friend of mine has a 2007 Corvette Convertible, manual 6 speed transmission. He did not buy new but has been experiencing Battery issues over the last several years. Four (4) batterys have been installed to date, the so-called Corvette Technicians at two reputible Chevrolet Dealerships say that the diagnostic tests confirm nothing wrong but yet the car battery drains itself . I've told him to make sure anything left on such as radio, airconditioning buttons are off, if there is a light in the engine compartment, disconnect. Still no results. In my opinion something electrical is causing the battery to drain . He is now on the 5th battery with the same remarks from the dealerships. He asked me to inquire on the forum to see if anyone has any idea what could be causing this problem.
I personally have a 99 Vette, convertible with 110,000 miles and I've only had to replace the battery once due to my negligence a few years back. Hopefully some one can give some realistic advice.
I personally have a 99 Vette, convertible with 110,000 miles and I've only had to replace the battery once due to my negligence a few years back. Hopefully some one can give some realistic advice.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,422
Likes: 3,977
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Most of these dealership techs are idiots and only know how to change parts so if you have no electrical diagnostic knowledge just find an auto electric shop in your area and they will figure it out…these parasitic drains are easy to diagnose and yes as your battery drains your battery service life decreases…the max drain of your battery in milliamps is normally the Reserve Capacity of your battery divided by 4…other than a fuse or possibly a relay or even a bad alternator diode can cause a draw…unfortunately we can’t diagnose this for you.
Last edited by C5 Diag; Oct 30, 2024 at 08:12 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,416
Likes: 2,301
From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west
These cars always draw a small amount of power even when off, adding a Battery Tender and plugging it in when not driving the car will keep the battery fully charge, so it should address the issue.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 421
From: Central, Mass
You can buy a current draw meter for like 125.00 , than test each circuit. Least that’s what I would do.
known issue under hood light staying on
onstar drawing current
some usb chargers will draw current if left plugged into lighter
known issue under hood light staying on
onstar drawing current
some usb chargers will draw current if left plugged into lighter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,405
Likes: 1,374
From: SC
Normal C6 draw will kill a battery in about 4 weeks, If he's letting it sit for long periods then a battery tender is the solution. If it's dying in less than 3 weeks then he needs to find the excess draw. The first thing to do is pull the OnStar fuse because the service has been discontinued so nothing lost. After that it's just trying to pin it down.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 711
From: Sausalito CA
If I am not mistaken, a manual transmission needs to be in reverse when parked.
Further, the interior light button, left side - on dash, is notorious for being left on accidentally.
That may be the easiest.
If I understand, 5 batteries in two years !!
Your answer is to check all the circuits/ fuse boxes to find the parasitic draw.
IMO You and your friend should DIY this, as the dealership, if doing this, has not relayed any findings.
Let us know what you all find
Further, the interior light button, left side - on dash, is notorious for being left on accidentally.
That may be the easiest.
If I understand, 5 batteries in two years !!
Your answer is to check all the circuits/ fuse boxes to find the parasitic draw.
IMO You and your friend should DIY this, as the dealership, if doing this, has not relayed any findings.
Let us know what you all find
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,422
Likes: 3,977
From: Cape Coral, Florida
If I am not mistaken, a manual transmission needs to be in reverse when parked.
Further, the interior light button, left side - on dash, is notorious for being left on accidentally.
That may be the easiest.
If I understand, 5 batteries in two years !!
Your answer is to check all the circuits/ fuse boxes to find the parasitic draw.
IMO You and your friend should DIY this, as the dealership, if doing this, has not relayed any findings.
Let us know what you all find
Further, the interior light button, left side - on dash, is notorious for being left on accidentally.
That may be the easiest.
If I understand, 5 batteries in two years !!
Your answer is to check all the circuits/ fuse boxes to find the parasitic draw.
IMO You and your friend should DIY this, as the dealership, if doing this, has not relayed any findings.
Let us know what you all find
Only the 2005 model year has to be in reverse when shut down.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 306
Likes: 55
From: Hernando, ms.38632
Battery drain
A good friend of mine has a 2007 Corvette Convertible, manual 6 speed transmission. He did not buy new but has been experiencing Battery issues over the last several years. Four (4) batterys have been installed to date, the so-called Corvette Technicians at two reputible Chevrolet Dealerships say that the diagnostic tests confirm nothing wrong but yet the car battery drains itself . I've told him to make sure anything left on such as radio, airconditioning buttons are off, if there is a light in the engine compartment, disconnect. Still no results. In my opinion something electrical is causing the battery to drain . He is now on the 5th battery with the same remarks from the dealerships. He asked me to inquire on the forum to see if anyone has any idea what could be causing this problem.
I personally have a 99 Vette, convertible with 110,000 miles and I've only had to replace the battery once
due to my negligence a few years back. Hopefully some one can give some realistic advice.
I personally have a 99 Vette, convertible with 110,000 miles and I've only had to replace the battery once
due to my negligence a few years back. Hopefully some one can give some realistic advice.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,405
Likes: 1,374
From: SC
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 228
Likes: 95
From: Westminster, Maryland
Normal C6 draw will kill a battery in about 4 weeks, If he's letting it sit for long periods then a battery tender is the solution. If it's dying in less than 3 weeks then he needs to find the excess draw. The first thing to do is pull the OnStar fuse because the service has been discontinued so nothing lost. After that it's just trying to pin it down.