Dead Batteries
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Woodstock Georiga
Dead Batteries
So can someone help me with this? I've had to have my car jumped 2 time in the last 2 months. I do everything right' I put the car in reverse and set the emergency brake. So why do I end up with a dead batterie every once in a while 
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,374
Likes: 5,253
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Originally Posted by slingshot2003
So can someone help me with this? I've had to have my car jumped 2 time in the last 2 months. I do everything right' I put the car in reverse and set the emergency brake. So why do I end up with a dead batterie every once in a while
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,276
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This still seems to be somewhat of an anomaly...in addition to shutting the car down properly, as some have suggested, pulling relay #46 (not needed, operates European model headlight washer system) seems to help, although depending on who you talk to, the drain on the battery would seem minimal at best. Others contend they were victims of the crappy AC Delco battery syndrome and have replaced their battery's with Optima, etc., eliminating the problem. I'd start with pulling #46, since it can't hurt anything, and depending on your faith in your present battery, you may want to go ahead a spring for an Optima/better quality battery and work it out from there. Hopefully, as many others have reported, this will take care of your problem. I personally have never had a problem with DBS....however, I also pulled relay #46 several months ago, just as a precaution. Good luck.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Steve Germany
Have you pulled relay #46 (under the hood). Worked for me! LOTS of info if you do a search. It is called DBS (Dead battery syndrome)
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,535
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Most DBS's reported have been with MN6 left properly in reverse.
The latest info suggests that we need to ensure that the steering wheel locks into place before exiting.
Relay #46 is not needed so remove it.
I have not had DBS since Jan. and always use 'passive lock'.
The latest info suggests that we need to ensure that the steering wheel locks into place before exiting.
Relay #46 is not needed so remove it.
I have not had DBS since Jan. and always use 'passive lock'.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by capevettes
Lock your steering column and lock the car with your key fob. This puts the car to bed. Also pull relay 46. It has worked for me after several DBS episodes.
I have a MN6 and never lock my steering wheel, never lock the car at home and I did remove relay 46 and in 5 month's and 4300 miles have never had DBS. In addition the car sit's up to a week at times. Something is wrong with some Corvettes and hopefully Chevrolet will find out what it is.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Longview WA
OnStar
I have had DBS 3 times since I picked up my Z51 MN6 Coupe in May. The first incident probably would have been a DBS but I noticed the car had woke up on its own with the parking lights on so I shut it back down. The car had been sitting for either 1, 2 or 3 days that time but since it took me totally by surprise I didn't pay much attention to timing. I still can't get this OnStar out of my mind since they have access to many circuits. OnStar is basically just a Verizon paging system. I would like to ask the group if anyone without OnStar has had DBS. If it is random with or without OnStar I will focus in a different direction. Thanks.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Liquordale Florida
Gotta say, since Apr 22, with 12,000 miles, I've never once had a DBS. No relays have been removed, I use the garage door opener (no OnStar - we don't need no stinkin OnStar). I always shift to reverse before shutting down, pull the E-brake, and make sure the steering column is locked before exiting the car.
I don't know if this has contributed to my good fortune - and obviously enough people have experienced this issue to make it more than simple "operator error", but no one as of yet has found a clear-but resolution to the problem either.
Rick
I don't know if this has contributed to my good fortune - and obviously enough people have experienced this issue to make it more than simple "operator error", but no one as of yet has found a clear-but resolution to the problem either.
Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,774
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Originally Posted by BlackMagik
I have had DBS 3 times since I picked up my Z51 MN6 Coupe in May. I would like to ask the group if anyone without OnStar has had DBS. If it is random with or without OnStar I will focus in a different direction. Thanks.
Knock on wood, but have not had a problem in over a month. Did not use the car for a week, then took it out yesterday and it fired right up.(voltages on DIC were at normal levels)
Now I shut down car by the numbers put in reverse, back up a little as proof, pull on e brake, push off button, turn the wheel till it locks, get out of car, close door wait by car till ALL lights except blinker by radio go out. NOTE I DO NOT USE ALARM WHEN IN GARAGE, car is unlocked. put keys on desk 30 feet from car
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Longview WA
Originally Posted by OttoNP
onstar would not explain difference between manuals and automatics, neither would relay 46...neither is the largest cause....
Onstar could cause it, but I don't think relay 46 could....
Onstar could cause it, but I don't think relay 46 could....
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by slingshot2003
So can someone help me with this? I've had to have my car jumped 2 time in the last 2 months. I do everything right' I put the car in reverse and set the emergency brake. So why do I end up with a dead batterie every once in a while
Go buy yourself a Priority Start now! There are a million threads on this topic, no one knows why this happens, they all think they do, but there are always exceptions to these "fixes". Yes, I know, it sucks, but accept it and get a Priority Start.It's cheap, it will disconnect your battery before it goes dead, you re-enable it by pushing your brake pedal or turning on your lights, and you will never have another dead battery again. Just think, you'll never be stranded, never have to jump start your car or call the flatbed. Ahhhh....
Now, you have no more excuses for having a dead battery!
SMM
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Originally Posted by BlackMagik
I agree that on the surface OnStar would not explain the difference between manuals and automatics. My thoughts here are since automatics don't require the complex shut down routine to prevent the steering column from locking when driving, (I am assuming the automatics steering lock is somehow hooked to the "Park" position although "assume" is a dangerous word) possibly OnStar could effect the cars differently. Does anyone know what the shut down routine is for the automatics? Now that I think about it, I remember reading in the manual that if you shut an automatic off and it's not in "Park" you will get a message "shift to park"
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Dead Battery
My car is back at the dealer,same thing happened except even in reverse my DIC said put car in reverse.Service manger said it was a bad brain(computer) the main one.Lots of crazy things have been going on with the car temp control changing by itself gps going nuts and i swore my passenger door opened by itself. The other day my battery went dead i surged it off but the reverse thing came up.Drove it to the dealer ASAP.I think this is like the 6th time my car has been in for problems.They will have the part Thursday ill post what it was exactly.Its my understanding my car was built in 11/04 number 9000something.Its looking like a real bad build time.Hey on the upside it sounds great with my blora system!Don't know if allowed to name the dealer the service department is top notch they have been so supportive and helpfully eagle Chevy riverhead NY thanks bob.
Last edited by johnnieg; Sep 21, 2005 at 07:50 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by SliverMeMembers
Please, PLEASE! Go buy yourself a Priority Start now! There are a million threads on this topic, no one knows why this happens, they all think they do, but there are always exceptions to these "fixes". Yes, I know, it sucks, but accept it and get a Priority Start.
It's cheap, it will disconnect your battery before it goes dead, you re-enable it by pushing your brake pedal or turning on your lights, and you will never have another dead battery again. Just think, you'll never be stranded, never have to jump start your car or call the flatbed. Ahhhh....
Now, you have no more excuses for having a dead battery!
SMM
Go buy yourself a Priority Start now! There are a million threads on this topic, no one knows why this happens, they all think they do, but there are always exceptions to these "fixes". Yes, I know, it sucks, but accept it and get a Priority Start.It's cheap, it will disconnect your battery before it goes dead, you re-enable it by pushing your brake pedal or turning on your lights, and you will never have another dead battery again. Just think, you'll never be stranded, never have to jump start your car or call the flatbed. Ahhhh....
Now, you have no more excuses for having a dead battery!
SMM
It's easy to install and worth the investment.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo Grove Il
I haven't heard of priority start until this thread. Are there a lot you you out there with this product? I had DBS for the first time yesterday, car being towed in to dealer tomorrow. I'm going to demand a new battery. Car is a MN6, July 2005 build, 31000 VIN series.