Dead Battery in 2008
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Reading PA
Dead Battery in 2008
I know that the dead battery issue has been discussed on this forum many times. In fact when I purchased my 2005 C6 with a 6-speed tranny I experienced the ;dead battery sysmtom' several times and was one of several who worked with the GM engineers to find a 'fix'. After about a year a software upgrade was developed and the problem was eradicated.
Well, I just ourchased a 2008 with a 6-speed only three weeks ago and today, after the car only sat for 5 days, I have a completely dead battery!!! I cannot believe that I am going throught this again. I was under the impression that the dead battery system was resolved in models after 2005 but I guess not. Does anyone know of any specific issues with the 2008 with a 6-speed? Are there any quirks or intricasies one needs to know about shutting down the motor to prevent the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
(By the way, this just isn't my day as I also just posted a tire monitor problem from today as well.)
Well, I just ourchased a 2008 with a 6-speed only three weeks ago and today, after the car only sat for 5 days, I have a completely dead battery!!! I cannot believe that I am going throught this again. I was under the impression that the dead battery system was resolved in models after 2005 but I guess not. Does anyone know of any specific issues with the 2008 with a 6-speed? Are there any quirks or intricasies one needs to know about shutting down the motor to prevent the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
(By the way, this just isn't my day as I also just posted a tire monitor problem from today as well.)
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
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From: Makena, Maui & NM
Ah, you do have problems...see my reply reply to you on the tire sensor.
I had my battery go dead early on me on my '07 too. Once dead, shame on GM, twice dead, shame on me, and it doesnt take kindly to recharges. My problems got solved by then trashing my oem battery and getting a Optima Yellow Top Deep Discharge for $225. NO problems since, no matter how long it sits. I know the C6 even when shut off draws some battery power. It would not hurt to use a tender, mostly for desuphating, but my Optima does not require it. For sure its needed for the oem battery.
I had my battery go dead early on me on my '07 too. Once dead, shame on GM, twice dead, shame on me, and it doesnt take kindly to recharges. My problems got solved by then trashing my oem battery and getting a Optima Yellow Top Deep Discharge for $225. NO problems since, no matter how long it sits. I know the C6 even when shut off draws some battery power. It would not hurt to use a tender, mostly for desuphating, but my Optima does not require it. For sure its needed for the oem battery.
Last edited by siffert; Feb 15, 2008 at 08:18 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Sorry to hear about it. I don't think this is the same as the '05 DBS. It is drained, but it isn't (from what I've been told) the actual, '05 issue.
There may be some drain in/on your system. You may want to check that out. Since getting my car in August, during the warm weather I used it almost every day, but did let it sit for at least 5 days. No problem
And then came the 27 day hiatus. No start, no juice, no doors.
Told to buy a battery tender. I did, and now it starts all the time.
and btw, not just buy it, but plug it in and use it.
good luck.
There may be some drain in/on your system. You may want to check that out. Since getting my car in August, during the warm weather I used it almost every day, but did let it sit for at least 5 days. No problem
And then came the 27 day hiatus. No start, no juice, no doors.
Told to buy a battery tender. I did, and now it starts all the time.
and btw, not just buy it, but plug it in and use it.
good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
I have seen alot of people with 08's including myself who had at least one mysterious battery drain issue.. Mine was a user error.. Happened 2 weeks after I got the car.. never since... I leave mine sit sometimes for a week or more when I am out of town... no problems... might have been a user error.. Don't let this ruin your new vette experience.. Congrats and enjoy!
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From: Reading PA
To AO Roads: I will give the battery tender a try. I bought one for the '05 but never took it out of the box. It is hard to to accept, however, that a tender is needed to keep a $50k car running!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
And spearfish above is an example: he let it go for 21 days and it just about started. I let it go for 27 and at first I could get in the door. Then, not at all.
Be advised that I was advised of same in writing from BG. Namely, either take it out and run it to charge it up, or literally, use a battery tender. That was the advice and I have followed it.
Let's put it this way, altho it's not exactly apples to apples. I'd just as soon go out there every time and put a key in the door and then in the ignition. I can't do that. I need to use the fob. Part of the car, and that's the way it is. Maybe the logic is faulty on my part, but that's how I'm choosing to look at it.
Your case, and five days does really seem a little short even tho you're in the cold clime and that makes a battery lose a lot, quickly. I would take it in and have someone check for drain. I have seen one driver error (and I've done it): hit the little button for dimmer switch and it can leave lights on. Also, hit one of the buttons under the mirror and it can leave one of those lights on for awhile.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: --- N.E., Pa.
-- As I have said, before, this really bugs me. When warm weather comes, I plan to discontinue use of my "battery tender", and if the DBS continues, GM and I are in for some interesting times. -- Good luck, with your problem. -- --
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Reading PA
To those of you who use battery tenders, do you leave them on all the time? Also, do youleave the hood of the car up orlower it to rest on the cables from the charger? Please let me know as I believe I will have to go this route. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
I used the tender in the 05, I let the wires run under the gently lowered, but not locked hood. The tender itself sat on a crate.
I ALWAYS hook up direct to the battery, I like the shortest route possible.
Even with the Z I hook up to battery in trunk and let the wires come out the hatch Secure garage
Dave.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Yes, I leave it on all the time.
And to McWire's post: yes, I'll probably discontinue using it come the good weather, too. That is, as long as I know I'm going to be using the car fairly constantly.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,907
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From: Between a rock and a hard place, S.E. PA
Personally, I think most of the damage to the batteries is done while sitting at the dealerships. The cars sit and drain. When it's time for a test drive, they put a quick charge on it and then allow it to die again. How many deep cycles and quick charges do they think a battery will take? They're probably the cheapest batteries they can find to begin with.
On one hand I feel, if the car requires a battery tender, they should be required to deliver one with the car. On the other hand I'm glad I didn't have to pay for a GM tender with a Corvette tax instead of the $19.95 I paid for a DieHard tender.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 241
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From: Philadelphia Pa
I also have an 08,,no battery problems yet,,the most I've let the car sit is maybe 4 or 5 days at a time but I was wondering if they ever found out whats causing the battery drain and if they did why hasn't GM made good on getting the cars repaired,,for what I and others here paid for the car I would hope somethings being done.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
If you want peace of mind do to no way to use tender, get a priority start for your car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 1
From: Amelia Island,FL ______ or DFW _________ Sold my 05 MS Coupe ____ bought 08 Vert Blk/JSB, 3LT, F55
I know that the dead battery issue has been discussed on this forum many times. In fact when I purchased my 2005 C6 with a 6-speed tranny I experienced the ;dead battery sysmtom' several times and was one of several who worked with the GM engineers to find a 'fix'. After about a year a software upgrade was developed and the problem was eradicated.
Well, I just ourchased a 2008 with a 6-speed only three weeks ago and today, after the car only sat for 5 days, I have a completely dead battery!!! I cannot believe that I am going throught this again. I was under the impression that the dead battery system was resolved in models after 2005 but I guess not. Does anyone know of any specific issues with the 2008 with a 6-speed? Are there any quirks or intricasies one needs to know about shutting down the motor to prevent the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
(By the way, this just isn't my day as I also just posted a tire monitor problem from today as well.)
Well, I just ourchased a 2008 with a 6-speed only three weeks ago and today, after the car only sat for 5 days, I have a completely dead battery!!! I cannot believe that I am going throught this again. I was under the impression that the dead battery system was resolved in models after 2005 but I guess not. Does anyone know of any specific issues with the 2008 with a 6-speed? Are there any quirks or intricasies one needs to know about shutting down the motor to prevent the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
(By the way, this just isn't my day as I also just posted a tire monitor problem from today as well.)
If you have to leave it for extended periods then the batter tender is the way to go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
I also have the mild to wild exhaust switch which as of today is now wired for zero drain... which is wasn't before.. maybe this will help..
Lifetime NCM Member #2497
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,366
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From: Indiana
Cruise-In 9-10-11-12 Veteran
My 08 was on the showroom floor and I had noticed they had a battery charger on it. I had asked if the battery was any good and they had told me it was fine. When I had picked it up again I had asked if the battery would be ok and they assured me it was. The battery is always dead if I don't drive it or start it every 3-5 days. It has been in my garage for the last 2 1/2 months but I try to start it every week now. I only have 350 miles on the car as I live in the frozen tundra. I can put a tender on it but I use to have an 98 TA and never charged it over the winter. I had the same battery for 6 years and never had a problem. I think it stinks now that I purchase a $63,000 car and my very first Corvette and have battery problems already. I am going to call the dealership next week and see if they will take care of battery since I had expressed a concern from the start. I hope their memory will be good.