Not Starting
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Not Starting
I think I mentioned this in my introduction post, but I just wanted to get some opinions on what the problem could be. Normally, I would just try to replace the battery. But my wife said she had it replaced about two years ago. It has been jumped several times because it wasn't getting driven often enough, so I guess the battery could be bad on it. But last time I cranked it, it ran for a good 30-45 minutes. Long enough for me to drive about 10 miles in town, buy some fuel system cleaner, pump some gas, and check and correct the tire pressures. Immediately after I shut it off, I tried to crank it, and it wouldn't even try turn over. Should I go ahead and try a new battery before moving on to the alternator and/or starter? Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 808
From: West coast CA
I think I mentioned this in my introduction post, but I just wanted to get some opinions on what the problem could be. Normally, I would just try to replace the battery. But my wife said she had it replaced about two years ago. It has been jumped several times because it wasn't getting driven often enough, so I guess the battery could be bad on it. But last time I cranked it, it ran for a good 30-45 minutes. Long enough for me to drive about 10 miles in town, buy some fuel system cleaner, pump some gas, and check and correct the tire pressures. Immediately after I shut it off, I tried to crank it, and it wouldn't even try turn over. Should I go ahead and try a new battery before moving on to the alternator and/or starter? Thanks in advance.
If, under load, the voltage drops too low, the computers will brown-out and won't even attempt to start the car. That's why a C6 with a dying battery can start right up and then fail to crank at all the next time. Then the weather warms up a little it will start again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
While the battery may require replacement, I would check the output, and stability, of the charging system, before replacing that battery. It would be a shame to spend good money for a new battery, only to find you have the same issue.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Since we're not driving right now (needs a set of tires and we just don't have the money right now) once we have this sorted out, should I get some sort of trickle charger and keep it hooked up?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
That will keep the battery charged, and you'll be able to start the engine. Problem is, you won't be able to go anywhere because as soon as you shut it down, you may not be able to start it again.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
I mean after putting a new battery on? After the comments, I'm almost positive that's what is now. I must've had a massive brain-fart up until now...it just occurred to me that none of the accessories come on and the doors have to be manually opened. So it shouldn't be a starter issue.
Do y'all recommend just going with a factory battery? Or something with more cranking amps? The radio and speakers are still stock on it. No plans to upgrade anything anytime soon.
Do y'all recommend just going with a factory battery? Or something with more cranking amps? The radio and speakers are still stock on it. No plans to upgrade anything anytime soon.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
Battery for sure. I agree with what HAMEISTER said as well that you might want to check out the charging system. That last trip you took may have not given enough time to charge the battery back from that initial start up but the odds still favor a bad battery. Do you recall what the volt meter read when you drove it to the gas station? While running, it should be up past 14V if your alternator is doing its job.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
Need a maintainer, float charger. Walmart and others have them for $20.
Edit: I like OEM Delco batteries.
Last edited by Rebel 1; Dec 13, 2012 at 03:22 PM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Thanks for the info guys! Where's a good place to put a set of leads to check the charging system? Sorry for the newbie questions, but like I said, I'm kind of new to DIY stuff on cars.
When I drove it that night, if I remember correctly, the volt meter was reading 14.4
When I drove it that night, if I remember correctly, the volt meter was reading 14.4
Last edited by greasegizzard; Dec 13, 2012 at 03:37 PM. Reason: Forgot to add
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Just get a new battery in it and I bet your problem will be solved. OEM Delco replacement is fine or others have been used by many. I recently put a COSTCO battery in mine which I am happy with. Whatever you choose, buy a battery tender and keep it on the battery whenever it's going to go unused for awhile. I use a Battery Tender + on mine which I bought from Amazon.
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I mean after putting a new battery on? After the comments, I'm almost positive that's what is now. I must've had a massive brain-fart up until now...it just occurred to me that none of the accessories come on and the doors have to be manually opened. So it shouldn't be a starter issue.
Do y'all recommend just going with a factory battery? Or something with more cranking amps? The radio and speakers are still stock on it. No plans to upgrade anything anytime soon.
Do y'all recommend just going with a factory battery? Or something with more cranking amps? The radio and speakers are still stock on it. No plans to upgrade anything anytime soon.
This is the only test you need. 