Hey all,

I recently purchased a 2005 z51 manual. Unfortunately, I didn't do enough research (formerly owned a 07 z06) and assumed design wise there was little difference outside the differential. I had no idea about having to shift into reverse to shut the electronics off until flying down to Houston and learning that first hand when test driving it.

To the point, since purchase, I noticed the car didn't seem to hold it's charge the first time when I parked it for around 5 days. I purchased a new battery at the time thinking it was good precautionary maintenance. Everything seemed alright for at time until I had parked it for the weekend and had only started it once to showoff the exhaust note/cam idle to some visiting friends and killing it. Once again at the start of the next work week it tried very weakly to turn and didn't have the juice. During the weekday work commutes seems to keep it charged well enough that after shift and next day startups are fine.

I've been keeping it on a tender when I'm not driving it for the weekends here and there, but I find it super inconvenient and I'm afraid to start and stop it multiple times during day to day drives as it always fires weaker when warmed every subsequent start up. The car shows the alternator operating healthily as it typically reads 14.5-6 and slowly dropping to low 14 or high 13 during longer drives. I took it to Autozone today and the device they used to check the battery showed it 100% with no drain while off. Yet when I left the starter was weak. 15 minute drive later to the movies I shut it off only for it to fire up just fine a couple hours later.

I've read some about the electronic gremlins and reflashing and would greatly, greatly appreciate any advice that can be given or if anyone can refer to an experienced forum member. I've been rolling on the idea of selling it and getting a later model c6 in the future but I really enjoy the car and don't think I can beat the power and looks for the pricepoint so I don't want to give it up without fighting to figure this out.

 

FWIW...Make sure your interior map lights (on the mirror) are not on.
Maybe loose (or rotted) battery cables.
One other good maintenance is to check all the body grounds (there are six or so) and a search will
give you the locations.
No sure about the reflash you mention.

Easiest would be to look for a system draw utilizing the fuse box.
Good luck.

 

Especially if the car has headers, check the starter cable connection. A common problem is the post on the solenoid can break off from excess heat.

See post 2 in here for example:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-stranded.html

See post 4 in here:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...and-sport.html

 

I'll look into the grounds. Definitely have made sure that no interior lighting is on.

That's was an interesting read about the starter solenoids. Seems like it would make sense with how the car primarily has problems when warm and has headers. Although, one or two of the times it was dead it was definitely a low battery as it would try to start and not simply click once.

Thanks gents. Still would be happy to hear anymore stories or recommendations that I will try to look into as well before I get a chance to get her lifted up to check