Forum Gods -

I've had my '06 Standard Vert for almost 3 years. I've also had to deal with it's parasitic drain for the whole time. I'm on my third battery since I've owned it.

I've studied the many threads available on the topic. To cope with the problem, I've taken to just disconnecting the negative battery post when I know I'm not going to drive the car for more than 2-3 days. It will not start after sitting more than 3 days. Recently I've also installed an onboard battery tender under the hood. I have to keep the tender plugged in 24/7 to be able to start the car.

Today I spent about 2 hrs chasing the problem. The parasitic drain with everything connected fluctuates around 0.340A and 0.350A. This is after about 8-10 minutes of sleep time for the system. Pulling the 10A OnStar fuse drops the draw to around 0.300A plus or minus. Completely disconnecting the VCIM in the trunk drops the drain to about 0.115A-0.120A. Clearly there is a problem with my VCIM. And other issues, as the "Acceptable" draw should be 0.01 - 0.02 Amps.

My question is this: If I purchase another used VCIM (assuming it works properly), do I then have to take it to the dealer to get it "reflashed" to my vehicle? Several vendors are offering GM VCIM modules from other vehicles (Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevy's, etc.) that they claim are interchangeable. Is this true? Or is it just plug and play?

I love my car, but I hate this problem. Getting to the end of my rope. Please - any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!

Joe C.
NorCal

 

Did you look at this thread that I posted a long time ago ?

This may be your answer

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ead-again.html

 

Thanks Turbo6TA. I did see that thread among many others and that’s why I zeroed in on the VCIM area. Completely disconnecting the VCIM reduced the draw to about 0.120A. I’m going to also check my cable connections on the starter. Trying to be very systematic. Thanks for the reply!

 

You are doing a good job of systematic diagnosis, and I think you are on track with that VCIM. That is a good place to start, but keep at it because as your test data shows, there are other sources of drain remaining. I doubt you will get to 10mA. A good rule of thumb for most cars is that 25mA is acceptable. At 25mA, a car can sit for a month and still start.

 

Thanks ClothSeats!

I'm still hoping that someone can answer my question about the replacement VCIM. Are other part numbers interchangeable from other GM brands? Even if I find another exact part number from another 06 Vette, do I have to have the dealer initialize it or activate it for my car? I have no intention of ever activating OnStar.

Thanks everyone!!

Joe C.