Battery Problems

[mkanning]

I've got a 2001 convertible which keeps loosing charge in the battery. I've been trying to find a similar problem on the www as the tow truck drivers I've had to call out (last night was number 5 in the last six months!) often mention other owners also needing a jump start.

The battery seems to lose just enough charge to not allow starting. Once that happens various circuitry goes haywire and the battery is completely drained within an hour.

I had it a month after the fourth trip into the dealer where they had replaced the battery (the previous three, a different dealer simply re-charged it and performed an electrical diagnostic) and performed a diagnostic. This time it went longest, almost a month, before the problem happened again.

Am I just experiencing some bad luck with the last two batteries? Is this a common electrical problem for other owners?

The closest thread similar to the problem I'm having mentioned installing a new sound system as the problem, but in my case nothing new has been added.

I'm at my wits end here. I love driving this car but the tow-truck embarassments are becoming over-whelming!

Thanks!

Matt

 

[Greg C]

If you use your Vette as a daily driver I would say either check or have your electrical system(including the battery)/charging system checked. If your vette sits alot I would suggest keeping a Battery Tender (or something like it) on the battery. The BT will keep it charged between drives..........I keep on on my C5 as well as my 72 442 & my Harley........never have battery problems (now)....

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Something must be draining the battery creating the failure.
Anything is possible, but 2 bad batteries, no, I dont think so.
Something is causing the issue.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[97RedCorvette]

I've been VERY disappointed by GM service in the last 10 years. With everything now computerized, technicians have lost their ability to diagnose problems that fall beyond the purview of their code readers. If a code isn’t thrown, telling them which module to replace, forget about it….

My 97 had a faulty AC blower motor switch that would trigger after my car was parked and would run until the battery was dead. GM apparently did a recall on this several months earlier and it was taken care of by my local dealer without cost.

If they haven’t replaced the blower motor switch, it might be the culprit. Just a thought.

 

[froggy47]

Do you leave anything plugged in like cell phone or radar detector? Doesn't take much to drain a gm batt below 11 or so volts.

 

[mkanning]

Thanks for the assistance folks!

froggy47 - I don't leave anything on. The only device I use is a radar detector but I haven't used it in a while and when I'm not, I leave it disconnected and in it case.

97RedCorvette - I took it to the first dealer three times and got the same electrical diagnostic with nothing found. This last one at least changed the battery but not much else. I'm in Houston though so I should be able to find one somewhere!

c4c5 - I'm thinking it's something besides the battery as well but I noticed the voltage meter showing low numbers compared to right after I got it back with the new battery. I'm willing to look at anything right now.

Greg - I'm not a daily driver (I don't want this beautiful car within 10 miles of where I work!!) but it's all I drive on the weekends and I try to take it out at least once between Monday and Friday. What frustrates me most about this latest episode was that I had been driving it constantly the last four days. Any recommendations for a battery tender?

 

[Greg C]

Battery Tender is the brand name...........it's made by Deltran I believe.....just do a search for Battery Tender and search for thr place with the best deal........You want a Battery tender Plus........I have seen them at a Cycle Accessory web site for as low as $33.00 (can't remember what it was though) ..most run around $50.00.....but there are other brands.......I just have had no problems with the Battery Tender brand.........they work fine for me............but i would say if you drive your car as much as you say you do I would think there is a drain there (more then normal)........should have your system checked.............

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
First, you may need to calibrate the DIC to show correct voltage.
Next, if you do have a voltage problem, I would really check the terminals, or cables for problems first.
Then check for a parasitic loss.,
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[corvetter97]

battery drain after parked

i too own a 97 c-5 that just last night was parked and the a/c fan motor just came on!!! had been parked for two days in my garage i went out the next day and dead as hell thinking the batt just took a crap went out and bought a new one (my loss) put it in and the blower motor will not stop running!!! what am i gonna do with this!!!!