DEAD BATTERIES

[59-62USNVET]

What is it with GM batteries? Car is only 25 months old with 9500 miles and today I had to put another battery in. Last time was about a year ago. Went to start the garaged car this A.M. and dead as a doornail. Charged it a few hours and then proceeded to do an amp draw test and came up with about an 0.1
amp reading. Not enough to drain the battery in the 5 days since I last cranked her up. Started up and let it run for about an hour. Left the key fob on the kitchen table (oops) and drove to the dealer. Shut it off inside the service dept. They did a test on the battery and came up with a low cranking amp reading and they put in a new battery under the warrantee. They drove me home to retrieve the fob. Back to the dealer and told them I'll be back in Jan. of this year to check the battery so I don't get stuck on a road trip. What else can I do? Are the batteries from GM that unreliable? Anyone else out there with a similar situation?
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[korvettekarl]

I guess I've been one of the lucky ones. Of the last 4 new Vettes I have bought in the last 8 years I have not had 1 battery issue. (knock on wood)

 

[Zan]

Exchanged my battery this AM at dealer. Took delivery of car, black 08 Z06, on Feb 14th, (via flatbed, they took away my c5 on flat bed as well - it's winter here with 3 ft of snow in the front yard, and storm warning tonight#$%^).
Fired up the car on the 14th after it was delivered, sweet, and have not touched since this AM. Dealer told me, "when parked keep it in reverse, that turns the car off". Looked quickly through the owners manual - did not see anything about this. Will try that on the fresh battery, but may be inconclusive as I will put a trickle charger on it. Question, should I connect it to the battery drect, or under hood at booster points?

 

[59-62USNVET]

Battery

Dealer also told me to keep it in reverse when shutting down. Also if you do any charging, do it at the terminal in the fuse box under the hood. There is a possibility of ignition/explosion from battery fumes if you do it at the battery.
The need for a trickle charge should not be necessary unless you don't use car for a long time. According to my dealer, the amp draw should be no more then 2 or 3 milliamps per hour. One method would be to try and start the car a day before you anticipate using so you would be able to charge if need be.
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[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Per GM documents, 10-20 milliamps draw is NORMAL on 2005-2008 Corvette.
The reserve capacity of the batteries will support that draw for up to a month with no use.
If the battery failed, a GM tester will tell you it had a bad cell.
If the battery charge was drained, a draw test with an ammeter will tell you that also.
There are 3 different documents for electrical systems testing on c6.
Refer to your dealership for this information.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[59-62USNVET]

Milliamp draw

Now that I remember, he did say 10 milliamps. I am still having trouble with battery drain resulting in inability to crank after a few days of idle. When the dealer checked, she was drawing about 2 amps measured on a DC amp meter.
We then checked the amp draw on a new 08 Z06 in the showroom. It also drew 2 amps. Dealer has in inquiry into Chevy for data. A real puzzle. Has anyone else out there having a similar problem????
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[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
With 20 computers and numerous electrical devices, anything is possible.
Being that you have an 06, computer calibrations is the first course of action.
RCDLR, PCM and BCM should be checked.
Then, monitor the load with a check of ANY aftermarket devices, which may need to be disconnected.
GM has issues 3 different documents on the electrical system, check lists, specifications and tips.
If these are followed, YOU WILL find the draw and be able to fix it.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[59-62USNVET]

c4c5specialist:
Thanks for the help. Will take her in in a week or so and see what happens. Except for the exhaust by-pass switch which has been disconnected no aftermarket devices were installed.
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[gameprop]

I have had a similar experience. My 2007 Z06 battery would be dead if I didn't drive the car for a week. Very aggravating when you just want to jump in the car and go. It went to the dealer who said it was fine. As soon as it sat for a week again in my garage - dead. That's part of the reason it's gone now.....

 

[Vettepirate]

Same problem. Car is in winter storage and a few days ago i tried to start it and nothing. The security light flickers, but nothing else. Im not sure about the cars history so perhaps the battery has finally decided to give out and i should get a new one?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
You have an 02, so the situation is slightly different.
You probably should replace the battery if you have the original still.
If your problem persists, simply have a draw test of your electrical system.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[al e]

When I don't drive my Z very often I attach a battery tender at the fuse box and have no problems.

 

[Vettepirate]

ill try almost anything... i dont want to buy a new battery.. the dealership i bought the car from wanted $165 for a new one.. seems a bit steep for a Delco :ugh

I might just go down to wal-mart and buy a red top. I was told to go there because they are vastly cheaper than all the parts stores.

 

[WhalePirot]

I might just go down to wal-mart and buy a red top.

Good luck. I had three red tops go bad on me. No more, for me!

 

[korvettekarl]

I won't use the Optima red top anymore either. Have put 2 in my 57 Bel Air with poor results.

 

[59-62USNVET]

douments

GM has issues 3 different documents on the electrical system, check lists, specifications and tips.


c4c5specialist:
How can I get a copy of these documents?
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[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
The following are the 3 document numbers I spoke of.
Simply take these to your dealership who serves you, and they can print them out and show you.

#1927847 or TSB07-06-03-001B which is a bulletin about RCDLR(remote control door lock receiver) reprogramming on 2005-2007 early in production year
#2038005, which talks about a list to go through to eliminate certain electrical draws on Corvette.
#2040315, which is our actual electrical draw checklist that we MUST go through for 2005-2008 Corvette

Allthebest, c4c5:bang

 

[vetmaniac]

ill try almost anything... i dont want to buy a new battery.. the dealership i bought the car from wanted $165 for a new one.. seems a bit steep for a Delco :ugh

I might just go down to wal-mart and buy a red top. I was told to go there because they are vastly cheaper than all the parts stores.

Get a Battery Tender Plus by Deltran. The battery in my '06 Z06 wouldn't stay charged for more than 3 or 4 days. Hooked up the Battery Tender to the underhood fusebox and no problems since...just a pain in the tuckus.

 

[Vettepirate]

Thanks for the tip, ill look into the tender

I may have a draw somewhere because when slowing down sometimes id notice the stereo would go down enough to be noticed. Im not sure if this is because the car is battery intensive or whatever.

If its the original Delco battery, its pretty much done its time and more so a new one is in the books any way you cut it.

 

[59-62USNVET]

Audio Volume

Vettepirate:
I'm not sure of your model year, but in mine the volume automatically adjusts depending upon ambient levels of decibels.
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