Dying Battery OR Faulty Anti Theft System

[vee93]

I wanted so much to open this with, "I'm baaaccckkkk!" But alas..., I can't. In Feb. I was sideswiped by a truck. Got my car back four days ago. Very good job by local pro-shop.

Here's the thing: I inadvertently activated my alarm system a few times today. Nice loud, annoying horn blares-at first. Then, on the third/fourth time this happened, the horn barely sounded. I had to use the key to unlock the door, the horn was very faint, but continuously beeping fast. I tried to start the car and nothing. The interior lights came on, as did the underhood lights. The antenna raised (radio/cassette wouldn't work) and the windows raised. After a few seconds with the car just switched on, the dash lights went wiggy. Lots of fast blinking on and off. I had to pull the horn fuse to find a happy place-cause that incessant horn beeping faint, but fast was getting to me and the dog!
The gauge monitor reads LO Volt.
Questions: 1) Did the theft system run down the battery? OR-
2) Is something wrong with the theft system? I know when theft deterrent system is activated the car won't start. But that could be battery trouble also, right?

I don't want to jump start the car if it ain't battery woes, ya dig?
Thanks for any input.
Vee

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
How long was it in the shop???? Also, did you drive the car for a while after you picked it up???
Batteries really only have a lifespan of about 5 years, if maintained.
Please keep us posted, c4c5

 

[Robertwav1]

Hey Vee,

Welcome back! Gee...4 days ago and possible trouble with alarm system. Charge battery "or" take it out of the car and over to a auto center where they can test it with a load. Get the battery out of te equation first. If that's okay, possible short under the hood from the accident, drawing down the battery.

 

[vee93]

Thanks, c4c5specialist and Robertwav1!

I thought about my situation. Having just got the car back from a very good pro shop (shout out to Barnett's Body Shop) and chomping at the bit to drive it, I decided to charge the battery and not wait over a long Memorial Day weekend for help. Hooked that bad boy up to my little drop top Z24 Cav and on the second try, the Vette fired right up!!!

YEAH!

I've set the keyless entry aside. When I checked the GAUGE monitor, I saw a SYS reading on the dash about the theft deterrent system, but I can live with that until Tuesday. I just use the key and my finger to lock/unlock the doors. The horn works and that's cool. Buying new battery too.

Only thing that perturbed me was the guys at the pro-shop didn't replace my underhood badges (I've purchased them myself.)

Anyway, thanks for the feedback.
Vee93