1996 LT1 battery drain

Sun 01 Jul 12 23:32

1996 LT1 battery drain

Hi

I have a 1996 LT1 that runs well, when I purchased the car I noticed that after about a couple of weeks not used that the battery would be flat. So I assumed that the battery was at fault as it was under rated and small in rating then what it should be.

I purchased a new correct rated Optima battery, but I have the same issue, then when left for a couple of weeks the battery is low in power. I have checked every thing and there are no lights on or anything obvious, I have completed a current check and when the car is in its idle state (ignition off, lights off etc) the current draw is 200 ma which is 0.2 amp which over time will discharge the battery.

when I owned my Z4M BMW's they would be left standing for months and still start, or is it a case of old electronics that have a higher current draw.

Have any other C4 owners had the same issues? I have installed a battery cut off switch from corvette central that helps for now

regards

Nick

Mon 02 Jul 12 08:47

Re: 1996 LT1 battery drain

Hi I think you'll find it happens to most modern Corvettes.
There's been several threads over the years regarding this issue on C4's, C5's and C6's

Here's just one:

http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=11590

My C5 goes flat after 2 weeks, or at least it did before I got the battery tender.
Now I know it's going to start everytime I go out to the garage.

You're probably best to get a tender/charger to leave on whilst the cars not in use.

Last edited by chevykevv on Mon 02 Jul 12 08:49; edited 1 time in total. [22 %]
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If i'm going to hell, i'm going in a VETTE!!!!

www.kevvwrightelectrical.com

Mon 02 Jul 12 09:30

Re: 1996 LT1 battery drain

That all sounds quite normal..

I acquired a Ctek Charger as a freebie with my Practical Classics subscription. Never used it until the fuel prices shot up and a stopped using my C4 as a daily commuter. Now even with a decent run once a week, it still needs the tender connected (new battery and alternator too!).

I have it hard wired in now for convenience.

Mon 02 Jul 12 09:45

Re: 1996 LT1 battery drain

Thanks Chaps

I thought as much, it was just that my 87 and 88 seemed to last longer, but I suppose the 96 has more electronics in standby mode

all the best

Nick

Mon 02 Jul 12 22:27

Re: 1996 LT1 battery drain

Longest I've been without starting mine was 4 weeks and the battery clearly was a bit weak though it started first time. And it's a recent battery.

Little tip: when working on the car remove the interior light fuse under the hood otherwise the 10 or so interior lights will quickly drain the battery.

Strangely the car won't stsrt with this fuse removed however....

Malc

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No corvette at present.
2005 Mustang GT 5-speed

Previous Corvettes:

1984 red Crossfire auto
1993 red LT-1 auto
1990 black Callaway Twin Turbo 6-speed
1996 CE LT-4 6-speed

Wed 04 Jul 12 08:13

Re: 1996 LT1 battery drain

Simple, use it more.