If I don't start the car each week it won't start at all. When the ignition key is turned to "start" it just clicks under the hood. Hook up battery charger? Sure. Then I hear this faint clicking or tapping noise behind the center console even without the key in the ignition. Any ideas or suggestions are much appreciated.
P.S. - If I put a brand new battery in it, the car starts fine!
My 92 is the same. If I don't run it once a week or every two weeks the battery drains to zero and when that happens too many times the thing just won't hold a charge. So I go back to AutoZone, usually under warranty and get a new one.
Just did this last week. Again.
I also am suspicious of the charging system voltage, usually runs about 14.4 on the display, but haven't yet confirmed that on the battery. I got the change out down to about 8 minutes.
Not normal and needs only to have the simple voltage draw fixed to save you changing batteries. Yes, your 14.4 charge rate is correct for that system. The '92 I had for only 6 years and 92,000 miles with one battery but I did fix a few electrical problems which included a new computer, still have it if you need the number.
My '93 often sits for weeks at a time and has always started right up. I put a new Interstate battery in it about a year ago to replace the Delco. I also see 14.4 for a while after not starting it for some time. YMMV, but I think there's some sort of problem if you're going through battery after battery.
I do need to look into it someday. I just can't get to it with plenty of other things keeping me busy. I was suspecting the aftermarket security system. I need to put a current meter in to look at how much drain there is, but the current range on by Beckman DVM quit, maybe I can try the trusty old Simpson.
Curious that the computer was a problem. I have one, but wrong car, its for a 84 Vette.
But man, just passed 130K last night while cruisin'. That ride is one that even though I don't take it out much, can't bear to sell it. SO...
Also, FWIW, my 84 ate batteries at about the same rate, that's why on the 92 I didn't flag it for being a problem. The first two I changed on the 92 were after several drain to zero's cause when I flipped the headlights off, I flipped the interior lights on by accident and the garage is so well lit that I never noticed till next day.
After a few jump starts it just didn't seem to have the capacity. Maybe I'm buying the wrong battery...
I posted a very unverified observation that when I left my climate control in auto and parked my 96 for a couple weeks the battery barely started the car. When I shut off the climate control, I can go for a month and no noticeable drain on the battery. I have no proof that this cured my battery issues, but you may want to give it a try.
It was a touch afternoon but I did finally get it started.
Let it warm up thoroughly then took it out on the interstate for a little romp. Got into it really hard a couple of time. Voltage on the panel climbed to 14.5 and it has started two more times since then without hesitation.
I also made sure the ACC was "OFF" before I shut it down.
Thanks. We'll see what a cold night tonight brings us tomorrow.
I had the same battery drain problem with my 84 Vette..no one could solve the problem...anyway I changed out the Crossfire to a late model TPI system and of course had to change the harness and the computer (1990 )..after that I never again had a dead battery.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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