1994 electrical issues

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!

Reply to
russschell
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My 96 had the same problem and I turned off the electronic climate control. That seemed to take care of the drain on the battery.

Reply to
kc10

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.

GeorgeC

92 LT-1

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

Reply to
George

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.

Reply to
Dad

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.

AJM '93 Ruby coupe, 6 sp (both tops)

Reply to
CardsFan

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...

-GeorgeC

CardsFan wrote:

Reply to
George

Greetings, and thanks for the info. IF it isn't a chore to get that number I can get one from the GM online parts shop.

If I need it. All this talk may get me into the garage and see what its being drained by/at.

Did someone here say something about increased drain if you leave climate control in auto when you shut down?

GeorgeC

Dad wrote:

Reply to
George

10241014 for a 1992 but that number looks like a BCM.
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for ECM/U Many others out there to chose from.
Reply to
Dad

George;

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.

Reply to
kc10

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.

kc10 wrote:

Reply to
russschell

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.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply to
Lone Wolf

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