trey1010

iTrader: (3)

Hey there. For the last month my battery in my 99 Trans am keeps going dead. I can drive it all day and am able to restart it within an hour or so but if it sits any longer it is completely dead. I set my multimeter to 10a and ran it inline with the disconnected positive cable and the positive on the battery and get a reading of 0.00 to 0.09... does this mean I don't have a drain on the battery?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

how old is the battery?
I replaced the one in mine because if it sat overnight the next time I cranked it the gauges would do that "sweep" action and the trip odometer would reset, and they tested the battery at Advance and said its output was like half what it's supposed to be.

if it's dieing that quickly it's probably the battery, I can't think of a drain that would kill it that quick.

trey1010

iTrader: (3)

Well. The battery is about 3 months new and advanced said it tested good. I am thinking alternator now. My battery reads 12.40 while running but the alternator reads the same. Shouldn't. The alternator be reading higher? .

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

yeah thats low, a healthy charging system should be between 13.8-14.4 volts, but even with a "big three" new battery and new alt I seem to max out at 13.4 according to the torque app and obd2 bluetooth dongles reading.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The battery needs to work harder to start the car cold, so that would be magnified if your alternator isn't charging the battery all the way.

need4fun2469

I had a similar problem, it ended up being my security system.

trey1010

iTrader: (3)

Okay well the alternator did not fix the problem. . How did you end up fixing the security system?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

Is your voltage still low with the new alternator? If so did you remember to connect the 4-pin plug that has only 1 small wire coming out of it up to the new alternator?

I just can't see a current draw that LOW (less then .1 amp) draining the battery that quickly.

Think about it, .1 amp is like 1/50th (or quite a bit less depending on the headlight) the power draw of 1 headlight and I once left my headlights on (in another car) for 2-3 hours and could still crank it when I got back to the car from where I was.

trey1010

iTrader: (3)

Yes I plugged that little connector back in. BUT you. Got me thinking now. The first time I ever replaced my alternator I accidently pulled that wire out of the plug andhad to crimp a new one in place. .. possibly it has come loose and isn't making a good connection. Now

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

^ Yep, having a bad exciter wire connection could keep you from getting the full performance out of the alternator. (Especially a good alternator.)

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

I ask because I think that may be part of what causes my voltage issues, If you're not getting atleast 13 volts when running (especially with a new alternator) then it's a good bet that may be the issue.

trey1010

iTrader: (3)

Okay thanks I will check that out once this cold weather passes this weekend!

need4fun2469

I took it to the dealership. They found the problem. They had to reprogram the security system.

mpmjason

the Delco CD player (98-02 camaro cd player) in one of my cars was defective, and it drained my battery, with the ignition off. It would completely kill a fully charged battery overnight.

GM Customer Service

Hello need4fun2469,

It’s great to hear that your vehicle was taking of. Glad you’re up and running now. Be sure to let us know if you should encounter any issues in the future. Here to help.

Reggie B.
GM Customer Care