Parasitic Battery Draw and Dead Battery - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

GarSS · 08-12-2015, 05:44 PM

My 2015 SS has what the dealership calls a "parasitic draw" on the battery which drains the battery dead. Within the last 2 months I have had the battery replaced 2 times, each with a dead cell, even though these are lead acid batteries which should be able to be recharged without "dead cells."

The draw on the battery is down to 0.47 amps after everything goes to sleep. But it should be down around 0.04 amps or lower from what I'm told. We even pulled all the fuses one at-a-time under the hood and the fuses on the right side of the trunk which includes the radio and no changes whatsoever. The alternator checked out OK.

Has anyone else been experiencing dead batteries or battery drain problems?

Software Guy · 08-12-2015, 05:57 PM

How long does it sit for?

Blk-Ice · 08-12-2015, 06:24 PM

Find the problem or buy a battery tender.

two_wheel_mayhem · 08-12-2015, 08:10 PM

Way too high, should be 40-50 milliamps like you said.

Pulling fuses didn't work, gotta try something else like unplugging stuff that's not fused. Maybe the alternator first.

BubbaSS · 08-12-2015, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarSS

My 2015 SS has what the dealership calls a "parasitic draw" on the battery which drains the battery dead. Within the last 2 months I have had the battery replaced 2 times, each with a dead cell, even though these are lead acid batteries which should be able to be recharged without "dead cells."

The draw on the battery is down to 0.47 amps after everything goes to sleep. But it should be down around 0.04 amps or lower from what I'm told. We even pulled all the fuses one at-a-time under the hood and the fuses on the right side of the trunk which includes the radio and no changes whatsoever. The alternator checked out OK.

Has anyone else been experiencing dead batteries or battery drain problems?

Have you done any electronic mods? Radar detector? Sound system? Etc...

Batmanntexas · 08-13-2015, 11:02 AM

This is definitely a warranty problem. Having said that, since you pulled all of the fuses, and the drain is still there, I'd say it's one of your electronic modules in the car (ECM, BCM, ABS, etc.). You can test them the same way you tested the fuses, unplugging one module at a time, observing the current draw. Once you find the module, then you can further isolate by removing the individual plugs that plug into each module, one at a time, until you get down to the 40-50 milliamp (.04-.05) range.
From my personal experience, if you want to save time, you will find the cause yourself, then take it in to have it covered under warranty. My '07 Avalanche had a bad BCM, and it would drain the battery in about 2 weeks.
You can kill any lead-acid battery, even a brand new battery, if you discharge it too deeply.

Good Luck! Let us know what you find out.

-Scott

Ernest T · 08-13-2015, 11:12 AM

This is probably a software problem--something that uses software needs reflashed. I had a similar issue on a motorcycle and ended up reflashing not only the ECM, but the audio system took care of it.

snymat68 · 08-13-2015, 11:44 AM

Don't forget about the fuses on the left end of the dash.

maddoggyusa · 08-13-2015, 01:03 PM

I wouldn't do anything... take it back to the dealer. Open up a ticket. They usually get 3 tries to fix it or they'll be open up for Lemon Law. No excuses, they should fix it.

spadz93 · 08-13-2015, 01:37 PM

how new is the battery? alternator shot? could also be factors

WoodBoss · 08-13-2015, 01:54 PM

If you have not installed anything electrical it is a dealer problem. If you have installed anything electrical take it back out. Is it auto or manual transmission?

pickwithaustin · 08-13-2015, 01:59 PM

Install:
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...A2U296R8AN80PO

Best security on almost any modified car (great on the older beasts where tracking down a battery drain can be too much of a problem).

Fast, easy fix... though yes, if you can run it through warranty to fix first, go that route.

JR 1 · 08-13-2015, 02:59 PM

You shouldn't have to buy a device to keep the battery charged or do extensive testing to find the drain on a new car. The dealer is obligated to fix this. Don't let them tell you this is "normal".

ChrisBlair · 08-13-2015, 03:10 PM

Good gravy, they can't chase down an electrical gremlin in a new car?

To me that means they don't want to spend the time.

08-12-2015, 05:44 PM	#1
GarSS Drives: 2015 1SS/RS Coupe Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Crestview FL Posts: 6	Parasitic Battery Draw and Dead Battery My 2015 SS has what the dealership calls a "parasitic draw" on the battery which drains the battery dead. Within the last 2 months I have had the battery replaced 2 times, each with a dead cell, even though these are lead acid batteries which should be able to be recharged without "dead cells." The draw on the battery is down to 0.47 amps after everything goes to sleep. But it should be down around 0.04 amps or lower from what I'm told. We even pulled all the fuses one at-a-time under the hood and the fuses on the right side of the trunk which includes the radio and no changes whatsoever. The alternator checked out OK. Has anyone else been experiencing dead batteries or battery drain problems?

08-12-2015, 05:57 PM	#2
Software Guy Drives: 2017 2SS, 2000 Trans Am Firehawk Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: upstate, NY Posts: 502	How long does it sit for? __________________ I am a sarcastic SOB.

08-12-2015, 06:24 PM	#3
Blk-Ice 750HP of Twisted Reaper! Drives: Blk 2SS/Blk Carb Fibr NS-1 stripes Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Northern VA & NC Posts: 2,244 View My Garage	Find the problem or buy a battery tender. __________________ *Fear the LMR Twisted Reaper Brotherhood!*

08-12-2015, 08:10 PM	#4
two_wheel_mayhem Would rather be riding Drives: No car no more Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,750	Way too high, should be 40-50 milliamps like you said. Pulling fuses didn't work, gotta try something else like unplugging stuff that's not fused. Maybe the alternator first. __________________ No dog in this fight anymore. 5th Gen owner 2009-2016.

08-13-2015, 11:02 AM	#6
Batmanntexas Drives: 2012 Camaro SS (2SS) Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 1,374 View My Garage	This is definitely a warranty problem. Having said that, since you pulled all of the fuses, and the drain is still there, I'd say it's one of your electronic modules in the car (ECM, BCM, ABS, etc.). You can test them the same way you tested the fuses, unplugging one module at a time, observing the current draw. Once you find the module, then you can further isolate by removing the individual plugs that plug into each module, one at a time, until you get down to the 40-50 milliamp (.04-.05) range. From my personal experience, if you want to save time, you will find the cause yourself, then take it in to have it covered under warranty. My '07 Avalanche had a bad BCM, and it would drain the battery in about 2 weeks. You can kill any lead-acid battery, even a brand new battery, if you discharge it too deeply. Good Luck! Let us know what you find out. -Scott __________________ 745RWHP/634RWTQ on 93 @ 10psi 806/676 on E85 @ 10psi COTW 9/8/14

08-13-2015, 11:12 AM	#7
Ernest T Drives: 2014 RS Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Salado TX Posts: 320 View My Garage	This is probably a software problem--something that uses software needs reflashed. I had a similar issue on a motorcycle and ended up reflashing not only the ECM, but the audio system took care of it.

08-13-2015, 11:44 AM	#8
snymat68 Drives: 2013 Blue Ray 1LS M6 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,227 View My Garage	Don't forget about the fuses on the left end of the dash. __________________ Performance Mods Elite Catch Can \| CAI Intake with Scoop & Washer Bottle Relocation \| MRT v2 Axle-Back Exhaust \| MagnaFlow Resonated X-Pipe \| Resonator Delete \| Vmax Ported Throttle Body \| GM Strut Tower Brace \| JDP Tow Hook \| Vitesse Throttle Controller Aesthetic Mods Chrome Peek-A-Boo Door Handles \| Interior Accessories Kit \| OEM RS HIDs w/ 6000k Bulbs & 5000k LED Fogs \| Tail Light, Marker Light, & Turn Signal Tint \| Tru-Sequence Sequential Turn Signals & Brake Lights \| Silver Fade Gill Stripes \| Carbon Fiber Bowties \| Various Chrome/Painted/Carbon Fiber Items

08-13-2015, 01:03 PM	#9
maddoggyusa Drives: 2013 Camaro Dusk 2SS/6 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,586	I wouldn't do anything... take it back to the dealer. Open up a ticket. They usually get 3 tries to fix it or they'll be open up for Lemon Law. No excuses, they should fix it.

08-13-2015, 01:37 PM	#10
spadz93 BUMBL Z Drives: 2015 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 2,573 View My Garage	how new is the battery? alternator shot? could also be factors __________________ Current: 2015 ZL1 M6, Rotofab Intake, LS3 throttle body, 2.55 Upper/9.17 Lower w/ Idler Relocation, DMS Reinforced Brick, ID1050X, 1 7/8" Headers, ProSpeed HX/Reservoir, DSX Aux Pump/Flex Fuel Sensor, E85, McLeod RXT, BMR 1" Drop, Tuned by Pat G Past: 2010 2SS, some bolt ons, 415rwhp/400rwtq

08-13-2015, 01:54 PM	#11
WoodBoss "Old School" Drives: 2010 2SS L99 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sherrills Ford, NC Posts: 1,295	If you have not installed anything electrical it is a dealer problem. If you have installed anything electrical take it back out. Is it auto or manual transmission?

08-13-2015, 01:59 PM	#12
pickwithaustin Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible and: Join Date: May 2014 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,863	Install: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...A2U296R8AN80PO Best security on almost any modified car (great on the older beasts where tracking down a battery drain can be too much of a problem). Fast, easy fix... though yes, if you can run it through warranty to fix first, go that route. __________________ --------------------------- Currently in my Garage: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible \| 1980 Corvette Stingray \| 1981 Firebird \| 1968 El Camino \| 2007 Crown Vic Police Interceptor \| 2001 Silverado \| 2001 Blazer \| 1965 Chevy C-10 \| 2007 Harley Softail Custom \| 2013 MX-5 in Copper Red Mica \| 2000 Corvette Convertible \| 2010 Corvette Grand Sport \| 2006 Audi A3 Turbo \| 2008 BMW 328i

08-13-2015, 02:59 PM	#13
JR 1 Drives: 2014 2SS/RS Convertible Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Lake Orion, MI Posts: 1,247	You shouldn't have to buy a device to keep the battery charged or do extensive testing to find the drain on a new car. The dealer is obligated to fix this. Don't let them tell you this is "normal".

08-13-2015, 03:10 PM	#14
ChrisBlair Buick 455 Fan Drives: 1970 Buick, 2012 1SS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Boston MA Posts: 5,957	Good gravy, they can't chase down an electrical gremlin in a new car? To me that means they don't want to spend the time. __________________