Topic: Draining the battery
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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If it has an alarm that's a good place to start. It could also be an
interior light staying on. If you have a multi-meter there is a
procedure for checking for the drain. There are numerous threads on
here talking about drains. If you can't find it, PM me and I will
explain it to you.
Scott
Scott
I had a reputable 'vette shop owner tell me that one of the most common causes is the glove box light remaining lit!
To check for that you can remove the bulb.
That was NOT my problem, which has still not been identified. 
Right now I have a rotary cut-off switch attached to the ground post of the battery.
Right now I have a rotary cut-off switch attached to the ground post of the battery.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
'70s don't have glove boxes...but you're right. The glove box light is a major source of the problems in '78 and later C3's.
Don't I feel foolish. Forgot....Actually, the switch in the center rear compartment (I thought that was my glove box) is a likely culprit. A lot of time the lid does not close or the switch is bad.
I have been told that another drain may be the wiper override switch, if left in the on position.
Since I've owned my car, I've had a pretty bad drain. Since I put a battery disconnect in, I have had no problems since. Hopefully, during my interior restoration I'll figure out what is causing this problem.
Good luck,
Anthony
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Yep, I have a 78 with the same problem. Of course, I don't start it but once a month sometimes. Some sources tell me the clock can contribute but I find that hard to believe. Guess I'll just have to drive it more often, BOO Hoo.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
Click to see larger views!
I had a severe drain issue on my 72 following some engine work. Battery would go flat within 24 hours. Following weeks of annoying dead batteries I finally tracked the issue down.
During the engine work I noticed some cracked insulation on the wiring going to the two position connector on the alternator. Turns out that during the process of trimming and re-crimping the terminals I incorrectly re-installed them (reversed them) inside the connector.
Felt pretty silly when I found the problem, happy to find it just the same.
Not likely to be the same issue you are seeing but you never know.
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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