Topic: Pulling out my hair one strand at a time
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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So this morning I had made arrangements to take the vette into the audio shop, because it looks like my AC issues are stemming from the new radio install ( at least I hope).
Well I head down to the garage, remove the battery tender whos light is solid green ( meaning that its charged and monitoring)only not to be able to crank the car over. The volt meter in the car wont go past the 8-10 range while cranking........
So Im thinking this has got to be the battery...right?
Is it possible that the tender is the culprit? Overcharging the battery?
Very frustrating Friday so far.
So needless to say the 3 YO Autocraft battery is coming out and I think Im gonna put in an Optima yellow or red.
Just needed to vent and looking for opinions.
Dan
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Well....I does sound like the battery, but I have had a bad starter do the same thing. We might have to hear a little more about this audio install. The face that you are having AC problems AFTER the install could point to something more...........
Rook..I don't think you need one of those Optima batteries..I don't use a tender also..buy a decent battery and put a disconnect on it..I have a reman junk battery in mine..the way I look at them is if they don't hold a charge replace it..batterys are cheap and the headaches that people make them out to be isn't worth it..I have hair.
Rich
Rich
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
AC was fine until I had the radio installed and now its only blowing out the floor. Upon a quick investigation (by removing one of the carpeted side panels) I can see that they installed the head unit in the dash and jammed my sirius head behind that. I think that they either pulled a hose off of the AC controls or the sirius unit broke a tee connector or is kinking a vacuum line.
Could I be so lucky????Rich I am seriously considering another autocraft. I have so many other things on my wish list and dropping $180 +/- on a battery doesnt help the cause.
I am interested in everyones opinion plus I have scoured the C3VR archives.
I think mine is from Walmart..an Energizer..sounds like the vacuum lines got messed up..invest in a louder exhaust..then you wont need the radio.
Rich
Rich
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Yeah, it's like Rich says, my CD player went out years ago and I've discovered even on long trips, the sound of exhaust is music to my ears and all that I need.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Rook, I'm with Rich with the radio deal, Radios are for C5-C6 vettes. Sound for a C3 is exhaust, smell is oil burning off everything it's leaking on and burnt tire rubber...Arrrrr, Arrrrr, Arrrrr.
ebo
Sounds like they butchered the radio install and I'd let the SOB know it.
I use the battery dis connects like Rich, even at the gathering I dis connected the battery each night. When parked at home it's always off.
ebo
ebo
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I use a Tender on the '74 at all times. I had to buy two repro batteries @$300 a pop because I let them go dead in the car during storage. Then I got a Tender.
IF the green light was ON, then the battery should be good....the Tender can identify a failing/bad battery. If the batt never comes up to full charge, the light will blink continuously. Could just be a bad connection. I have a dis-connect also. One time the car would not start, and it would not boost off, either. Found that the connection to the batt for the dis-connect was corroded enough to keep any juice from flowing. Took the thing off, cleaned & re-installed, and all has been well ever since.
Agree with the others on the audio install scwewin up the hvac....don't take much of a vac. problem to create all kinds of havoc on a Shark.....
IF the green light was ON, then the battery should be good....the Tender can identify a failing/bad battery. If the batt never comes up to full charge, the light will blink continuously. Could just be a bad connection. I have a dis-connect also. One time the car would not start, and it would not boost off, either. Found that the connection to the batt for the dis-connect was corroded enough to keep any juice from flowing. Took the thing off, cleaned & re-installed, and all has been well ever since.
Agree with the others on the audio install scwewin up the hvac....don't take much of a vac. problem to create all kinds of havoc on a Shark.....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Well I'll check the connection tonight when I get home. I was a bit mystified by the light being green and the car not starting. Although it was red when I put it back on after trying to start it this morning.
Perhaps it wasnt seated properly but why would the light have been steady green?
This battery thing happened after Effingham and the radio and new alternator were installed just prior to that.
Maybe the 3 year old battery cant handle the the audio system?
Maybe the alternator is bad?
What is the record for most questions aked in a post?
Why is the sky blue?
And why are corvettes so darn addicitive?
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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