Topic: Re-Start Problems
in Forum: C3 Electrical
Okay, going to try this again. I have a re-start problem and I think my a/c control panel is the issue. If I don�t use my ac or radio the car will restart. If I turn on the ac the volt meter drops very quickly and no restart. Years ago my ac panel smoked a bit and I had a burnt contact on it of which I cleaned up and it still works fine. My question is do you think this panel is now causing my battery to drain, going to a ground or something? I do have an amp on the car and will drive next time using just the radio to see if it does the same.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Sounds like you mean a low battery condition. How long does it have to sit before it won't start? If it's a short time, you need to search for a short in the wiring there somewhere. Also, if it doesn't take long to kill the battery, I would seriously suggest you disconnect the battery while not driving....you could have a really bad fire hazard there!
I haven't looked at a wiring diagram to know if the A/C and radio use the same power source, but it's possible. Can't see the radio causing that much of a drain that quickly, but a power amp certainly could. However, once it's all turned off, it shouldn't continue to drain the battery, unless there is a problem in the wiring.
This might get messy to try to figure out....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Next time I drive it I will run the radio w/ the amp and see if that will sap the battery also. Not the greatest spark chaser on cars, did allot of it on aircraft. I have a wire chart hanging in my garage.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Has the battery been tested? Doesn't really matter how old/new it is, it could have a problem.
Has the charging system been tested?
With the A/C on, you're adding in the clutch coil on the compressor, and the blower fan, both take quite a bit of amperage to operate. A weak charging system may not be able to keep the battery fully charged, as well as a weak battery may not be able to take/hold that charge. I have seen clutch coils that would overtax the charging system, due to internal shorts. Also seen blower motors that would drag down the charging system. If BOTH were iffy, it could be a real issue.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime Member1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
Agreed with Joel, have the battery tested. If you can, take the battery out, and use a 'regular' battery charger if you have one. Fully charge the battery and use a load tester on it. If you don't have a load tester, or can not borrow one, then take the battery to a shop or *gasp* the local parts house(autostone, (dis)advance, etc...) they can test it, usually fairly reliable. You should be looking at around 600 Cold Crank Amps(not knowing specifically which battery you have but 600 is a good all around number for a sidepost battery).
Battery Tenders are nice, but that is basically what they do, Tend or Maintain. They are not suitable to 'recharge' a battery unless you have a few days to do so. Usually they output around 1/2 to 3/4 amps. Also check the water level in the cells. I've seen Tenders that are left on for weeks or months at a time boil out the water in batteries. A low water level will cause a battery to drain quickly.
StingrayJim 
NCM Lifetime Member #1936
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