Battery Drain in a 2002 Camaro SS

[ronzz572]

Originally Posted by Big Block Bill

Here is the first place to start:

Disconnect the positive cable and connect a standard 12volt test light in between the cable
bolt / end and the battery lug. If it lights up with everything off, there is a draw in the system. the brighter the bulb on the test light the higher the amp draw is. If the test light does light up, pull fuses one at a time to find which circuit the draw is in. If the light still lights up with all fuse pulled, disconnect the wiring to the alternator and then the starter. See how that works before you blame the battery. What brand / manufacture battery is it? I have changed brands of batteries in my shop 3 times in the last 5 years. Currently I am selling Napa Batteries manufactured by East Penn Manufacturing little to no problems. I threw both AC Delco and Interstate out. Let us know how you make out, good luck.

Bill

This will work but you may have to connect a jumper wire across the test light connection for about 5 minutes first. Then disconnect it.. That will supply enough power to shut down any or all the electronics in the car.

[Big Block Bill]

I forgot to mention pulling any relays as well especially for time delay interior or head light circuits.

Bill

[danachevroletfor1967]

Thanks guys for your responses. The battery is an AC Delco brand. I drove the car today after having a hard time again starting it, then disconnected the battery and checked it with a battery tester, 12.0 volts. I'll let it sit with the battery disconnected and then use the tester again in a couple days. Sometimes I don't think of the simplest things first.

[Big Block Bill]

My bet the battery is junk.

[danachevroletfor1967]

Well after getting around 2 feet of snow and losing electricity, cable (TV and internet), and landline phone line (yeah I refuse to give up my old phone) I finally had a chance to full around with the '02 Camaro in the cold garage.
With the battery negative cable disconnected the battery held a charge for 4-5 days. After connecting it again the battery went down to 5 volts in a couple days. The 12V light tester lit up quite a bit when using it to test for battery drain.
I am assuming this means something is draining the battery when the car is off?
Now to the hardest part, trying to find where the drain is.

Thanks again guys for your input and help.