Hi all,

I've had this problem for a while now, and I intend to fix it.

I own a 1989 RS, 2.8L 173 CID V6. Before I got deployed about three months ago, I put a new battery in my Camaro to try and combat the problem. However, the vehicle just cannot hold a charge.

When I was driving it daily, I never had this issue. But now that it's only being driven weekly while in the care of my family, it has died. Refuses to hold a charge. What's the issue here?

**EDIT: On a side note, I am still working to undo the damage the previous owner did to her. He installed three aftermarket pieces of electronics, one of which (or maybe all of them) I suspect to be the culprit(s).

-aftermarket radio/tweeters
-aftermarket, non-factory security system (my suspicions lie here)
-aftermarket HID headlights
Thoughts?

 

Take it to a auto parts chain store like Oreilles or even AutoZone and have them test the car.
They can tell you if the battery has a bad cell or if the alternator is going out and even information on the condition of the starter. For free and a few minuets of your time.


Or just watch a video or two on testing your alternator with a multi-meter and check it yourself.
The battery has to be under load to be tested properly. = auto parts store.

 

Thanks, Ron! I'll keep those options in mind!

 

Yes Sir , your two possibilities are either that the alternator isn't keeping up with charging the battery , or , it sounds more likely here that somethings draining the battery when the car is off . If a fully charged new battery can't sit in a car one week untouched and start the car on day 8 , there IS something excessively drawing on it cause any decent battery even in a modern car should be able to sit a lot longer than a week without needing a jump .

 

I appreciate it good sir! Thank you!

On a side note, I am still working to undo the damage the previous owner did to her. He installed three aftermarket pieces of electronics, one of which (or maybe all of them) I suspect to be the culprit(s).

-aftermarket radio/tweeters
-aftermarket, non-factory security system (my suspicions lie here)
-aftermarket HID headlights