Battery Question

[photon]

Hi,

I have a question about battery drain that someone may be able to answer for me. I just did the Onstar set-up call mostly while my car was off with the key still in the ignition. The running lights were on as well. The call lasted for about 20-25 minutes and it wasn't until near the end I realized my battery could be draining. So for the last minute or two of the call I turn the engine and for about 4-5 minutes after the call. How much of a battery drain do you supposed I could have suffered? I would have left it on for a little longer, but some fan came on and I thought I may be overheating the car. Is this fan coming on while idling normal? Thanks

 

[Sonic]

I would hazard a guess that you had little to no battery drain, and you were far from overheating your car. Yes the fan coming on is a normal function.

 

[jlslatton]

I would hazard a guess that you had little to no battery drain, and you were far from overheating your car. Yes the fan coming on is a normal function.

Ditto.

 

[photon]

Thanks. I feel better. I was a bit worried about this. Only on day two with 38 miles.

 

[Sonic]

It takes quite a draw, such as amps for a stereo or the actual headlights to begin putting a dent in the battery. The minuscule draw of the OnStar mirror and the running lights for 30 min. was no real danger.

 

[photon]

Nice to know. I guess I thought the long Onstar call would draw a lot of power with the info screen on along with daytime lights. Does the car draw less power if it is off , but with the key still in the ignition compared to the car being in the Accessory(C) position? Is there a screen somewhere to check battery voltage and engine temperature? Just curious as my old car had both on the dash. Thanks again.

 

[AxelRipper]

Ever been to a drive-in movie? Having your car running accessories for a long time is no big deal. You really have to leave it on over night for your battery to really drain. In the on position, you'll be running your HVAC fan if its on, as well as powering up your ECM, but since the engine wasn't running the ECM really wasn't doing anything but waiting for the start command to actually turn things on.

You'd have to look through the owners manual to see if you can cycle to get the voltage and temp. I'd assume it should be there somewhere, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was just an idiot light.

 

[BNRacing]

Yeah you have a few hours before the battery dies on ACC. And once the car has been on for a few minutes it should be recharged again.