Wish my new van luck.

.

Approx 2 months after buying my wife's 2009 Montan SV6 van, I noticed its battery would be dead - after sitting for 5+ days. Took to my local GM dealer and they tested its battery and "parasitic drain" (which was .065 MA - which is normal). Both were within normal operating specs, and they felt battery drain might be from a loose battery cable. They wire brushed the battery connections, applied some dielectric grease and tightened back down. Since then, I've had to boost this van 5 times. Before, it noticed it was ok up to 5 days. Now, it won't restart after sitting more then 2.5 days. This morning, my van is back at the local GM dealer. They now plan to let it sit for 4 days, then try to restart it. Thus, duplicating the problem in their shop. My Gut feel... I think its factory battery won't hold its charge for more then 2.5+ days. Especially since its Altermator is charging at 14.3 V (as per dash display) and they confirmed its "parasitic drain" is normal (at .065 MAs).

Besides this "annoyance" (which will be resolved soon - I hope), I still love my wife's Montana van. Great for 3 kids + dog, great for traveling long distances and good on MPGs (especially compared to our previous "older technology" van). And, its "fun to drive". Hopefully, they can get its battery drain problem fixed soon.

Wish us luck...

.

65ma is a little high. I would expect to see it around 15ma.
Back in the day Cadillac said 50ma was acceptable. But they also had some big honkin batteries in them older caddies!

Many say the background power needs is for:
- Onstar system
- BCM - main computer system
- Radio / clock settings
- Security / Alarm system
- etc.
Electronic items that don't exist in "old technology" vehicles.

I also found: "The TOTAL amp spec is about 50-75 mA - which is 0.05-0.075 amps (average 0.65) with everything off. When checking parasitic draw you have to give the car about 20 mins to stabilize because some of the controllers don’t completely shut off for up to 20 mins."

With the above in mind, even at "parasitic drain" of .075 amps, the vehicle's battery should still start the vehicle after sitting 3 weeks. Currently, it won't re-start (due to too low of battery) after sitting 3 days. (very sad).

.

.

My local GM dealer called a few moments ago. Summary of events / tasks:

- Vehicle had NO Start (not enough 12V juice to turn its starter over) condition after sitting for 3 days.
- They had to boost it - to start it.
- After restart, alternator charge system was within spec (re: 14.4V on dead battery and leveled off to 13.8V after 10 minutes. Re-charge battery system is within spec.
- It's "parasitic drain" at .065 MA (total amount) after 30 minutes idle is within spec.

For its dead battery? Their conclusion.... Its factory battery won't hold a charge after 3 days. Being a sealed top battery, they are unable to test its individual cells. Thus, they replaced with brand new battery. They also confirmed that my van's Onstar system is working afterwards as well.

Was also told they washed / waxed our new van as well. A free service for all "under" warranty work. And, they also replaced its 3rd brake light lens as well. (see my other new post).

We'll "try again" and hopefully, its new battery will hold a charge after sitting 3+ weeks.

Only time will tell...

.