I have a 2000 Catera that has had a history of draining the battery. I put a new battery in it a couple of months ago thinking the battery was just needing replacement but now it is doing it again. Are there any known issues with these cars doing this? What and how can I check for where the drain is coming from? TIA.

 

How long does the car sit unused?

I have a 98 and when the car is ARMED it uses juice. I let mine sit for 2 weeks and battery was stone cold dead. Hope this will help. If the car is to sit, lock the dors but DON'T set the alarm. Also, be sure you are using a GOOD DELCO batery. Mine is the sealed that Cadillac provides with the car when NEW.

Joey1127

 

Inspect the level control compressor, when the exhaust valve is stuck (even the compressor is not running), will cycle the exhaust valve causing up to 2.0a draw that usually kills the battery. Shorted lighter sockets, radio amps could as well cause a battery draw.

 

To isolate electrical problems, I usually disconnect the positive battery terminal and put an Ampmeter in series.
(this meter needs to be able to pass 10 - 100 Amps, so make sure there is a setting for that on the meter).
With the car not running, there should be very little current draw (just the computer stuff and radio memory)
If you have ~ 2.0, then Hagrid's explanation is probably whats happening.

If that's not the case, you can just start pulling fuses until any high current goes away.
That should point you toward the circuit that is drawing current.


Dave

 

i have a 2001 catera and every once and a while it has this horrible shake and egg smell to it. and on top of that my cooliant leaks every once and a while along with my radio cutting off, soes anone else have these problems???

 

please help me

 

I have a 2001 Catera. Had this same problem. It was pointed out to me by my mechanic that when I leave the Catera, if an alarm is sounding, check the ignition. Press the "o ring' around the key slot to dis engage the alarm. Wala, no battery drain! For more than a year!