3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Crappy PC680 Battery - short life, any ideas how to fix it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 08:05 AM
  #1  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
Crappy PC680 Battery - short life, any ideas how to fix it?

I have the Odyssey/Hawker PC680.

If the car sits for more than 15 hours, it doesn't have enough CCA to get the car started.

I figure there is something draining the battery, but I don't know where to start.

I've heard people have had these things able to sit for 3-4 days and still have it start.. but anything longer than that.. and it's hopeless. I thought about putting in a kill switch and just flipping it off after work everyday.

Other idea was a rear battery relocation with a Optima battery but that seems like it's gonna be a bit too much, not sure if I have room for it with my methanol setup.

Anywa, suggestions and help are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Darren-
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 08:08 AM
  #2  
AMRAAM4's Avatar
twinturboteddy ws my idol
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
you already touched on the alternatives.

Searching on this will show how much the battery sucks, it is a recurring theme. Hate mine, and am relocating a regular battery when my engine rebuild is done here shortly.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 08:13 AM
  #3  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
Yeah, they do suck indeed.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 08:22 AM
  #4  
amp's Avatar
amp
old yella
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (50)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 98
From: NYC | PA
run a battery tender on her.. shes needs to be maintained..
ive had the hawker for six years without issue..
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 08:29 AM
  #5  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
battery tender?
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 09:30 AM
  #6  
NVMYRX-7's Avatar
If it's fast I'm There
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Waxhaw, NC
Get rid of it, get a Turbo Jeff battery box, go to Advance Auto and pay 75.00 for a 51r and ride. I have had mine for a year and it's gone through two engine flooding, and a water seal that went south and that's without a charger. Link below
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ht=51r+battery
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 09:31 AM
  #7  
DaveW's Avatar
Racecar - Formula 2000
Tenured Member: 20 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,035
Likes: 371
From: Bath, OH
Originally Posted by dhahlen
battery tender?
That's a trade name for a low-amperage battery charger that will keep your battery charged up without overcharging and ruining it.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 11:38 AM
  #8  
AMRAAM4's Avatar
twinturboteddy ws my idol
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 0
From: Elkton, MD
Originally Posted by NVMYRX-7
Get rid of it, get a Turbo Jeff battery box, go to Advance Auto and pay 75.00 for a 51r and ride. I have had mine for a year and it's gone through two engine flooding, and a water seal that went south and that's without a charger. Link below
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ht=51r+battery
FYI; Optima 51 and 51R are discontinued. No longer available.

Last edited by AMRAAM4; Jun 2, 2006 at 11:40 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 12:10 PM
  #9  
Farhan's Avatar
RSPECT
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 0
From: IL
Originally Posted by AMRAAM4
Searching on this will show how much the battery sucks, it is a recurring theme. Hate mine, and am relocating a regular battery when my engine rebuild is done here shortly.
I'm actually on my third one right now. They do have a warranty, but the shops that actually honor it are few and far between. Last time I got mine replaced the dude was a total ******* and kept telling me I somehow messed up the battery even though I had it for less than a year. I'm still running the same battery just because the engine bay can't store a bigger battery. I considered relocating, but I ended up getting a system in the car with a heavy duty battery and now I no longer have any problems.

Solution = 1 Oddyssey Battery + 1 regular sized battery

or

Junk the oddyssey and get a full-sized battery
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 12:24 PM
  #10  
PandazRx-7's Avatar
Fast + Reliable = $$$$$
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
I just bought a D51 Optima Yellow Top a few weeks ago....world of a difference from the PC680. Looks like they don't have either in stock now...I guess I lucked out.

http://www.remybattery.com/

I junked my PC680 after dealing with recharging it everytime the FD sat for a few days... I think I overcharged it the last time on a trickle charger and the battery blew up in my bin while driving. The top cover literally blew off!

Last edited by PandazRx-7; Jun 2, 2006 at 12:30 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 12:28 PM
  #11  
Rocking Rotary's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 3
From: St. Paul, MN
I have not had a problem with mine. Mine has sat a month with out a charger and still started the car with no problem. You could try running a capacitor with the battery that my help your start problems.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 12:49 PM
  #12  
scotty305's Avatar
~17 MPG
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,479
Likes: 334
From: Bend, OR
I installed my PC680 over a year ago, and have had no problems with it. Sometimes I've let the car sit for a week at a time, and it's started up just fine. It sounds to me like something is draining your battery more quickly than mine, or your alternator might not be charging it sufficiently. Do you have an aftermarket stereo or alarm installed?

-s-
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:18 PM
  #13  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
It got worse after I put in my Eclipse deck. Thats it though.. I don't have anything but an aftermarket head unit as far as stereo is concerned. Normally it would last 18 or so hours.. but now its less than 15.

I watch my battery voltage when I drive, it sits around 14 to 14.9 and when I idle it's around 12.5 or so.

The alternator is charging it fine.. but it just doesn't hold a charge while connected cause something is draining it. If i disconnect the negative and let it sit for 2-3 days, then it's fine. But if I leave it connected, something keeps draining it =/
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:25 PM
  #14  
GUITARJUNKIE28's Avatar
multipersonality disorder
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 0
From: so. cal
i told you it sucked back in november.

i've got the 925 and it still sucks.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:27 PM
  #15  
cewrx7r1's Avatar
Eye In The Sky
Tenured Member: 25 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,943
Likes: 133
From: In A Disfunctional World
The battery tender is the answer if you have a garage or carport with electrical access. I have been running the tender for many years without any problems, and the battery lasts.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:28 PM
  #16  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
Well this is a different battery then the one you saw =P Same type and model, just hawker rather than the odyssey. I have a spare PC680 sitting here.. but they both suck the same.

The battery holds a charge no problem. Let it sit for 2 days, and was still good....

Something in the FD is draining it and oh God how I hate wire tracing... UGH!!!!!
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:29 PM
  #17  
GUITARJUNKIE28's Avatar
multipersonality disorder
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 0
From: so. cal
do a drain test on the whole thing. pull one fuse at a time until you find the offending suspect.

i can let my car sit a week in the summer with no problems, but the battery drains overnight when the ambient temp is <50. non-applicable to this situation, but they don't like the cold.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:31 PM
  #18  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
Smart guy...

I need to pickup a multimeter =(
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 01:52 PM
  #19  
GUITARJUNKIE28's Avatar
multipersonality disorder
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 0
From: so. cal
harbor freaight has some cheapie digitals for like $6. that'd be good enough to check battery drain. i don't loan the fluke to people...ESPECIALLY rx7 guys
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2006 | 05:09 PM
  #20  
axr6's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, CA
Originally Posted by dhahlen
It got worse after I put in my Eclipse deck. Thats it though.. I don't have anything but an aftermarket head unit as far as stereo is concerned. Normally it would last 18 or so hours.. but now its less than 15.

I watch my battery voltage when I drive, it sits around 14 to 14.9 and when I idle it's around 12.5 or so.

The alternator is charging it fine.. but it just doesn't hold a charge while connected cause something is draining it. If i disconnect the negative and let it sit for 2-3 days, then it's fine. But if I leave it connected, something keeps draining it =/

The Eclipse deck may be causing your drain. These days a whole hell of a lot of consumer electronics are constructed in such a way that the equipment never shuts off but, rather, remains in a stand by mode, taking power all the time. There have been some consumer lawsuits regarding these "vampire electronics".

I have one deck with a removable faceplate and it will drain 0.5 amps at 12 volt continuously unless I remove the plate. Something like that will drain your small battery pretty fast.

Get a cheap multimeter with a 10 A range on it and place it in series with either of the battery leads and just go on turning/disconnectin things if you see more than a very few milliamp consumption.

I had the 680 for quite a few months now and the car will start every time, even if it sits for 2 weeks. The only time I drained it when I left the igniton key on while I was aligning the car and forgot about it.

Albert
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2006 | 02:06 PM
  #21  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
Well, I found my EGI Fuse is pulling 200mA - after I pulled it, the load went down to around 30-40mA which is normal.

Anyway, I pulled the fuse out and it was a little toasty on the bottom. My fuel pump is wired in using a seperate relay, so I need to trace the problem and find out why my EGI fuse is sucking up all the current. I hate schematics.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2006 | 02:15 PM
  #22  
XSTransAm's Avatar
Ee / Cpe
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 2
From: Gaithersburg, MD / WVU
mine sucked *******. Got a optima red top and ill never go back.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2006 | 02:38 PM
  #23  
dhahlen's Avatar
Thread Starter
FD Under Construction =P
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 24
From: Avondale, AZ
Ok...

My relay is wired in as such (this is aftermarket relay that was added in)

Relay has ignition signal in, and ignition signal out (obviously what activates the relay). Battery 12v in and the output goes directly to the fuel pump. Ignition switch turns on, sending signal to the relay.. allowing 12v to activate relay.. sending direct voltage to the fuel pump.

Now, my EGI fuse is constantly hot (drawing 250mA) - and I am trying to locate where it is doing this. Any suggestions?

I may have traced the current/voltage flow incorrectly, so if i did please lemme know.

The line where the 20a relay is circled on the right.. i meant to add text but i forgot. That fuse is where the 30a fuse and relay now sit. (the one i added, not the main EGI)


Last edited by dhahlen; Jun 3, 2006 at 02:41 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2006 | 07:12 PM
  #24  
Rotor Nut.
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: RI
check out the buddy club battery. its the one i just bought. i was looking at batterys for a while, i have a 51r now and it is still to big. the buddy club battery is the same size as the pc680 but its stronger.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NoMorePoison
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
11
Aug 18, 2015 11:18 AM
tsmith94FD
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
4
Aug 16, 2015 05:41 PM
4sfeedit
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
10
Aug 16, 2015 01:42 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:41 PM.