Flame me please, I deserve it! Be gentle! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sooner1970_K10 · 03-09-2005, 09:46 PM

As most of you know I have been fighting a mysterious battery drain for a couple of weeks now. Well I found the drain and I am almost to embarrased to post out what the cause was.

I WAS THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG! ARGHHH!!

I feel like beating my head on a wall and probably should for being so stupid!

Here it is!! When I turned the key off, I was leaving it in the /ACC position instead of the /OFF position. There it is, as simple as that.

You might as why I was doing this? The only thing I can tell you is I was ignorant. I have had the truck less than a year and just didnt have the experience to realize my mistake.

You see the key cylinder/switch was so worn that the key could be pulled out at any position and as I found out today a (good) key switch must be pushed in and turned to get it into the /ACC position, well I didnt have to do that with my old one.

I thought the key switch my be shorted out so today I went to NAPA and bought a new key switch. After I installed it, I looked at my little test light and WALLA it wasnt on. I then went to take out the key and NOTICED that the key didnt turn to the same position my old key switch used to. I then put 2 and 2 together and slammed the palm of my hand into my forhead.

Go ahead /FLAME ON

krue · 03-09-2005, 09:55 PM

Well, now you know how to trouble shoot a key off drain.

Seriously though, it will never happen to you again. And since you're man enough to admit it maybe you will help somebody else not look like a rookie.

CHEVY & GMC FOREVER · 03-09-2005, 10:05 PM

Hey I did it back when I was just getting my first ride (1972) and was to stupid to relize it, only thing is I dide'nt have any cash once I did find out what was goin' on to buy a battery charger or a new battery, so I had to work a couple weeks to get a batt. charger...

*screamin_c102* · 03-09-2005, 10:12 PM

Screamin had a loose brake pedal spring that would relax after about an hour and the brake lights would kick on for no reason in the middle of the night.

That one was a real pain to figure out.

I actually got up one night to see the brake lights on. I thought somebody was tryin to steal her, 'bout ripped her door off to realize she was empty.

Hope that makes ya feel a little better.....

**too much stuff** · 03-09-2005, 10:17 PM

Could be worse... like the guy that locked the keys in his truck... took him an hour to roll down the window and crawl out.

70 shorty · 03-09-2005, 10:20 PM

My DD you can take the key out while it's running. I like it because I can start it and then lock the doors after taking the key out. It's an 84, so I dont' have any of that newfangled remote unlock. It also makes it handy if you need to get in the trunk like when I used to use it to go to the dump (before I got the truck), I wouldn't have to turn it off.

*screamin_c102* · 03-09-2005, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70 shorty

It also makes it handy if you need to get in the trunk like when I used to use it to go to the dump (before I got the truck), I wouldn't have to turn it off.

You actually had to unlock your TRUNK in order to go to the dump?

RicksTrucks · 03-09-2005, 10:26 PM

My 69 is the same way, take the key out on any position. Great for starting on cold mornings and locking it up while it warms up. Problem the other day, had new tires put on and the kid parked it, turned the key all of the way and removed them. Must have drained enough to where it couldn't charge up fast enough and I ran out of juice driving down the road later that nite.

69 Short Fleet · 03-09-2005, 10:37 PM

Don't worry your not alone, I'm sure everyone on this board has "qualified" for the "what was I thinking" award at one time or another.

sdkid · 03-09-2005, 11:00 PM

The best lessons learned are usually the hardest.

mrein3 · 03-09-2005, 11:04 PM

I got a friend who's mom had a early 70's Buick Century. They had the thumb tumbler deal on the column that you turned instead of turning the key. He would take her keys, turn the tumbler just passed the lock position, remove the keys, and place them where she would look for them.

Then at night he'd go out, open the unlocked door, turn the tumbler, and off he would drive.

You're screwed if you ever shut it off and turn it to the lock position without a set of keys.

Another buddy simply made a copy of his mom's keys.

Being able to remove the key is nice when warming up in an urban setting in the winter. On my Chevelles the ignition key is the door key. In the winter you can start the car, remove the keys, lock the door, and go back inside for a few mintues.

**VetteVet** · 03-09-2005, 11:18 PM

Hey sooner it ain't a total loss. Look how much you learned about your truck. I was pretty sure you had a bad key switch and so were a couple of the other guys.
Any how it gave us something to do for a couple of hours.
Cheers
VetteVet

**Stocker** · 03-09-2005, 11:43 PM

Problem solved, so it's a happy ending.

As mentioned above, most of us have been there, only difference being some of us won't admit to it!

Gary Lee · 03-10-2005, 12:08 AM

I can relate did a bonehead move or two myself, but I don't dare say so here or my wife get the idea i am not infallible...

BraveDave · 03-10-2005, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sooner1970_K10

......I looked at my little test light and WALLA it wasnt on.

actually, it's spelled VOILA

(sorry, couldn't resist)

Brainchild · 03-10-2005, 01:57 AM

I can start Dads 72,the 67,and the 67 Dumptruck with my key.Handy for me.Funny thing is none of thier keys will start mine

And yes hte keys come out of mine while it's running.It's just a wear thing.

JBstor · 03-10-2005, 02:22 AM

Hey don't feel bad we are laughing with you!

Years ago I remember I borrowed a buddys old truck. I can't even remember what it was. A F@rd I think. Anyway, I get back, he hops in to leave with it, starts to drive, and screeches to a halt! He gets out and yells "What did you do to my truck????!!!

I had no idea what he was talking about, and told him so.

"The heater fan blows FAST now! How did you fix it????!!!!!" He asks

"Uh, I turned it on........" I says

He had owned the truck for most of a real cold Canadian winter, and hadn't yet read the knob on the heater control, you have to twist the knob to turn the fan on

JB

Sonny · 03-10-2005, 09:00 AM

I did a bonehead thing pretty good a few months back. I had my keys on a keychain tat had the loop with the threaded nut that you loosened to put keys on. Well this keychain the nut would back off and the keys would fall off. I thought I fixed it with a shot of threadlock... Well one day I am at work and I pull my keys out and set them on the desk and if the darn nut didn't come loose again! I found all my keys except the truck key. I start looking through my truck and couldn't find it. I couldn't go anywhere because the lock wasn't that worn out. So I run and buy another lock and install it. As I am cleaning up I take my floormat out and voila, there is my old key, under the floormat. When I was looking I just lifted the side up near the tranny hump. I still cannot figure out how I missed seeing the key the first time. Don't feel bad Sooner, we all have benn down that path....

Sonny

Trifelynn · 03-10-2005, 09:24 AM

Welcome to the club

As far as taking the keys out...

My older brother had an old chevelle...and he said when it was real cold in North Dakota, he would leave the beer in the trunk...so it would stay cold...he could take the key out of the ignition, and go back, pop the trunk, and get a beer, without turning the car off...haha...he said it was great...

That is what we call "pre-trunk poppers"

67ChevyRedneck · 03-10-2005, 09:44 AM

My parents had an old Nova we used to start with a screwdriver.

Hook'em · 03-10-2005, 10:44 AM

I did the same thing the first week I had my truck. Once by leaving it in the ACC position and twice by leaving the headlights on.

I have also been known to drive around with the parking brake on. The parking brake never gave any resistence, so I figured it didn't work. I had to get it inspected this week for the first time and I was worried about the parking brake not working. So I crawled around under the truck to see if I could find the problem with the parking brake. Nothing. Then for some reason I decided to engage the parking brake again, but this time pushed all of the way in. It is amazing how well it works when it is actually pushed in all the way. Passed inspection yesterday.

Dick Dale · 03-10-2005, 11:52 AM

I have already lost and found my keys twice since disassembly started. I am actually thinking about putting in a switch and a botton where the ignition key goes so I don't have to worry about it. Hell, I don't even have the keys to the door locks. I would solve all my problems by getting rid of all keys and the parking brake.

lpaine · 03-10-2005, 12:56 PM

It looks like you're not going to get "flamed" today, hey don't we all make silly mistakes? I've made my share........keep on truckin'

RON WOODGEARD · 03-10-2005, 06:15 PM

If the Key pulls out, I think most of us would Assume it was in the right position !!

If I were to really think about some of the Dumb things I have done over the years, I'd have to borrow a bunch of y'alls Fingers, and toes..

Well now you're more familiar with the electrical wiring on your truck .... " Not a bad thing!"

franko72 · 03-10-2005, 09:32 PM

most of us have had a few dealings like that .At least you are humble enough to admit it.I would have probably used the horn relay escape story.

03-09-2005, 09:46 PM	#1
Sooner1970_K10 1970 K10, 350, 4spd! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 128	Flame me please, I deserve it! Be gentle! As most of you know I have been fighting a mysterious battery drain for a couple of weeks now. Well I found the drain and I am almost to embarrased to post out what the cause was. I WAS THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG! ARGHHH!! I feel like beating my head on a wall and probably should for being so stupid! Here it is!! When I turned the key off, I was leaving it in the /ACC position instead of the /OFF position. There it is, as simple as that. You might as why I was doing this? The only thing I can tell you is I was ignorant. I have had the truck less than a year and just didnt have the experience to realize my mistake. You see the key cylinder/switch was so worn that the key could be pulled out at any position and as I found out today a (good) key switch must be pushed in and turned to get it into the /ACC position, well I didnt have to do that with my old one. I thought the key switch my be shorted out so today I went to NAPA and bought a new key switch. After I installed it, I looked at my little test light and WALLA it wasnt on. I then went to take out the key and NOTICED that the key didnt turn to the same position my old key switch used to. I then put 2 and 2 together and slammed the palm of my hand into my forhead. Go ahead /FLAME ON

03-09-2005, 09:55 PM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Well, now you know how to trouble shoot a key off drain. Seriously though, it will never happen to you again. And since you're man enough to admit it maybe you will help somebody else not look like a rookie. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

03-09-2005, 10:05 PM	#3
CHEVY & GMC FOREVER Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Lenox,IL Posts: 306	Hey I did it back when I was just getting my first ride (1972) and was to stupid to relize it, only thing is I dide'nt have any cash once I did find out what was goin' on to buy a battery charger or a new battery, so I had to work a couple weeks to get a batt. charger... __________________ 1985 Chevrolet C-30 454 1-TON Dooley 1969 CHEVROLET CST-10 PICK-UP Good memories 1999 Chevrolet Z71 Ext. cab 5.7L Good Memories With a quart of oil, and a gallon of gas, she won't let no other car pass!!!. & FOREVER

03-09-2005, 10:12 PM	#4
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	Screamin had a loose brake pedal spring that would relax after about an hour and the brake lights would kick on for no reason in the middle of the night. That one was a real pain to figure out. I actually got up one night to see the brake lights on. I thought somebody was tryin to steal her, 'bout ripped her door off to realize she was empty. Hope that makes ya feel a little better..... Last edited by screamin_c102; 03-09-2005 at 10:21 PM.

03-09-2005, 10:17 PM	#5
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,768	Could be worse... like the guy that locked the keys in his truck... took him an hour to roll down the window and crawl out. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

03-09-2005, 10:20 PM	#6
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,772	My DD you can take the key out while it's running. I like it because I can start it and then lock the doors after taking the key out. It's an 84, so I dont' have any of that newfangled remote unlock. It also makes it handy if you need to get in the trunk like when I used to use it to go to the dump (before I got the truck), I wouldn't have to turn it off. __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K

03-09-2005, 10:26 PM	#8
RicksTrucks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Claremore, OK 74017 Posts: 2,640	My 69 is the same way, take the key out on any position. Great for starting on cold mornings and locking it up while it warms up. Problem the other day, had new tires put on and the kid parked it, turned the key all of the way and removed them. Must have drained enough to where it couldn't charge up fast enough and I ran out of juice driving down the road later that nite. __________________ 68 Short Stepside C-10 69 SWB C-10 70 Flatbed C-20 70 LWB C-20 BB402 70 LWB C-10 CST 70 LWB C-10 CST 71 Short Stepside Cheyenne C-10 72 LWB C-10 72 Blazer 4x4 4spd 95 Jeep Cherokee 4x4

03-09-2005, 10:37 PM	#9
69 Short Fleet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 1,086	Don't worry your not alone, I'm sure everyone on this board has "qualified" for the "what was I thinking" award at one time or another.

03-09-2005, 11:00 PM	#10
sdkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pierre SD Posts: 1,533	The best lessons learned are usually the hardest. __________________ I think the world needs a drink... Help somebody...If you can....VanZant We're not wrong, we're not sorry, and its probably gonna happen again. That's the truth about men. Tracy Byrd Member# 13924 '70 c10, 350/350 '68 c10 250/4spd '68 c10 no eng/trans fac ps/pb/ac/at (future father/sons project) '48 Chevy Loadmaster

03-09-2005, 11:04 PM	#11
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	I got a friend who's mom had a early 70's Buick Century. They had the thumb tumbler deal on the column that you turned instead of turning the key. He would take her keys, turn the tumbler just passed the lock position, remove the keys, and place them where she would look for them. Then at night he'd go out, open the unlocked door, turn the tumbler, and off he would drive. You're screwed if you ever shut it off and turn it to the lock position without a set of keys. Another buddy simply made a copy of his mom's keys. Being able to remove the key is nice when warming up in an urban setting in the winter. On my Chevelles the ignition key is the door key. In the winter you can start the car, remove the keys, lock the door, and go back inside for a few mintues. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

03-09-2005, 11:18 PM	#12
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,717	Hey sooner it ain't a total loss. Look how much you learned about your truck. I was pretty sure you had a bad key switch and so were a couple of the other guys. Any how it gave us something to do for a couple of hours. Cheers VetteVet __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

03-09-2005, 11:43 PM	#13
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,694	Problem solved, so it's a happy ending. As mentioned above, most of us have been there, only difference being some of us won't admit to it! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

03-10-2005, 12:08 AM	#14
Gary Lee fixer of 72 GMC LWB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 111	Another spark of genius!!! I can relate did a bonehead move or two myself, but I don't dare say so here or my wife get the idea i am not infallible...

03-10-2005, 01:57 AM	#16
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I can start Dads 72,the 67,and the 67 Dumptruck with my key.Handy for me.Funny thing is none of thier keys will start mine And yes hte keys come out of mine while it's running.It's just a wear thing. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

03-10-2005, 02:22 AM	#17
JBstor Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 66	Hey don't feel bad we are laughing with you! Years ago I remember I borrowed a buddys old truck. I can't even remember what it was. A F@rd I think. Anyway, I get back, he hops in to leave with it, starts to drive, and screeches to a halt! He gets out and yells "What did you do to my truck????!!! I had no idea what he was talking about, and told him so. "The heater fan blows FAST now! How did you fix it????!!!!!" He asks "Uh, I turned it on........" I says He had owned the truck for most of a real cold Canadian winter, and hadn't yet read the knob on the heater control, you have to twist the knob to turn the fan on JB



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

03-10-2005, 09:00 AM	#18
Sonny Active Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Centerville, GA Posts: 240	I did a bonehead thing pretty good a few months back. I had my keys on a keychain tat had the loop with the threaded nut that you loosened to put keys on. Well this keychain the nut would back off and the keys would fall off. I thought I fixed it with a shot of threadlock... Well one day I am at work and I pull my keys out and set them on the desk and if the darn nut didn't come loose again! I found all my keys except the truck key. I start looking through my truck and couldn't find it. I couldn't go anywhere because the lock wasn't that worn out. So I run and buy another lock and install it. As I am cleaning up I take my floormat out and voila, there is my old key, under the floormat. When I was looking I just lifted the side up near the tranny hump. I still cannot figure out how I missed seeing the key the first time. Don't feel bad Sooner, we all have benn down that path.... Sonny

03-10-2005, 09:24 AM	#19
Trifelynn Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Williston, North Dakota Posts: 469	Welcome to the club As far as taking the keys out... My older brother had an old chevelle...and he said when it was real cold in North Dakota, he would leave the beer in the trunk...so it would stay cold...he could take the key out of the ignition, and go back, pop the trunk, and get a beer, without turning the car off...haha...he said it was great... That is what we call "pre-trunk poppers" __________________ Always looking for a 2wd blazer

03-10-2005, 09:44 AM	#20
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	My parents had an old Nova we used to start with a screwdriver. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-10-2005, 10:44 AM	#21
Hook'em Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 858	I did the same thing the first week I had my truck. Once by leaving it in the ACC position and twice by leaving the headlights on. I have also been known to drive around with the parking brake on. The parking brake never gave any resistence, so I figured it didn't work. I had to get it inspected this week for the first time and I was worried about the parking brake not working. So I crawled around under the truck to see if I could find the problem with the parking brake. Nothing. Then for some reason I decided to engage the parking brake again, but this time pushed all of the way in. It is amazing how well it works when it is actually pushed in all the way. Passed inspection yesterday. __________________ Hook'em

03-10-2005, 11:52 AM	#22
Dick Dale Excelsior, You Fathead. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Valparaiso, In Posts: 937	I have already lost and found my keys twice since disassembly started. I am actually thinking about putting in a switch and a botton where the ignition key goes so I don't have to worry about it. Hell, I don't even have the keys to the door locks. I would solve all my problems by getting rid of all keys and the parking brake. __________________ Go Navy. The Sea Is Ours. Budget 350 Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...38#post2264638

03-10-2005, 12:56 PM	#23
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	It looks like you're not going to get "flamed" today, hey don't we all make silly mistakes? I've made my share........keep on truckin' __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

03-10-2005, 06:15 PM	#24
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	If the Key pulls out, I think most of us would Assume it was in the right position !! If I were to really think about some of the Dumb things I have done over the years, I'd have to borrow a bunch of y'alls Fingers, and toes.. Well now you're more familiar with the electrical wiring on your truck .... " Not a bad thing!"

03-10-2005, 09:32 PM	#25
franko72 Franko72 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 471	most of us have had a few dealings like that .At least you are humble enough to admit it.I would have probably used the horn relay escape story. __________________ 1972 C20 cheyenne Super 402 BB/400 turbo LWB A/C Tilt, Cruise Control, Saddle tanks, Tach My Home Page Better to burn out than it is to rust

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.