1999 Firebird Trans Am tripmeter problem

On Nov 3, 8:29 am, HC <hboo....RemoveThis@gte.net> wrote:
> On Nov 2, 11:58 pm, HC <hboo....RemoveThis@gte.net> wrote:
>
> > Hey, all, I've got a 1999 Trans Am that's been well taken care of but
> > it's got a very annoying problem. When I drive the car the tripmeter
> > increments as it should but when I turn the car off and leave it
> > parked for a period of time (overnight) the tripmeter resets to zero.
> > I don't seem to have a problem with it resetting while running errands
> > around town and leaving the car parked for 20 or 30 minutes.
>
> > It's really annoying since I use that to track mileage and, mostly,
> > because it's just not right.
>
> > Any insight? Thank you in advance.
>
> > --HC
>
> I found an answer. First, supposedly, this can be caused by low temp
> starts (32 degrees or less) and/or low voltage conditions. There is a
> TSB ( # 99-08-49-009) for this. I'm going to try a new battery on the
> car first, and second, find out how much a new cluster will cost.
>
> HTH
>
> --HC

I have changed the battery on the car. I went out and started it one
morning but I checked the tripmeter first (rolled the key to run but
without starting the car) and found it had mileage after sitting all
night. Then I started the car and found that, after ignition, the
tripmeter showed no mileage. So, I replaced the battery and BAM no
problems. I can start the car, even after days of inactivity, and the
tripmeter info is retained. What is disturbing is the output voltage
according to the dash gauge which shows about 15 volts for the first
10 or 20 or so minutes (not kept an accurate measurement of it yet)
which indicates that the car is draining the battery while sitting. I
will put an ammeter between the battery and the car when not running
to find out how much drain is on the battery at rest.

--HC
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