My Z28 eats up optima red tops. I am on my third red top in 6 years. Just put a brand new one in and ran the car for about 30 mins. Went to start it up a few weeks later and nothing. Example:

1) reinstall battery, everything lights up etc.

2) go to prime fuel pump - works.

3) try to turn over engine - everything dies. no more blinking security light etc. Just like a dead battery, but it can't be dead.

What is goin on?

 

You need a voltmeter to determine what is going on. Is it charging? Is it draining too fast when off? All stuff you would be able to determine with a meter.

Hal

 

Does your car sit for extended periods of time without use? From your description it appears your are removing when the car is not used for extended periods, then reinstalling it.
I tried a Red Top and it lasted only 6 months, apparently not liking to sit in the car, unused for extended periods of time. I replaced it with an AC/Delco Professional, and it lasted 8 years under the exact same conditions of infrequent use.

 

I bought the red top because it sits, bad idea I guess.

 

Consider getting a "Battery Tender". Saves the battery over extended period of non-use.

 

i had the same problem until i replaced the ignation switch . they do go bad and do the same thing you said

 

It was a bad key! One key works and it cranked up. Tried the other key and the car totally shuts down. How does a key go bad?

 

Your description of the problem seems to have changed. In your original post you indicated you got nothing when you tried to start it. Now it appears it starts, but then "totally shuts down".

The resistor pellet in the key could be dirty, preventing it from starting, but once it starts, the pellet problem will not cause the engine to shut down.

 

Well I just tried an old key and it started. The key I had been using just all of a sudden stopped working (car just shut down)

Thx for replies.