Reverse Gear to save Battery Drain?
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Reverse Gear to save Battery Drain?
I was over at my brother-in-law's yesterday and we wandered out into the garage to have a look at his much-loved C5. Can't remember what year it is, but believe it's a post '99.
I pointed out to him the light on his battery tender was red. He mentioned to me he has had to replace at least one battery (the car has but 18K miles).
I asked him if he left the car in reverse when parked (it's a manual) and he looked at me as if I was crazy. Said he never heard of such a thing.
My question is: was that reverse - I'll call - power saver feature common to all C5s or just some specific years? I know my '07 C6 doesn't require it.
Did I tell an untruth to my BiL?
I pointed out to him the light on his battery tender was red. He mentioned to me he has had to replace at least one battery (the car has but 18K miles).
I asked him if he left the car in reverse when parked (it's a manual) and he looked at me as if I was crazy. Said he never heard of such a thing.
My question is: was that reverse - I'll call - power saver feature common to all C5s or just some specific years? I know my '07 C6 doesn't require it.
Did I tell an untruth to my BiL?
#4
Race Director
#6
Drifting
#8
Race Director
I think that's because it's the lowest gear to prevent rolling. Even if you're not on an incline, put it into reverse with the emergency brake pulled in case of an accidental bump.
Last edited by hotwheels57; 01-25-2010 at 06:29 PM.
#10
Le Mans Master
#12
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Okay, y'all made me run out to the garage and get the manual for my '07 C6. Indeed it does suggest that the car be left in reverse when parked. No mention of any power-saving feature. Though the manual does talk about a battery saving feature in cases where the lights (parking, interior, etc) might have been left on, but nothing there about leaving the car parked in reverse.
So why don't any of my other manual transmission-equipped cars suggest this procedure be followed? No reply necessary. I think you have all cleared this up for me. Now I have to call my brother-in-law and tell him I don't know what I was talking about.
Advice much appreciated. Thanks.
Now what I need to know is what recourse I might have toward the dealer who sold me my 'C6 and told me it would be a surfire "Babe Magnet"? There's nothing in the warranty booklet to suggest it's something that would be covered. Should I appeal to GM or just write the state attorney general, consumer fraud department?
Or maybe give up on the gold chains, chest hair wigs and stop using so much English Leather? Maybe leave the poodle at home?
Thanks
#15
Race Director
Now what I need to know is what recourse I might have toward the dealer who sold me my 'C6 and told me it would be a surfire "Babe Magnet"? There's nothing in the warranty booklet to suggest it's something that would be covered. Should I appeal to GM or just write the state attorney general, consumer fraud department?
Or maybe give up on the gold chains, chest hair wigs and stop using so much English Leather? Maybe leave the poodle at home?
Thanks
#16
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The C5 did not require the car to be in reverse to keep the battery from draining. However, there are some systems on the C5 that do place a constant draw on the battery - thus the recommendation that if the car will not be driven for a while, keep it hooked to a Battery Tender.