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I didn't want to open up this can of worms but here are the facts: I drive the car AT least once a week. Last fall I installed a AC Delco 650CCA 90RC size(it is what the dealer sold me) I thought it looked small for the engine but, okay I'll try it.
Over the past few months when I go to start the car I get code C1214. After doing all of research on this forum there have been several suggestions that a weak battery can cause various codes. I check voltage at battery after car sits for a week it is 12.4-12.6. After charging for a while it will go as high as 12.9.
Before I take the module off and send to ABSfixer; I am trying to eliminate the simple items first. So, my original question; could the battery be too small?
I didn't want to open up this can of worms but here are the facts: I drive the car AT least once a week. Last fall I installed a AC Delco 650CCA 90RC size(it is what the dealer sold me) I thought it looked small for the engine but, okay I'll try it.
Over the past few months when I go to start the car I get code C1214. After doing all of research on this forum there have been several suggestions that a weak battery can cause various codes. I check voltage at battery after car sits for a week it is 12.4-12.6. After charging for a while it will go as high as 12.9.
Before I take the module off and send to ABSfixer; I am trying to eliminate the simple items first. So, my original question; could the battery be too small?
IMO (not an expert by any means), yes; 110-120 would be ideal. I have a similar size battery as you and get the pull key warning only when the car isn't started for a few days. Otherwise never.
I'm running an AC Delco Professional 75PG. It says on the battery 700CCA.
I've never had any issues with it. It's been in the car for a couple of years now. I keep it on an automatic charger during the winter months and if it sits for 2 weeks or more otherwise.
My 2003 Service Manual calls for a 75P-7YR replacement battery which is rated at 500CCA and has a reserve capacity of 80 minutes.
This is the 78 Series I have been using for the past 4 years - best battery of 4 I have had in my C5. I had planned on replacing it this next September, but according to the Sears website they no longer make it?
I also had an older size 75 Delco battery and was sometimes getting the c1214 code as well. I thought an ECBM removal and repair was in my future but after replacing the Delco with an AGM size 75 battery (snug fit but sits fine in the tray) from Advance I haven't had ANY codes for 4 months now. Highly advise a replacement. And buy the battery online and use code TRT30 for a 30% discount-- then go & pick up at a store near you.
I do keep it on a Cytek charger when sitting still just to maintain a full charge. With the new battery, C6 Z06 shocks, Z51 sways and new end links I have a very happy Vette in my carport.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by thisMSGgood4me
After doing a little further research, it seems that while the Group 75 battery is what's recommended, a Group 78 battery, although slightly larger in size, will fit. A benefit of the 78 is that it's typically higher in both CCA and RC relative to a comparable 75. So if you need or want the additional capacity, go with the 78, but expect to probably pay a bit more for it than its 75 equivalent.
The 75 is the MINIMUM.
Group size 78 is ideal (and best), not to mention lasts longer as well.
This is the 78 Series I have been using for the past 4 years - best battery of 4 I have had in my C5. I had planned on replacing it this next September, but according to the Sears website they no longer make it?
That's the battery in my C5. It's not surprising Sears no longer makes it considering the restructuring issues the company is going through, but unfortunate considering that it's actually a REALLY good battery.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by Velocity_Vette
That's the battery in my C5. It's not surprising Sears no longer makes it considering the restructuring issues the company is going through, but unfortunate considering that it's actually a REALLY good battery.
FYI, Sears never "made" it in the first place. It was manufactured in Missouri by Enersys Corp. Their "Odyssey" line of premium batteries is first rate.
Scroll down to "34/78-PC1500" It is the Sears battery posted by Choreo in post #10.
I also had an older size 75 Delco battery and was sometimes getting the c1214 code as well. I thought an ECBM removal and repair was in my future but after replacing the Delco with an AGM size 75 battery (snug fit but sits fine in the tray) from Advance I haven't had ANY codes for 4 months now. Highly advise a replacement. And buy the battery online and use code TRT30 for a 30% discount-- then go & pick up at a store near you.
I do keep it on a Cytek charger when sitting still just to maintain a full charge. With the new battery, C6 Z06 shocks, Z51 sways and new end links I have a very happy Vette in my carport.
Thanks for this info. Its something about the battery that i am leaning towards. I even got a code the other night for a seat position; Any certain name on the battery you bought?
It's also the RECOMMENDED battery by AC Delco, DieHard and the auto parts chains. I'm not disputing that the 78 is better, there's little doubt it is. So this gives owners a choice, use the recommended battery or upgrade to one with a bit more capacity. Having that choice is good IMO.
BTW, if the 78 is the "ideal" battery, why isn't it the one that's recommended? After all, by recommending it over the 75, wouldn't the retailers make more money?
He (retailer) who makes the jump to a better recommended battery might price themselves out of a sale. 95% of potential customers shop by price.
Vendor A: Our battery is $99
Vendor B: Our battery is $98
Vendor C: Our battery is $125 because it's a group 78 which is what we recommend for your car...
Note to self; cross vendor C off list (not me, but most buyers; remember most buyers are not car fanatics or Corvette owners, just people needing a battery).
I see your point and agree to an extent. However, when the "recommended" battery just isn't up to snuff in terms of providing what's needed to keep the vehicle running properly and reliably, and people are aware of this (the possible shortcomings of the "recommended" battery), then most people will understand and move up to the upgraded battery, because they know it will get the job done while the "recommended" battery may not and fail them at an inopportune time. And I don't think this just applies to car fanatics or Vette owners. People will pay a little more for a better product, knowing that the extra cost is worth it in the long run. That's why most people I think are willing to pay more for the gold battery than just buying the silver one. It's the extra peace of mind the better battery is supposed to provide.
I believe any well informed, savy, C5 owner will opt for the most efficient battery possible, seeing how a LOT of C5 electrical issues can be Low Voltage related Those that have had batteries that performed well and lasted for a long time are the ones I would be in the market for... regardless of brand. Letting a C5 set for extended periods of time without a Tender of some kind is also a BAD idea...
GOOD Battery, Grounds, Connections = happy C5 electronics
FYI, Sears never "made" it in the first place. It was manufactured in Missouri by Enersys Corp. Their "Odyssey" line of premium batteries is first rate.
Scroll down to "34/78-PC1500" It is the Sears battery posted by Choreo in post #10.
Thanks for the info! I knew it was an Odyssey, but was concerned I could not get another from Sears. I now see that Sears Marketplace offers the Odyssey Model you referenced for $325! I also see it online for about $260 (about what I paid 4 years ago). Can't believe I may be buying a car battery online!
I read the all to many posts on batteries claiming one is better. I solve the issue. I replace the batteries in my Vette and the other two cars every 4 years whether they need it or not. One time having wife stranded because of a dead battery was my learning lesson.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by thisMSGgood4me
It's also the RECOMMENDED battery by AC Delco, DieHard and the auto parts chains. I'm not disputing that the 78 is better, there's little doubt it is. So this gives owners a choice, use the recommended battery or upgrade to one with a bit more capacity. Having that choice is good IMO.
BTW, if the 78 is the "ideal" battery, why isn't it the one that's recommended? After all, by recommending it over the 75, wouldn't the retailers make more money?
Again, the 75 meets minimum standards. In the world of auto manufacturers, batteries that meet the minimums are usually what's "recommended". Same holds for Ford, Chrysler, etc.
"Recommended" is far from being the best (superior) choice, especially for overall longevity. The 78s, regardless of brand, will usually outlast the 75s due primarily to it's physical case size. More square inches of plates per cell equates to more Reserve Capacity and longer life.
The average car owner does not keep their vehicle for 6, 8, 10 years, and if they need to replace the battery (often before selling it), they will go back to a minimum (or even lower, cheaper) battery.
Btw, the car companies, by and large, are not the ones selling the batteries so the "retailers making more money" is irrelevant.
The 78s, regardless of brand, will usually outlast the 75s due primarily to it's physical case size. More square inches of plates per cell equates to more Reserve Capacity and longer life.
All I can say is that after two AC Delcos and two red-tops, the Die Hard 78 has outperformed all the others in my C5. I have never had ANY of the 5 batteries in my C5 "fail" to start the car, but the red-tops for some reason always gave me lower voltage readings on the dash gauge (which is unexplainable) and I had a tendency to experience more glitches like occasionally losing mirror settings. The original AC Delco was replaced under warranty, but I don't think the dealer knew what they were doing - I am pretty sure it was fine. I switched to red-tops thinking they might be a better choice, but based on the past 4 years, I would like to stay with the Odyssey 78 I think.
07-11-2016, 04:13 PM
