66WES

'09 Z06. Never had a problem with the car until tonight.

Went out in the garage to start it and the dash lights come on; hit the ignition button and nothing. Dead, won't start. Dash lights and speedo/tach instruments are sweeping, coming on/off. Readout says" serivce anti-lock brakes and active handling." Also reads battery saver is on. I had to use the emergency door release to get out cause the car locked me inside. The dash lights remain on, headlights/taillights remain on. I cannot re-enter the car and the rear hatch won't open when using the FOB.

What the hell is up? Anyone ever experience this type of issue? Yes, its still under warranty.

VetteVinnie

Replace your battery.

DaOtherOne

66WES

Thanks, Evil. That was my first thought. However, the all the exterior lights and interior lights are on and have been for 2-3 hrs straight now. I CANNOT enter the car to turn anything off or get to the battery.

Is there another way to get in the car without using the FOB?

VetteVinnie

The way to get the car open without the FOB is to use the key in the fob. There's a keyhole above the rear license plate and a release cable under the hatch on the left hand side.

Power to handle the lights is very different from the cranking amps required to turn over the engine.

seamus2154

The key in your key fob is used to get into the trunk and the key hole is facing up by the license plate. These cars go nuts w/ a weak battery.

66WES

Damn! I read the entire manual when I bought the car and don't remember reading any of that.......lol. Thanks guys, I will try it. I remember seeing the cable in the rear hatch.

Now, with the lights on and nothing working with the FOB, what procedure should I use when disconnecting the battery. Don't want to ruin anything or burn anything up. Will not touch anything until I hear back from ya'll........

VetteVinnie

No procedure. Just disconnect it. Getting it out of that hole is the hardest part.

Stuff will relearn once you plug in a new battery. It should even retain the radio presets (mine did). Just don't try to get it to pass a Smog inspection anytime soon. Disconnecting the battery resets all of the emissions sensors.

OnPoint

When the batts are on their death bed these rigs freak out with all sort of weird electrical shenanigans.

1Sikstik

Did you leave the ignition switch on when you tried to start it? Just disconnect the negative then the positive if removing it completely, you wont hurt anything. Is the OEM battery?

66WES

LOL! Guys, thanks for the help. Had not ever had an issue with this car since new ownership until today. Freaked me out. Read the manuals, but that was so long ago I forgot about the FOB key. Tonight was the first time I ever took the FOB key out and even looked at the keyhole.

Appreciate the short notice help! Headed to get a battery as soon as the wife gets home.

Any recommendations? I am in Arizona, so the car does not deal with harsh weather and is always indoors unless being driven.

1SikStik, its the OEM battery. Yes, the igniton switch was left one, but its off now. Lights are off too. Headed to buy a battery.

CQT

I had this happen to me too. If you have a battery charger then just change up your battery. Drive to the dealer tomorrow and they should replace the battery for you under warranty. Will, the dealer I want to did.

66WES

Battery out; Done. Trick to get the battery out in 5-sec. Use a pair of vicegrips on the positive terminal (with some sort of insulation-I used foam), put right hand in open area on right side of battery housing opening and pull straight out; easy. I will drive to get a new battery tomorrow after work versus tonight. Thanks again fella's............

ByByBMW

Just FYI, I find that in the C6, 4 years seems to be pushing how long a battery lasts. You are probably beyond that now.

ghoust

I invested in a battery holder, 20 dollar buy from the local parts store, now pulling the battery out and carrying it around is a breeze. I will have to do the battery change in my wife's car in a few months here so i will be using it again shortly.

brians98ss

Living in Arizona myself, I usually replace my battery every 2-3 years. The summer temps out here will definitely affect battery lifespan.

Also, whenever I get back home after driving I will open the hood to get all that heat out of the engine bay. May or may not help but I like to think it is doing some good.

Brian

capevettes

It wouldn't hurt to get yourself a good battery tender like a C-Tek 3300 to use if the car is going to sit for prolonged periods. There are alot of systems in these cars that are kept in maintenance mode while it sits that can cause the battery to run down.

RedZ4me

Mine lasted 3 years........even with Ctek tender on it every so often. You need a battery

Oleman

Just replaced mine at 3 yr age as well. Did not strand me but started doing odd things. Replaced now all is good.

b4i4getit

This would not help the OP. The Z06 battery is in the rear.