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Tech Tips :: C5 Related Tech Tips :: 1997 - early 2001 Battery Acid Leakage Issue

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All 1997 to 2000 C5's have a very potential battery leakage problem. The problem isn't so much that the battery leaks, but that it leaks on the computer, wiring harness, frame and one vacuum hose for the A/C controls. The battery tray is open in the center, and will direct the acid straight onto your computer! This can become an expensive repair, and is NOT covered by any extended warranty. If your car is still under the original warranty and has the original battery it is covered! If you have not already done so, replace your battery with either a Optima Redtop (available from several of the Forum vendors) or the ACDelco AGM 78P-7YR (List $149, I paid $101.99). Make special note of the P in the part number. This is what specifies that this battery is a AGM (Absorbant Glass Mat) AGM is a newer type of battery construction that uses saturated absorbant glass mats rather than gelled or liquid electrolyte. They will not leak acid. At some point in 2001, GM started to use the newer AGM batteries with a GM part number of 75P-7YR. The battery tray size also changed to slightly smaller size. Thus the reason that this is only an issue with earlier C5's. I was also given a brass washer to put on the positive battery post from my GM parts guy. He stated that the problem with the batteries is the positive battery cable's bolt acts as a puller, and will actually pull the terminal out of the battery dumping acid. While probably not needed the the AGM battery, I would still recommend it. ACDelco Battery Specs : 1997 - early-2001 78P-7YR 650 CCA early-2001 - present 75P-7YR 550 CCA