Battery going... What do you all think?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 334
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From: Honolulu Hawaii
Battery going... What do you all think?
Well I'm thinking I may need a new battery, I've noticed the car doesn't turn over as quickly as it should... That first start of the day seems a bit labored and kind of reminds me of my old Hondas (not ricers, just point A to B cars). I know the OEM Honda batteries all seem to die exactly at 4 years and wonder if this OEM Delco battery will do the same. I'm pretty sure my Vettes battery is original equipment and over 3 years old... What do you think, time for a change, maybe to a Redtop?
I'm pretty sure everything else is solid; the voltmeter looks pretty good during driving, etc. (13.2 to 14.2) but that first start of the day, accessories off, drops the voltage well into the red. The car does start though!!!
TIA & Mahalo!!!
Mark
I'm pretty sure everything else is solid; the voltmeter looks pretty good during driving, etc. (13.2 to 14.2) but that first start of the day, accessories off, drops the voltage well into the red. The car does start though!!!
TIA & Mahalo!!!
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I just paid $13 at Sears to have them check my electrical: Alternator, battery, etc. I traced my issue to something in the ignition cylinder.
A red top wouldn't hurt, only real difference would be since it's sealed, it shoudn't leak. CostCo carries them for $99
What about checking the spark plugs?
A red top wouldn't hurt, only real difference would be since it's sealed, it shoudn't leak. CostCo carries them for $99
What about checking the spark plugs?
Last edited by MyVetteDream; Oct 10, 2005 at 03:21 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Redacted
The C5 batteries have been a sore spot. The earlier models with flooded cell, side post batteries had a problem with leaking acid and corroding up the computer wiring harness which is right under the battery box.
Then they switched to the AGM battery, which doesn't leak, weighs less, but has a habit of failing suddenly without warning. It also doesn't have much reserve capacity, so that 10 minutes with the headlights on, the car may not start.
In late 03, they switched to a flooded cell top-post battery, which supposedly fixed all the problems.
My 02's AGM battery is still working. The Optima batteries seem to be the replacement of choice though.
Then they switched to the AGM battery, which doesn't leak, weighs less, but has a habit of failing suddenly without warning. It also doesn't have much reserve capacity, so that 10 minutes with the headlights on, the car may not start.
In late 03, they switched to a flooded cell top-post battery, which supposedly fixed all the problems.
My 02's AGM battery is still working. The Optima batteries seem to be the replacement of choice though.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I think you've done well to last out 3 years. 
My OEM AC Delco died after 18 months. Nothing dramatic but it just went totally dead. Other members have had leaking batteries.
My OEM AC Delco in the Camaro lasted longer but not in the Vegas heat. A year of that and it quit leaving battery acid everywhere
From previous posts, if you even think the battery is about to go change it. Cleaning acid from wiring looms is not fun by all accounts.
I've gone for Optima Red Tops in both cars and they are great.
My OEM AC Delco died after 18 months. Nothing dramatic but it just went totally dead. Other members have had leaking batteries.
My OEM AC Delco in the Camaro lasted longer but not in the Vegas heat. A year of that and it quit leaving battery acid everywhere
From previous posts, if you even think the battery is about to go change it. Cleaning acid from wiring looms is not fun by all accounts.
I've gone for Optima Red Tops in both cars and they are great.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 334
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From: Honolulu Hawaii
Thanks guys!!! I love this forum!
I'm off the to the office for a few but plan on dropping by Sears as well. I'll have them run a quick check & replace the battery if that's where the trouble is.
Mahalo!!!
Mark
I'm off the to the office for a few but plan on dropping by Sears as well. I'll have them run a quick check & replace the battery if that's where the trouble is.
Mahalo!!!
Mark
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RedTop is a good choice, but I would get the system checked out first to make sure that is the source of the problem.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Dardenne Prairie Mo.
Our battery died on our vert sunday while my wife was at her brothers so she had to have her brother give her a jump to get it started and back home.
I was deployed to new orleans on the 6 oct and wont be home till the week of ther 24 will it hurt my car to sit with a dead battery till i get home to put a red top on it?
Thanks Randy
I was deployed to new orleans on the 6 oct and wont be home till the week of ther 24 will it hurt my car to sit with a dead battery till i get home to put a red top on it?
Thanks Randy
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by larrysb
The C5 batteries have been a sore spot. The earlier models with flooded cell, side post batteries had a problem with leaking acid and corroding up the computer wiring harness which is right under the battery box.
Then they switched to the AGM battery, which doesn't leak, weighs less, but has a habit of failing suddenly without warning. It also doesn't have much reserve capacity, so that 10 minutes with the headlights on, the car may not start.
In late 03, they switched to a flooded cell top-post battery, which supposedly fixed all the problems.
My 02's AGM battery is still working. The Optima batteries seem to be the replacement of choice though.
Then they switched to the AGM battery, which doesn't leak, weighs less, but has a habit of failing suddenly without warning. It also doesn't have much reserve capacity, so that 10 minutes with the headlights on, the car may not start.
In late 03, they switched to a flooded cell top-post battery, which supposedly fixed all the problems.
My 02's AGM battery is still working. The Optima batteries seem to be the replacement of choice though.
C5 batteries are quite the bane of C5 ownership existence. Bought an Optima, and, have had excellent service three years since.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
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Give the Napa Gel Battery a try. I have them in all 10 of my vehicles. Leaks are not possible and you can't beat the free replacement warranty. I do like them better than Optima, unless of course you must have a RED Topped Battery. The Napa version is Black and is made by Exide Corporation.
Rich
CAR Motorsports
Rich
CAR Motorsports
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 334
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From: Honolulu Hawaii
Just back from the office (fun, fun) and Sears... It was the Battery, all the other bits checkout... A 75/35 Optima RedTop now occupies the battery well
Thanks again for the help & point out to NAPA Gel-cell battery as well... My wifes Accord is in need of a new battery & I may go that route for her car
Mahalo!
Mark
Thanks again for the help & point out to NAPA Gel-cell battery as well... My wifes Accord is in need of a new battery & I may go that route for her car
Mahalo!
Mark
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
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From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by Boomah
Just back from the office (fun, fun) and Sears... It was the Battery, all the other bits checkout... A 75/35 Optima RedTop now occupies the battery well
Thanks again for the help & point out to NAPA Gel-cell battery as well... My wifes Accord is in need of a new battery & I may go that route for her car
Mahalo!
Mark
Thanks again for the help & point out to NAPA Gel-cell battery as well... My wifes Accord is in need of a new battery & I may go that route for her car
Mahalo!
Mark
Glad you got it fixed...
Mahalo for keeping us posted
Dave Q.
