Replace Battery
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Redlands CA
Replace Battery
Ok - I'm a newby - Looks like the battery on my 2000 may be leaking a little and I want to replace it. Chevy dealer says about $250. So... I can have my friend with a Costco card get a red top for $100.
Now I've changed a battery before in my truck but this C5 is my baby! Questions: Should I take the old battery to Costco for trade in? IF they don't want it as a trade in, what do I do with it? What can I do wrong (or avoid) when changing batteries, how tough can it be? When the car is disconnected is it going to cause computer, memory or other problems? Will I then need to reprogram or anything? Like maybe flip the cupholder 3 times? Thanks - really enjoying the CorvetterForum...
Now I've changed a battery before in my truck but this C5 is my baby! Questions: Should I take the old battery to Costco for trade in? IF they don't want it as a trade in, what do I do with it? What can I do wrong (or avoid) when changing batteries, how tough can it be? When the car is disconnected is it going to cause computer, memory or other problems? Will I then need to reprogram or anything? Like maybe flip the cupholder 3 times? Thanks - really enjoying the CorvetterForum...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: TN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by gwood
Ok - I'm a newby - Looks like the battery on my 2000 may be leaking a little and I want to replace it. Chevy dealer says about $250. So... I can have my friend with a Costco card get a red top for $100.
Now I've changed a battery before in my truck but this C5 is my baby! Questions: Should I take the old battery to Costco for trade in? IF they don't want it as a trade in, what do I do with it? What can I do wrong (or avoid) when changing batteries, how tough can it be? When the car is disconnected is it going to cause computer, memory or other problems? Will I then need to reprogram or anything? Like maybe flip the cupholder 3 times? Thanks - really enjoying the CorvetterForum...
Now I've changed a battery before in my truck but this C5 is my baby! Questions: Should I take the old battery to Costco for trade in? IF they don't want it as a trade in, what do I do with it? What can I do wrong (or avoid) when changing batteries, how tough can it be? When the car is disconnected is it going to cause computer, memory or other problems? Will I then need to reprogram or anything? Like maybe flip the cupholder 3 times? Thanks - really enjoying the CorvetterForum...
To change- get a 1/2" socket and extension w/ a ratchet ,take off the hold down on the bottom. Get a 5/16" wrench and take off the negative first, then the positive. Exchange batteries, and reverse to process(positive first, negative last, hold down). I didn't have any memory problems but I exchanged the batteries quickly. Costco should charge you a core charge, bring the old battery back to them, but if they dont take it, take it to an auto store, they'll take it, or charge it back up and keep it for a spare emergency battery!
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: North Reading MA
I know where you're coming from. I had never changed out a battery before doing my Corvette a couple of months though. It's pretty easy. I pulled the old battery out and didn't put the new battery back in for a week or two and I didn't have to re-program the remote or the radio! I was surprised at that. 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 366
From: Montoursville Pa
Originally Posted by gwood
Well the $250 included switching out the batteries and cleaning up a leakage mess. Still, $150 difference will buy me a little gas, even in California. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 121
From: Madison (Huntsville) Alabama
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
If you have leakage (or even if you don't), you can clean up the mess with a mixture of baking soda and water. The baking soda neutralizes the acid.
The changeout is not difficult, but getting to the side terminals is a little bit of a pain because of the close quarters.
I'd definitely do it myself, or let the auto store do it. They'll do it free.
The changeout is not difficult, but getting to the side terminals is a little bit of a pain because of the close quarters.
I'd definitely do it myself, or let the auto store do it. They'll do it free.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 548
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Originally Posted by gwood
Well the $250 included switching out the batteries and cleaning up a leakage mess. Still, $150 difference will buy me a little gas, even in California.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 0
From: Machine Silver Z06 The Golden State......... Bay Area
St. Jude Donor '05
I just bought a Red Top from Costco and they didn't tack on a core charge so I assume they don't want your old battery. Good luck with the new battery.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Redlands CA
My battery replacement went smoothly. I did have quite a bit of leakage. If you haven't checked yours you really should. The tray below the battery comes out pretty easy with removing 4 large screws and then I was able to do a better job of clean-up. Looks like I didn't loose any memory either during the exchange which was a concern of mine. Thanks to all for your help...
