a 6 year old battery in your part of the world...it may last till next winter, but don't look for it to last through next winter.
Battery Replacement?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Tolland CT
Battery Replacement?
My 01 wouldn't start on one occasion, in below zero weather. It was jumped and has never hesitated to start since. Probably started about 20 times since then. The volts read 14.5 on the instrument panel, it's the original 7yr. Delco. Do I really need to replace it? I normally only drive it in warm temps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,441
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From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Considering the age and the way you drive it, i would replace it if it were me. Then you won't have to worry about it. You got a lot of life out of the old one. 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Wellsboro Pa
I just bought a Delco Professional 6 year for $87 to replace the Delco in my 98 Vette. Your Delco got you 6 years of good service, why spend $148 for a red top? That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
It is more common than you think that the OEM AC Delco AGM batteries last 6 years or more. The OEM battery in my 01 C5 is still going strong and I'll bet it soars past the 6 year mark; it IS an incredible battery. Needless-to-say, I will be getting an AC Delco Professional battery (60-month free replacement warranty) whenever this one fails on me. For <$90, it represents a heck of a value.
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I'd probably replace it. Better to be safe than sorry at a most inopportune time.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My 01 wouldn't start on one occasion, in below zero weather. It was jumped and has never hesitated to start since. Probably started about 20 times since then. The volts read 14.5 on the instrument panel, it's the original 7yr. Delco. Do I really need to replace it? I normally only drive it in warm temps.
A battery of that age is prone to leaking. Seven years is a good run but replace it now before you have a leak. The PCM is under the battery tray. Toxdoc posted athread showing the damage after his AC Delco leaked:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1539128
The pics are missing now but heres a copy of the PCM damage
Scary
To me its a no brainer. At $150 a new battery is a good insurance policy.
Last edited by DeeGee; Mar 12, 2007 at 01:51 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Tolland CT
Good point, I've heard mixed reviews on the top end batteries. I don't have much mechanical expierience, how difficult is putting in a new battery?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
It's super easy, undo the ground first (black wire) then take off the positive wire (red one) I think it was a 13mm head bolt, remove the hold down bolt and lift out the old one. When putting in the new one just reverse the process. Just remember take the ground off first and replace it last. Napa and NTB stores will install it free in most cases. I just don't want someone else wrenching on my car. David 
PS. when you hook up the ground it might spark a little, that's ok. It is because the hood light will turn on after completing the circuit.
PS. when you hook up the ground it might spark a little, that's ok. It is because the hood light will turn on after completing the circuit.
Last edited by tellefan; Mar 13, 2007 at 06:02 PM. Reason: ps also can't type, lol
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
And whatever you do, hold on to your wrenches, hold down clip and bolt. You don't want to drop them in the "black hole of Calcutta". If you have large hands it's a little tough to get a good grip on the battery unless you pull the divider out.
I pulled mine out to install an acid mat and when I hooked the neg cable back up I heard a distinct clunk in the area of the PCM. Didn't drop anything. Car started ok and ran good. Anybody know what the noise might have been?
Cheers
I pulled mine out to install an acid mat and when I hooked the neg cable back up I heard a distinct clunk in the area of the PCM. Didn't drop anything. Car started ok and ran good. Anybody know what the noise might have been?
Cheers
Last edited by PierEagle; Mar 13, 2007 at 12:10 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Tolland CT
It's super easy, undo the ground first (black wire) then take off the positive wire (red one) I think it was a 13mm head bolt, remove the hold down bolt and lift out the old one. When putting in the new one just reverse the process. Just remember take the ground off first and replace it last. Napa and NTB sores will install it free in most cases. I just don't want someone else wrenching on my car. David
PS. when you hook up the ground it might spark a little, that's ok. It is because the hood light will turn on after completing the circuit.
PS. when you hook up the ground it might spark a little, that's ok. It is because the hood light will turn on after completing the circuit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 139
From: center of Kalifornia
If I had a battery that was 5yrs or older I would get rid of it. For just $125 the piece of mind is worth it when you are in the middle of the Mojave desert on the way to Las Vegas or driving down the coast highway. I don't want to know how long it will last, I don't ever want to know. Cost of tow and time spent to get back on the road. 
Just my opinion......................
Just my opinion......................