Quick how to on battery replacement
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,703
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From: Don't taze me 'Bro! VA
Quick how to on battery replacement
I think I am going to need a new battery in my C5 soon. Is it as simple as pulling out the old and putting in a new one? Why am I skeptical that there will be hidden dangers?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Yep loosen negative, then positive then the battery hold down. Battery post are standard not metric, hold down bolt is metric 14mm. Make sure the new battery bottom lip fits under the lip at the rear of the tray, keeps it from tipping forward. Install the hold down, then positive then negative. Good to go. I've seen the tire press sensor disappear but they come back one you get them going and the pressure comes up to about 32.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Hawaii
I was wondering about this myself. Ok, so what I am to assume (ugh!!!) is that I will not have to reprogram my auto settings (stereo, seats, entry/running lights, alarms/door locks....? On some cars simply pluging in a 9 to 12 volt battery into the cigerette lighter when changing a battery will do the trick. I was told this will not work in the C5.
As an aside: I saw that Optima has just come out with a smaller (as in mini) version of their red/yellow top batteries that is just as good. It was about less than half the size and weight and had all the advantages of the full size ones. Anyone hear about this or bought one? It was on one of the "Autoblock" (Sat/Sun.) TV shows.
As an aside: I saw that Optima has just come out with a smaller (as in mini) version of their red/yellow top batteries that is just as good. It was about less than half the size and weight and had all the advantages of the full size ones. Anyone hear about this or bought one? It was on one of the "Autoblock" (Sat/Sun.) TV shows.
Last edited by HawnHog; Jan 20, 2008 at 09:33 PM.
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You may lose stored radio stations, and if your radio blinks when you turn off the engine... your car has a security radio code you wont be able to use the radio unless you know the code or go through the GM technical help line to get security code.
AS far as the battery: remove the negative first, then the positive.
AS far as the battery: remove the negative first, then the positive.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,703
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From: Don't taze me 'Bro! VA
I was wondering about this myself. Ok, so what I am to assume (ugh!!!) is that I will not have to reprogram my auto settings (stereo, seats, entry/running lights, alarms/door locks....? On some cars simply pluging in a 9 to 12 volt battery into the cigerette lighter when changing a battery will do the trick. I was told this will not work in the C5.
As an aside: I saw that Optima has just come out with a smaller (as in mini) version of their red/yellow top batteries that is just as good. It was about less than half the size and weight and had all the advantages of the full size ones. Anyone hear about this or bought one? It was on one of the "Autoblock" (Sat/Sun.) TV shows.
As an aside: I saw that Optima has just come out with a smaller (as in mini) version of their red/yellow top batteries that is just as good. It was about less than half the size and weight and had all the advantages of the full size ones. Anyone hear about this or bought one? It was on one of the "Autoblock" (Sat/Sun.) TV shows.
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
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You mut have replaced a battery in a C4 before. 
The C5 is straightforward and like any other vehicle. Very easy.
The C5 is straightforward and like any other vehicle. Very easy.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I was wondering about this myself. Ok, so what I am to assume (ugh!!!) is that I will not have to reprogram my auto settings (stereo, seats, entry/running lights, alarms/door locks....? On some cars simply pluging in a 9 to 12 volt battery into the cigerette lighter when changing a battery will do the trick. I was told this will not work in the C5.
As an aside: I saw that Optima has just come out with a smaller (as in mini) version of their red/yellow top batteries that is just as good. It was about less than half the size and weight and had all the advantages of the full size ones. Anyone hear about this or bought one? It was on one of the "Autoblock" (Sat/Sun.) TV shows.
As an aside: I saw that Optima has just come out with a smaller (as in mini) version of their red/yellow top batteries that is just as good. It was about less than half the size and weight and had all the advantages of the full size ones. Anyone hear about this or bought one? It was on one of the "Autoblock" (Sat/Sun.) TV shows.
If you allow the battery to drain down in the vehicle you will have a few other issues to deal with. Low voltage on the BCM will cause a number of codes. To put the system back into full operating mode you must clear the codes first. If you haven't resolved your column lock issues, you more than likely will experience a service column lock very soon thereafter.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,703
Likes: 1
From: Don't taze me 'Bro! VA
If you allow the battery to drain down in the vehicle you will have a few other issues to deal with. Low voltage on the BCM will cause a number of codes. To put the system back into full operating mode you must clear the codes first. If you haven't resolved your column lock issues, you more than likely will experience a service column lock very soon thereafter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Yes I would. I hate it when I ignore the first signs and then get stuck somewhere. With a vehicle highly dependent on electricity, it gets quite unhappy when you starve it of juice.
I've had my battery die, get re-charged to go get a replacement, remove/replace it, and then remove/replace again to install a piece of absorbent. No problems with the FOB. Like I said you could have missing info from the sensors but that will go away as you start driving. (My vehicle has not had the radio code set, so I don't know how that affects things.)
I've had my battery die, get re-charged to go get a replacement, remove/replace it, and then remove/replace again to install a piece of absorbent. No problems with the FOB. Like I said you could have missing info from the sensors but that will go away as you start driving. (My vehicle has not had the radio code set, so I don't know how that affects things.)
Last edited by Jet-Jock; Jan 21, 2008 at 09:19 AM. Reason: Info on theft code.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
I would also recommend you put this battery mat under the battery when you install the new one. It inexpensive and could prevent damage in case battery ever leaks.
http://www.dccarcare.com/battery.html
http://www.dccarcare.com/battery.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Holland Landing Ontario
You may lose stored radio stations, and if your radio blinks when you turn off the engine... your car has a security radio code you wont be able to use the radio unless you know the code or go through the GM technical help line to get security code.
AS far as the battery: remove the negative first, then the positive.
AS far as the battery: remove the negative first, then the positive.
Make sure you have your radio code.
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Yes, it is that easy. You may have to reset some things though when you make the swap (maybe radio, fobs, etc.)