Dead battery again
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Heights Illinois
Dead battery again
I am a recent owner of a 2002 Z06 and a long time owner of a 94 coupe. I am unlucky enough to live in freezing, snowy Chicago and only get to rev the "Vettes" in the garage over the winter. The 94 starts first time every time even after a couple of weeks. The Z on the other hand won't fire even after 1 week of sitting. I do have the shift in reverse as I was told that can help but it doesn't seem to be. Is it a characteristic of the C5 or time for a trickle charger (or new battery?).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
These cars eat batteries when sitting idle. Its fine for a daily driver but not if it sits for long periods. Most of us have suffered from at least one dead battery at some time. Bset thing is to invest in a battery tender and then you can rest easy. You'll pick up one for about $50.
Not sure if its the original battery in your 02 but if so, now its been drained it would be worth changing it. The older batteries are prone to leaks and the computers sit under the battery tray.
Not sure if its the original battery in your 02 but if so, now its been drained it would be worth changing it. The older batteries are prone to leaks and the computers sit under the battery tray.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Heights Illinois
Thanks for the heads up. I would imagine it is the original battery and I know a new battery is a lot less expensive then leaking on the computers. I guess a trip to the battery store tomorrow. The snow should melt at some point (I hope)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I also had a leaking AC Delco on my son's Camaro. At least I caught it before it did any damage.
The early AC Delcos were easily damaged by over tightening the side post connectors. I'm told the 03/04s were better designed.
I also had a dead Optima Red Top but it died when the Vette was on its way to England. The Red Tops don't like being discharged and it also went to the battery dump in the sky.
I now have a Yellow Top and plug it into a battery tender. Its been in the car for over a year and does fine.
Roll on Spring
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
These cars eat batteries when sitting idle. Its fine for a daily driver but not if it sits for long periods. Most of us have suffered from at least one dead battery at some time. Bset thing is to invest in a battery tender and then you can rest easy. You'll pick up one for about $50.
Not sure if its the original battery in your 02 but if so, now its been drained it would be worth changing it. The older batteries are prone to leaks and the computers sit under the battery tray.
Not sure if its the original battery in your 02 but if so, now its been drained it would be worth changing it. The older batteries are prone to leaks and the computers sit under the battery tray.
Buy a battery tender. Well worth the money. I had to replace my battery the first years after storage, and now I just plug it in every fall and it starts right up every spring since.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,118
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From: Chesterfield MO
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10,'13-'14
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 52
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From: Traverse City mi
battery or rather hole in it
Started having problems with my 05' 6mos after purchase. Went on business trip and noticed was just charging, went outside to leave dead, traveled to another customer (he happened to own two stores) worked with him for couple hrs. went to leave he had to jump me again. Traveled all the way home approx. 300 miles, stopped by to pick up a six, stalled the car in reverse. Wrecker flatbed guy really didn't want to attempt to pick-up car, nice enough guy, said "lets just leave those jumpers on the car for 10mns or so".
Car fired right up, drove 2blocks home. Next morning I put it on trickle charge went inside cleaned up and went right to dealer.
Dealer says no problem: hole in side of battery you now have a new one. I popped the hood and there was water in the tray, I touched it and could taste acid. I complained to service adviser about that and the grease on my fender. Question: am I to understand there are computers under battery tray that could have absorbed battery acid?
Car fired right up, drove 2blocks home. Next morning I put it on trickle charge went inside cleaned up and went right to dealer.
Dealer says no problem: hole in side of battery you now have a new one. I popped the hood and there was water in the tray, I touched it and could taste acid. I complained to service adviser about that and the grease on my fender. Question: am I to understand there are computers under battery tray that could have absorbed battery acid?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Northwest Iowa
