Battery Questions
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Madison Heights Virginia
Battery Questions
I have a 99 coupe with just under 18,000 miles and the original battery. It has been unseasonably cold here in Virginia the last couple of weeks. I had to jump start the car today, I believe it's time for a new battery. I know there is a lot of debate about the best battery for these cars, need opinions. Also I seem to remember something about a plug-in device to keep all the correct settings in the car while the battery is being changed. Any information on batteries and this plug-in device would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 23
From: Joplin, MO, USA
I have seen the attachment in the Mid America catalog before, but can't find it now. Basically, it's a 9 volt battery fitted to a cigarette lighter pigtail, plug it into the lighter, and it "backfeeds" current to the system, retaining memory. You might give them a call, 1-800-500-1500. As far as the battery goes, if you can get 9 years out of a stock battery, and hardly ever drive the car anyway, I would go to Sam's Club and buy a $60 battery, not spent the extra for an Optima, or higher priced unit.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,671
Likes: 4,621
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...5&dept_id=1100
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
You don't need the device to keep from loosing your settings, it not necessary on the C5. I have disconnected my battery several times, with no problems. As far as a battery goes, just don't buy a cheap one (the main computer is underneath the battery, if it leaks battery acid it will destroy your computer). Use the search function you will find out this is a subject of hot debate, especially when it comes to he Optima. I am happy with the red top I put in my car. It's been in there 4 years and counting (my original Delco failed after 6 months) but if you do a search you will also find people that hate them.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,671
Likes: 4,621
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
You don't need the device to keep from loosing your settings, it not necessary on the C5. I have disconnected my battery several times, with no problems. As far as a battery goes, just don't buy a cheap one (the main computer is underneath the battery, if it leaks battery acid it will destroy your computer). Use the search function you will find out this is a subject of hot debate, especially when it comes to he Optima. I am happy with the red top I put in my car. It's been in there 4 years and counting (my original Delco failed after 6 months) but if you do a search you will also find people that hate them.
I have a Sears Diehard Ultra Gold for 3 years now and have no issues. I have had Optima Red Tops in previous C5's with no issues either.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
While your battery could've leaked (97-00 batteries were prone to leaking at the positive terminal), that scare is long gone with today's batteries. In actuality, you can probably get 5 years out of most name-brand batteries like Walmart's and NAPA's. I went with the latest AC Delco 7YR Professional, since:
a) It fits perfectly and looks like it belongs there.
b) It carries a 50-month free replacement warranty - best in the business.
There's no doubt that the Sears Platinum is a great battery (though twice as heavy as the OEM battery), but at $180+, it'd better be!
a) It fits perfectly and looks like it belongs there.
b) It carries a 50-month free replacement warranty - best in the business.
There's no doubt that the Sears Platinum is a great battery (though twice as heavy as the OEM battery), but at $180+, it'd better be!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have a 99 coupe with just under 18,000 miles and the original battery. It has been unseasonably cold here in Virginia the last couple of weeks. I had to jump start the car today, I believe it's time for a new battery. I know there is a lot of debate about the best battery for these cars, need opinions. Also I seem to remember something about a plug-in device to keep all the correct settings in the car while the battery is being changed. Any information on batteries and this plug-in device would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
