Oh C5 Brethren....my wife would call me paranoid, but the past 2 rides over the last few days, the '02 seems to take longer to start, and feels like there is a drain on the system . Now...I purchased a new AC Delco in May 2008, but still realize I may have a bad cell or issue with the battery (battery test will be the first excuse for the next ride). Cold the DIC states 13.8. When running, DIC states 14.1-14.3.
Anything I'm missing to check in the meantime?

 

When was your last tune up done? Plugs, wires, etc.

 

Was given a clean bill of health in May...but if not the battery, it will go in for professional service (it is still under warranty).

 

Clean your MAF and put in a new set of plugs...

Peace
Chip

 

That would be my next move.

 

I disagree, if you only noticed it in the last 2 starts it's not suddenly a dirty maf or fouled plugs. Battery or you are imagining it.

 

That battery has up to a 50 month free replacement.

I had an AC Delco Pro go in about 18 months. I'd say swap the battery out and see what happens. Electronic vehicles - low voltage - weird behavior.

 

How do you clean the MAF? I changed my plugs and wires (TR55 & GM Red wires) but my car doesn't start as quickly as she used to.

 

You need to remove the MAF itself and spray the filaments inside with Electronic cleaner. You can obtain this at any auto parts store.

While you're doing that, clean the throttle body too. After all that is done, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. Reconnect and drive.

 

Thanks that should be easy enough. I already cleaned the throttle body so I am guessing it's a dirty MAF filament. Do you wipe the filament off with a Qtip or anything or just spray it?

 

Just spray it.

 

What does the MAF have to do with a slow start?

 

Mystery solved....I was able to shoot over to Batteries Plus today to have them test my year old AC Delco, and sure enough, once the load was applied, it dropped to less than 8 amps. I will be making a trip to the Chevy Dealer tomorrow, where I purchased it last May, for a replacement or complete refund. I was torn between the AC Delco and Optima Red Top...now wish I would have purchased the Optima. Thanks AC Delco, for a top notch battery!!

 

There seems to be no rhyme or reason why one battery goes quicker over another.

GM does cover it free-replacement for up to 50 months so you'll get a new one no questions asked.

You'll read stories here about all the varieties going bad when they are a year or so old. Usually they will give you a hint they are going, in your case you caught it earlier. Just remember electronic vehicles do odd things when they don't have the proper voltage.