Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Does a New Battery Install Require Any Reprogramming?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 12:27 PM
  #1  
BobAruba's Avatar
BobAruba
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 593
Likes: 2
From: Sub-Tropical Retirement Zone
Default Does a New Battery Install Require Any Reprogramming?

Sorry for another battery thread but I've read all of the battery threads I could find and was unable to locate a definitive answer to a question that I have...

My question is:

After installing a new battery do the key fobs, wheel sensors or anything else have to be re-programmed? Is it just a "plug-and-play" swap? Or is reprogramming for anything required after a new battery installation?

A little insight into my battery choice:

After originally thinking of going Delco Pro 78-7YR for my daily driver I have decided to go with the Optima Red Top 34-78 (#8004-003) CCA@0°F: 800, RC: 100, which appears to be a good choice. Although the Optima 78 has a set of GM terminals in the right spot on the ends of the battery case the width dimensions are about 1/4 of an inch wider than the battery tray, which made the 34-78 the best choice for me. Weight was also a consideration. The OEM style Delco Pro 78-7YR weighs in at 38.1 lbs. I eliminated considering the DieHard Platinum 34-78DT because it weights in at a whooping 53.0 lbs. That seemed like 15 more pounds of unnecessary weight. The Optima Red Top 34-78 weights in at 38.8 lbs… slightly heavier by 7/10ths of a pound.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

Note: Forgot to mention I own a '99 Hardtop

Last edited by BobAruba; Aug 4, 2010 at 12:29 PM. Reason: forgot the last note
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 12:32 PM
  #2  
blacksedan87's Avatar
blacksedan87
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

You might have to reset your radio presets, I'm sure you will have to reset the clock, and likely you will have to resync the fobs to the car, but beyond these you should be "plug and play".
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 12:40 PM
  #3  
BobAruba's Avatar
BobAruba
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 593
Likes: 2
From: Sub-Tropical Retirement Zone
Default

So, I'll have to reprogram my key fobs... but will I still be able to drive the Vette without any codes flashing on the dash until I do the fob reprogramming?

Thanks, Randy.

Bob
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 12:43 PM
  #4  
Tim04C5's Avatar
Tim04C5
Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 688
Likes: 107
From: Long Beach SoCal
Default

I recently changed my battery and I don't remember having to reprogram anything, except maybe the clock. Definitely did not have to retrain the fobs or TPMS. I wondered what would happen too, but there really wasn't any issues.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 12:56 PM
  #5  
Jet-Jock's Avatar
Jet-Jock
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Default

Nope. Even your radio settings are retained.

If you have a heads up display, it will reset to the default values.

Some times the radio security system can be set if it is enabled. Hopefully you have
the code if enabled. I never enabled mine.

That's it.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 12:59 PM
  #6  
MSG C5's Avatar
MSG C5
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,694
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
Nope. Even your radio settings are retained.

If you have a heads up display, it will reset to the default values.

Some times the radio security system can be set if it is enabled. Hopefully you have
the code if enabled. I never enabled mine.

That's it.
Yep! If you have the stereo security set (red light flashes when shut off and parked), you will need the code # to reset the stereo after swapping out the battery.

Ask me how I know!
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 01:35 PM
  #7  
Drumss's Avatar
Drumss
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Tim04C5
I recently changed my battery and I don't remember having to reprogram anything, except maybe the clock. Definitely did not have to retrain the fobs or TPMS. I wondered what would happen too, but there really wasn't any issues.


Same here... I put in a Red Top and only had to reset the clock...nothing else.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 01:37 PM
  #8  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,297
Likes: 24,776
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

With the exception of the things noted above, you should be good to go. Good choice on the Red Top IMO.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 01:45 PM
  #9  
Too-Fast's Avatar
Too-Fast
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 90 Days
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,058
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Changed my battery out in April and didn't have to do a thing, everything including the radio was fine and my battery was totally dead when I changed it. Just popped in the new battery and everything worked.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:04 PM
  #10  
MGNETIC's Avatar
MGNETIC
Advanced
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: North Augusta SC
Default

I took the plug in to an old radar detector, cut the wires and attached them to a 9 volt battery. All radio presets, etc. were retained.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:13 PM
  #11  
Marine One's Avatar
Marine One
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: North Topsail Beach NC
Default

Originally Posted by MSG C5
Yep! If you have the stereo security set (red light flashes when shut off and parked), you will need the code # to reset the stereo after swapping out the battery.

Ask me how I know!
Where is this red light of which you speak? I've always wondered whether this feature was enabled on my car.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:22 PM
  #12  
Tim04C5's Avatar
Tim04C5
Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 688
Likes: 107
From: Long Beach SoCal
Default

According to my OM.. maybe "LOC" flashes red?

Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK® is designed to discourage theft of your
radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio
functions whenever battery power is interrupted.
The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or
ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and
the radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK
is activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.
When THEFTLOCK is activated, LOC will appear on the
radio display to indicate a locked condition anytime
battery power has been interrupted.
If your battery loses
power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with
the secret code before it will operate.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:26 PM
  #13  
BobAruba's Avatar
BobAruba
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 593
Likes: 2
From: Sub-Tropical Retirement Zone
Default

All right, Tim, Drumss, Jack, Mark and Jack C! That sounds good.

Jet-Jock, I have an aftermarket double din stereo installed.

Now all I have to do is a little more research into the best price. My best so far after a $20 coupon discount, no core charge with free delivery to my door is $149.99 for the Optima Red Top 34-78 from a large east coast auto parts chain. Does that price sound pretty decent?

Hey, a big thanks guys for the quick response.

Semper Fi
Bob
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:30 PM
  #14  
RLYSLO's Avatar
RLYSLO
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 2
From: Plano Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

I just replaced mine last month. Just removed the old, replaced the new, and the only thing I had to reset was my clock on my radio. Everything else was fine, fobs, presets, etc.. no problems.

I went with the die hard platinum. From the research on here, it is a superior battery. I have heard some good and some bad things about optima's over the last few years.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:39 PM
  #15  
BobAruba's Avatar
BobAruba
Thread Starter
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 593
Likes: 2
From: Sub-Tropical Retirement Zone
Default The DieHard Platinum is an Outstanding Battery

Keith, that was the only battery I used in the '69 C3 Roadster I owned for over 20 years. The only reason why I passed on the DHP for my C5 was the weight consideration. That's all.

Make no mistake about it... the DieHard Platinum is an outstanding battery with an awesome warranty.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:48 PM
  #16  
MSG C5's Avatar
MSG C5
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,694
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Marine One
Where is this red light of which you speak? I've always wondered whether this feature was enabled on my car.
The red light is on the face of the OEM head unit. It flashes red like an alarm monitor. The instructions on how to set it are in the owners' manual. I would list the directions, however I don't have the manual in front of me.
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2010 | 02:52 PM
  #17  
PETE O.'s Avatar
PETE O.
Drifting
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 1
From: Eureka California
Default

Originally Posted by Tim04C5
I recently changed my battery and I don't remember having to reprogram anything, except maybe the clock. Definitely did not have to retrain the fobs or TPMS. I wondered what would happen too, but there really wasn't any issues.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Does a New Battery Install Require Any Reprogramming?

Old Aug 4, 2010 | 11:24 PM
  #18  
Choreo's Avatar
Choreo
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Default

Originally Posted by Jet-Jock
Nope. Even your radio settings are retained.

If you have a heads up display, it will reset to the default values.

Some times the radio security system can be set if it is enabled. Hopefully you have
the code if enabled. I never enabled mine.

That's it.


I have had my battery disconnected for up to two weeks and never had to reprogram FOBs in 10 years so far - just reset clock an HUD unless radio is coded.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2010 | 01:58 AM
  #19  
moserbe's Avatar
moserbe
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 15
From: Wellsboro Pa
Default

I just did this and had to reprogram the fobs and tpms.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2010 | 07:47 AM
  #20  
Jet-Jock's Avatar
Jet-Jock
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Default

Sorry I forgot to mention the clock too, but the others covered that one.

AC-Delco Professional 78-6YR/7YR and comes with a free 30/50 month replacement. Must have 120 reserve capacity.

Last edited by Jet-Jock; Aug 14, 2010 at 10:35 AM.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:09 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE