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

 

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".

 

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

 

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.

 

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!

 

Same here... I put in a Red Top and only had to reset the clock...nothing else.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Where is this red light of which you speak? I've always wondered whether this feature was enabled on my car.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

I just did this and had to reprogram the fobs and tpms.

 

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.