C 5 Battery question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 53
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C 5 Battery question
I purchased a new battery for my C 5 and later learned about the leakage concern with the electronic system located below the battery location. Could lead to expensive repairs if it leaked.
I got the battery from a corvette shop and it's AC Delco Professional 700 CCA 95 RC. It seems like a sealed unit, but was that a good choice?
I got the battery from a corvette shop and it's AC Delco Professional 700 CCA 95 RC. It seems like a sealed unit, but was that a good choice?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 401
From: Palm City
St. Jude Donor '06-'11
I would go with a Gel battery. The AC Delco was the one that leaked. I’m sure it’s been fixed by now but that’s what I think every time I buy a new GM product and still have the same issues from 20 years ago.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,686
Likes: 476
From: Douglas County WI
I tried that but the mat was too thick (even if it was only an eighth of an inch) and resulted in the battery being up too high for the lip on the bottom of the battery to fit under corresponding lip on the battery tray
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 97
I had one of the bad GM batteries. That battery was specific way back in the 1999-2000 timeframe and was supplied in my brand new 2000 Vert delivered in November of 1999. Modern batteries don't generally have the same issue. The problem batteries leaked out of the ground terminal on the battery. In my case, it corroded the ground strap that connected to the frame causing a couple years of ABS issues and a few other funky problems relating to grounding. Once I finally identified the grounding issue, a new cable and some cleaning fixed the issue forever. Your AC Delco battery is probably just fine and won't have the same battery problem
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 631
Likes: 61
From: Amherstburg Ontario
I'd get a gel battery. I've had two optima red tops and they have worked flawlessly (the first one lasted 12yrs and the second is running strong). I have heard the quality has gone down lately, but that hasn't been my experience. Good luck.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
I purchased a new battery for my C 5 and later learned about the leakage concern with the electronic system located below the battery location. Could lead to expensive repairs if it leaked.
I got the battery from a corvette shop and it's AC Delco Professional 700 CCA 95 RC. It seems like a sealed unit, but was that a good choice?
I got the battery from a corvette shop and it's AC Delco Professional 700 CCA 95 RC. It seems like a sealed unit, but was that a good choice?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
At least put a Battery Mat under the battery:
https://www.batterymart.com/p-batter...tm_content=All
In my view, AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery is best for the C5 because of corrosion caused by leakage from lead acid batteries which have liquid acid in them. Some call AGM a gel battery.
https://www.interstatebatteries.com/...s-the-big-deal
https://www.batterymart.com/p-batter...tm_content=All
In my view, AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery is best for the C5 because of corrosion caused by leakage from lead acid batteries which have liquid acid in them. Some call AGM a gel battery.
https://www.interstatebatteries.com/...s-the-big-deal
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 84
From: Elverson, PA
I recently purchased a 2004 coupe. The corvette dealer installed an Optima red top AGM battery. They told me about the potential downside of lead acid batteries.
I purchased a Schumacher battery tender to maintain the battery while it sits in the garage. So far so good.
I purchased a Schumacher battery tender to maintain the battery while it sits in the garage. So far so good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
The GM Delco is junk. Yes they still leak. I had a red top that went bad after 3 years. My daughter worked at a GM dealer and got a good price on the GM top of the line Delco Pro. After a few months I noticed liquid laying under the batter. Got a pad for the leaking and that did not stop a thing. After a few months later while in for inspection acid was found down along the underneath of the car. That was it. Pulled it out and got an AGM Diehard battery. Before the red top I always had an acid battery, even an original Delco and never had a problem. That new Leaking Delco was less than 24 months ago. It was worth it to me to dump the Delco before it created more of a problem. I would be very careful with that Delco. Keep a close eye on that battery.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
You guys know that GM doesn't actually make batteries, right? It's literally just a sticker on a Johnson Controls battery. Same as an Everstart. Same as a DieHard (formerly Autocraft, but Advance Auto Parts is trying to capture the nostalgia). It's just a battery.
They also sell AGM ones with the same fancy GM sticker.
OP - take a photo of the battery you actually have and post it.
They also sell AGM ones with the same fancy GM sticker.
OP - take a photo of the battery you actually have and post it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I certainly run AGM only in my Vette. I've had pretty good luck with the optima Red Top (but any AGM is fine). I can understand why you wouldn't want to replace a brand new battery though. If you decide to keep what you have, I would check it very often. What it costs you if it leaks is WAY more than the cost of a new battery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 1,581
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
AGM AGM AGM.
C5's are especially vulnerable and maintenance free des not mean LEAK PROOF!
Due to the the placement of the computer and main wiring harness under the battery. Here is the proof.
C5's are especially vulnerable and maintenance free des not mean LEAK PROOF!
Due to the the placement of the computer and main wiring harness under the battery. Here is the proof.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
The smart thing to do is to replace it. Since I just installed this other battery, I'm struggling with it, but leaning towards doing the right thing with a replacement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 1,581
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
I see what you mean. If it has only been a short period of time - maybe the shop would do an exchange or shop credit?
Just a thought. Good luck to you!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
The bad leaks were on early cars. My '98's OEM battery dumped its contents while I was at a traffic light. Engine started speeding and slowing, voltmeter all over the place and a lot of relay clicking noises. Luckily the dealer was only about a mile away, so I drove it there making sure not to let the engine actually stop, otherwise it would have been tow truck time. The receptionist took one look at the lights going up and down and heard the relays clonking about and immediately said the battery had failed totally. As the car was under warranty, they dropped in a new Delco and it lasted pretty well, about 8 years, when I changed it out about for a (then) Diehard Platinum (aka Odyssey Extreme) which has been in there ever since and is still going strong 14 years later. Only problem with Odyssey is that they are expensive - around $330 these days. But if you are in for the long haul, they are the best.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
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From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
When I purchased my black 99 it had in a brand new Interstate battery in it, like less than a week old. When I got home, it came out and an Optima Yellow Top went in. Sure, it cost me $ but it gives me peace of mind..