Battery life
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
why aren't you driving it 
well seriously it should last at least a couple years, but i'd yank it right away due to the fact that it may leak and ruin very expensive components that are underneath it.
well seriously it should last at least a couple years, but i'd yank it right away due to the fact that it may leak and ruin very expensive components that are underneath it.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
if you have it stored then why not keep the battery out of the car on a trickle charger that way there's no chance of leaks and you'll know that the battery is topped off and ready when you need it.
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Welcome. I agree with the above - if you have it stored, I'd take the stock battery out and put it on a trickle charger. The stock battery is known for leaking and with a computer and wiring sitting right below the battery tray, it is not worth the chance. Just be sure to remember your radio theft lock code if you do this.
Le Mans Master
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From: Along the St. Johns
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The '03 uses a gel-type battery. Not as likely to leak, but more prone to a short life (pun intended). I replaced mine with a Red-Top when I noticed it took an extra turn or two on the starter before the engine would fire. Didn't bother with warrenty... the Red-Top will outlast the replacement too.
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I agree that a leaking battery is not something that you should expect with a 2003. However, I would not suggest removing the battery and putting it on a trickle charger - I would suggest leaving the battery installed and using a Battery Tender type of charger - it will keep the battery charged throughout the winter for you. Many of us use them without any problems - even under car covers.
Safety Car
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From: SE Idaho
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Originally Posted by ptdrummer54
I agree that a leaking battery is not something that you should expect with a 2003. However, I would not suggest removing the battery and putting it on a trickle charger - I would suggest leaving the battery installed and using a Battery Tender type of charger - it will keep the battery charged throughout the winter for you. Many of us use them without any problems - even under car covers.
with. The AGM should not leak, and as long as it is kept fully charged, should last quite a while.
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Burning Brakes
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From: Rowayton Ct.
I agree...I've got my 2004 under a cover in the garage on a battery tender. I take it for a drive on nice days in the winter, and the amazing thing is that when I hook up the tender, right after shutting down, it starts to charge. The car fires right up next time. A tender is the way to go.
Next spring, I'll probably get an Optima.
hhntr111
Next spring, I'll probably get an Optima.
hhntr111
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From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by Deluxe
The '03 uses a gel-type battery. Not as likely to leak, but more prone to a short life (pun intended). I replaced mine with a Red-Top when I noticed it took an extra turn or two on the starter before the engine would fire. Didn't bother with warrenty... the Red-Top will outlast the replacement too.
Optima batteries also use AGM technology.
And here's some more info on the AC-Delco batteries from C5 Tech Tips section of the Forum: 1997 - early 2001 Battery Acid Leakage Issue
My understanding is that AC-Delco has discontinued their AGM batteries.
Last edited by GrayC5; Dec 18, 2004 at 01:09 PM. Reason: Spelling/Typing
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From what I read, with the Vette's parasitic draw the battery will last about a month on its own before draining down with out starting. A battery tender is recommended if you let it sit for long periods. The battery tender differs from a trickle charger, a trickle charger always sends current to the battery even if it is fully charged. The battery tender will stop charging once the battery if fully charged and only start charging again when needed. This is safer and better for the battery.