My '01 daily driver had the original glass-mat battery and from what I gather being 3.5 years old it had probably about run its course. Sure enough, I was gone a week and returned to find that though the car started immediately, as always, the DIC displayed the odometer. Huh? I ALWAYS leave it on oil temp. I was suspicious of the battery, checked the voltage (which was low), and ordered an Optima.

I decided to see what would happen with the original battery and for 2.5 weeks it was fine, then again I got the same DIC switch as before, but after setting merely 4 hours. I decided it was trying to tell me the end was nigh.

Sure enough, the next morning I get the same DIC behavior... and a whole slew of other messages (low oil, pull key and wait..., etc.). I replaced the battery, cleared all codes (none were set before the battery situation), and all was well.

I'm guessing the odometer setting may be some kind of default and if one leaves the DIC on any other readout it resets with low voltage. Anyone else find this the case? If so, it's a great means of warning when a problem is imminent. I don't recall reading anything like this in the manual or here.

btw, contrary to what I've read, I found the larger Optima RedTop fit fine if one simply files or grinds a curve in the center of the plastic hold-down piece to clear the Optima front-center round cell. No other mods needed, at least not on mine.

All the best.

 

My 01 AGM is still running strong, but I will keep this tidbit in mind - thanks!

 

Off hand, I don't remember reading anything like this either. Others here have reported though that a battery going bad can cause various electrical problems. Good that you got yours replaced in time.

 

Yup. When my battery was going bad it would reset DIC and HUD settings to defaults...not what I had left them as. It would also occasinally throw all sort so codes, too. It happened most often on really cold mornings when the battery had to crank more.

When you change yours make sure to look for leakage and clean up under it if you see any. The factory Delco's on early models are prone to leakage which eats the electronics/wiring under them.

 

I had a subtle warning when my AC Delco failed.
A total black out!


Good tip though. Thanks

 

that POS left me high and dry

 

I've heard that when the battery starts to go bad, that you can get all kinds of strange messages appearing on the DIC. Time to put in that Optima you bought.

 

I've heard that when the battery starts to go bad, that you can get all kinds of strange messages appearing on the DIC, and if there's not enough current the fuel system will turn off.

 

No warning with my '99, just went dead and that was a perfect time to replace with a RED TOP!

 

same warning I got...

 

My warning was a little more visable - a huge puddle of acid on the garage floor.

 

The factory must have accidentally put the wrong battery in your car, maybe one from a Cavalier. This must be close to a record.