I have a 99 C5 FRC. I bought it from the original owner in October 2003. At the time I purchased it, I got the service records from the original dealer. I noticed the batter had been changed in 2000. Well, today I went to drive it so as to wash the vehicle and I noticed that my CD changer in the trunk kept cycling when I turned on the key. When I actually tried to start the car, it would not start. I still had some power becuase the instrument lights were on very weakly. When I opened the hood, I could smell the battery. I looked it over pretty good and could not see anything. About 45 minutes later, I went to check on it and discovered the positive terminal had been eaten off at the battery. There was batter acid under the battery. I could see that it was wet. So, I unhooked the other terminal, removed the battery and flushed the area where the acid had been sitting. Here is the question. Doesn't the computer sit under the battery? What happens to it if the acid gets on the wiring harness? Can I replace the battery long enough to take it into the shop and have it checked? What about an Optima batter? Which kind? Thanks for the help.

One other thing. If this is a problem will GM back it up because of the design? I have heard that they knew about this problem when they first built the cars.

 

This has been a common problem with the C5's. I would pull that battery asap, and wash down the entire area underneath with a baking soda mixture to neutralize the acid spill immediately. There is a computer and wiring harness below the battery that is in line with this acid spill. Do a search on the subject for more detailed write ups on cleaning the harness and connectors.

 

Strongly recommend that you remove the battery, remove the passengers wheel, remove the inspection panel in the wheel well ( PCM computer and TAC module is behind it) and as stated above wash the entire area down with baking soda. Repair any paint that may have been removed from the frame and wash down the area with lots of water.

After that you should be in good shape. The acid will harm the plastic vacuum lones faster than it will harm the wires. If you loose vacuun to your HVAC system, you will know why. The plastic vacuum do NOT do well with battery acid. If you catch it in time you should be OK.

Bill