Crap, my battery is leaking
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,350
Likes: 824
From: Naples Florida
Crap, my battery is leaking
Back in Feb I had to have my battery replaced and purchased this off brand. Today when I was checking my oil I noticed some corrosion from my battery that is leaking at the positive terminal. Tomorrow morning I am going to pull my battery out and clean it up, hopefully none of my wires that lead to the computer are fried. My question is what causes this to leak? After I clean it up can I still use the same battery or do I need another one?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Side post batteries are famous for leaking. Most of the 97-2003 GM side post batteries leaked. My brothers 2000 C5 leaked, he replaced it and the new one leaked. My advice is to convert to a top post like the 2004 C5
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
I had the same problem. Be sure to remove the battery box if you have acid on it. Then use baking soda to neutralize,, was it all off and repaint the frame. Be sure to check the computer in the lower fender quarter. You will see it with the bat. box out. Also be sure the entire wiring harness is cleaned and wipe cloth soaked in baking soda on the harness to neutralize the acid. Hopefully you don't have as much damage as I did. I bought a red top replacement. Hope it doesn't leak. It is only guaranteed replacement if it leaks,, not to pay for damages to the car.. Only time will tell if mine holds up.
BTW I used rustoleum flat black and brushed it on the frame to coat the damage. It is almost a perfect match to the color. After it dries it is hard to see it was painted. 99 Nassau Blue
BTW I used rustoleum flat black and brushed it on the frame to coat the damage. It is almost a perfect match to the color. After it dries it is hard to see it was painted. 99 Nassau Blue
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If acid has leaked, you need to also remove the access panel that is inside the passengers wheel well. You will need to jack up the passengers side and remove the wheel. Once the wheel is removed, the access panel is easy to remove.
This is the ONLY way that you will be able to see EVERYTHING and correct what is wrong. Flush the entire area with baking soda solution and then flush with lots of water!!
BC
This is the ONLY way that you will be able to see EVERYTHING and correct what is wrong. Flush the entire area with baking soda solution and then flush with lots of water!!
BC
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,350
Likes: 824
From: Naples Florida
Ok, I got me a Optima Red Top battery yesterday. Cleaned up most of the acid. Now my main question is I have my terminals hooked up to the side posts. Will this still leak like my other cheap battery that I had in there before?
Last edited by Joe's Eray; Jun 14, 2005 at 06:48 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
I am hoping my red top won't leak, my cheap exide and GM battery leaked and ate my A/C vacuum line and who knows what else!!!! I used all the baking soda in my house to make sure I nuetralized all the acid... It's amazing how much of a mess it made... I am just hoping that even though my pCM looked like Cr@p that the acid didn't get in and do any damage!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Originally Posted by BrightRed C5 SWFL
Ok, I got me a Optima Red Top battery yesterday. Cleaned up most of the acid. Now my main question is I have my terminals hooked up to the side posts. Will this still leak like my other cheap battery that I had in there before?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,350
Likes: 824
From: Naples Florida
Originally Posted by VT
I am hoping my red top won't leak, my cheap exide and GM battery leaked and ate my A/C vacuum line and who knows what else!!!! I used all the baking soda in my house to make sure I nuetralized all the acid... It's amazing how much of a mess it made... I am just hoping that even though my pCM looked like Cr@p that the acid didn't get in and do any damage!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,350
Likes: 824
From: Naples Florida
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
Should NOT leak!!! Its designed a lot different than the OEM battery! 
Mine is still going STRONG!!!! 2 yrs!
Mine is still going STRONG!!!! 2 yrs!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,961
Likes: 2
From: Vette-hid.com Lost in DFW texas
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by BrightRed C5 SWFL
The battery that leaked was a offbrand, cant remember the brand. I put in a Optima Red this past Sunday.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 8
From: Grosse Ile MI
Originally Posted by BrightRed C5 SWFL
Ok, I got me a Optima Red Top battery yesterday. Cleaned up most of the acid. Now my main question is I have my terminals hooked up to the side posts. Will this still leak like my other cheap battery that I had in there before?
The Optima is filled with a gel instead of liquid and should not leak.
