I am changing out my 6 year old Delco battery for an Optima. Is there a way I can jumper the new battery into the system before I disconnect the old one to keep from losing any settings? I thought at first I could jumper to the fuse box connection in front of the battery and to a engine ground to keep current. Any suggestions?

 

Yes, Dont worry about it. lol

Just swap. When i did my swap the only thing i needed to do was re-program my keyfob, Everything else remained including my radio stations. I switched to an Optima Red Top as well just last week.

Shane

 

I installed a red top Wednesday and was surprised that my preset stations didn't go. Did have to reset the clock though - that's it.

 

Is there a way I can jumper the new battery into the system before I disconnect the old one

Yep!
radio shack sells wires with alligator clips on each end.
use them to connect your new battery to the cables before disconnecting the old battery, leave them connected until the new battery and cables are connected.
I used a motorcycle battery to keep the system energized until the new battery was completly installed.
Norm

 

don't worry....like stated above..key FOB is the only issue

 

I use a setting saver... bought it at the local grocery store automotive section... one end is a cigarette lighter male plug. The other end has a 9 volt battery connector. snap on the 9 volt battery, plug it into the cigarette ligher and you have enough short term volts to preserve all settings, fob included...

 

Ecklers sells one but it says "NOT to be used it on 97 and newer corvettes"!

 

Well today was battery change day. I decided to just go ahead and pull the battery and then refamiliarize myself with any reprogramming. I disconnected the negative post effortlessly. The positive side was so tight I didn't think I'd ever get it broke loose. But alas it came free. As soon as the bolt connector came out of the battery, I knew something was wrong. I had to slightly pry the terminal away from the battery. I could see then that it had started to leak, but for how long was unknown. I removed the battery and found the tray to be wet. I removed the tray and found some acid had made it to the 'goodies'. I went into the house and came back with a fresh box of baking soda and commenced to shake, shake, shake. Since I hear no 'frying' from the baking soda below the tray, I'm hoping I got it in time. I cleaned up the tray and then hosed down the compartment with a continuous light spray of water. I used a hair dryer to dry the compartment and all looked well. I suppose time will tell. I will have to get a look from the wheel well and underneath to be sure. I wasn't equipped today for that type of inspection. I believe most of the acid was confined to the tray.

Anyhow, I bolted in the red-top and it fired right up. The DIC did give me a 'pull key wait 10 second' message, so I did. Ops checked okay.

The moral of this story is I did check my battery for leakage and could see none. Just know that it isn't enough to just check it. You gotta look!! Once I removed the foam from around the stock 6 year old battery, the evidence was there. So peel that foam back and look real good for leaking acid. With the red-top I feel those type of problems are over. I just hope the acid that did excape dosen't eventually create more problems.

Live and learn......goodbye acid batteries!!!

 

Does anybody on the Forum know exactly WHY you are not supposed to use those devices to preserve settings?

Bob

 

I have discoonected the battery terminal from my 02Z several times and have never had to reprogram the key FOB.