need new battery
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11
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From: Somers CT
need new battery
My 2002 origional battery died today, so I need to replace it (myself). I was going to replace the battery with one from Sears? Anybody have a comment or suggestion regarding battery replacement, brand, procedures, etc. Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Somers CT
Originally Posted by Dave68
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You might want to look at the number of AC Delco failures in this thread before you replace with stock
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
The only problem you may have is that the radio security will kick in if its programmed. Have the unlock code handy. If you don't have it theres a procedure to get it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
The only problem you may have is that the radio security will kick in if its programmed. Have the unlock code handy. If you don't have it theres a procedure to get it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
My OEM AC Delco is still going strong at almost 5.5 years of age. Overall, Delcos are good batteries. The terminal connection overtightening issue of years ago is no longer an issue, for the most part.
Regarding the memory loss question. I disconnected my battery for at least three hours one day and there was NO memory loss. I think it depends upon the year of your C5. I can leave my door open or hood up and after a period of time, the associated lights are turned off automatically. I like that.
Regarding the memory loss question. I disconnected my battery for at least three hours one day and there was NO memory loss. I think it depends upon the year of your C5. I can leave my door open or hood up and after a period of time, the associated lights are turned off automatically. I like that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
From: Augusta GA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by Dave68
I just read that mag too. What is the deal with red top Optimas? I thought they where very good, and light??? Not to steal the thread, just watching it. Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I have only experienced premature battery failure 3 times in more than 30 years... two of them were Sears Diehard's... 25 years apart (the last was bought for me by a well meaning relative). Both died "hard" at just over the 12 month point. The third battery was a Deka that came in my wife's 03 Acura. It lasted just over 3 years.
I have had excellent service from AC Delco, Motorcraft, Duralast and Interstate batteries and would not hesitate to purchase any of them again. Having said that I do have a glass-mat battery in my 2000, an Orbital by Exide. Because of the batteries location over the PCM in the C5 and the potential for expensive repair in the event of a leaking battery, I decided to use the AGM.
I believe that most name brand batteries if properly maintained will last at least as long as their warranty. By properly maintained, I mean not allowing the battery to repeatedly discharge (go dead) and then recharging it. This will significantly reduce the life of a typical lead acid battery. I would not personally recommend a Sears battery to my mother-in-law, but I'm sure others have had different experiences with them.
Good luck with your decision... GUSTO
I have had excellent service from AC Delco, Motorcraft, Duralast and Interstate batteries and would not hesitate to purchase any of them again. Having said that I do have a glass-mat battery in my 2000, an Orbital by Exide. Because of the batteries location over the PCM in the C5 and the potential for expensive repair in the event of a leaking battery, I decided to use the AGM.
I believe that most name brand batteries if properly maintained will last at least as long as their warranty. By properly maintained, I mean not allowing the battery to repeatedly discharge (go dead) and then recharging it. This will significantly reduce the life of a typical lead acid battery. I would not personally recommend a Sears battery to my mother-in-law, but I'm sure others have had different experiences with them.
Good luck with your decision... GUSTO
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by chiefDave
Good post I just read that mag too. What is the deal with red top Optimas? I thought they where very good, and light??? Not to steal the thread, just watching it.
Dave
I just read that mag too. What is the deal with red top Optimas? I thought they where very good, and light??? Not to steal the thread, just watching it. Dave
CU didn't test batteries that are priced over $100. Lately, all I hear is bad news about Optimas, so it is not on my personal list of replacement batteries at the time. Gusto is correct in that battery leakage could cause problems, yet I don't think that the current lead-acid batteries are to be shunned. I think that as long as the battery case and terminal post areas are beefy enough, we shouldn't have any leakage issues. Heck, I've been driving for 32 years and have never had a leaking battery. The Exide Orbital appears to be a very well-constructed battery and like an insurance policy, will "cost yah"! I've seen prices of $150+ at the local auto parts store.
As I mentioned before, that AC Delco no-cost warranty period sure is exceptional (50 months free replacement).
Dave