Original battery life
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,283
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From: Monmouth County NJ
Original battery life
How long did your original battery last? I figured it should last for longer than about 3 years. I have an 04 and I think mine is taking a dump. 3 times now over the course of the last 4 to 6 months, the car wouldn't start. Jump it with the battery charger and it started. After it starts, the volts are fine so I figure its not the alternator. Originally I thought it was the under hood light not turning off. Pulled the plug on it and then waranteed it. Today, it wouldn't start. Even after I took it for a ride, the green eye was still dark. You can't trust them, but in this case I figured it wasn't a bad indicator. I am figuring it is possibly the battery. I am thinking about the Die Hard Platinum. It is a leak free glass mat battery and they state it has no liquid acid to leak. Its a little pricey, but the car sitts dureing the winter with the tender, and it is not my daily driver. I did the deck, amp, and a sub in the car wich I guess could also be the problem. I keep hearing problems with the ultimas. Actually I can take the car to Sears and they will test the current battery, charging system, and for draw I believe. Last time I did, it was no charge when I bought a battery for my wifes S.U.V.
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My OE lasted 5 years, then just dropped dead!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Northville, MI
C5 batteries will last 5 to 7 years but you have to have a trickle charger on it when not driving it for a week. Too much electronics running all the time puts a small drain on the battery and a quick charges will deteriorate the battery even faster. The C6's drain even faster. Gel batteries have had similar success but are safer because the battery rest over the PCM. That being said some have had problems with the deep cycle batteries because of driving styles.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Wakefield R.I.
My 97 lasted 5 + years. The 04 didn't make it to the full three years.
I thought maybe it had something to do with the window valet because the battery went shortly after I started to use the valet.
I take the battery out during the winter and use a trickle charger on it and it still went bad.
Bought a Sears because of the warranty/full replacement assuming this is going to happen again and again.
I do think it has to do with how much we use the cars. I don't think the DD's have quite the same problems the weekend warriors have. IMO
I thought maybe it had something to do with the window valet because the battery went shortly after I started to use the valet.
I take the battery out during the winter and use a trickle charger on it and it still went bad.
Bought a Sears because of the warranty/full replacement assuming this is going to happen again and again.
I do think it has to do with how much we use the cars. I don't think the DD's have quite the same problems the weekend warriors have. IMO
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,283
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From: Monmouth County NJ
Blue Goose, thanks for the reply. What battery did you go with? I originally wanted the Die Hard Platnum, but I am not sure it will fit. The Sears sight doen't show a replacement for the Vette in Platnum, orthe 86 series.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Wakefield R.I.
You are correct Sears doesn't show a direct fit. In fact I think when GM went to the smaller top post for 04 they also changed the bottom tray to a smaller base. I will check later and let you know what it was I bought. I know I went for specific cranking #'s. The lock on the base of the battery tray doesn't fit the battery I have very well.
I really bought Sears knowing no matter where I was WHEN this thing craps out again I can get it replaced.
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From: San Diego CA
My 97 lasted 5 + years. The 04 didn't make it to the full three years.
I thought maybe it had something to do with the window valet because the battery went shortly after I started to use the valet.
I take the battery out during the winter and use a trickle charger on it and it still went bad.
Bought a Sears because of the warranty/full replacement assuming this is going to happen again and again.
I do think it has to do with how much we use the cars. I don't think the DD's have quite the same problems the weekend warriors have. IMO
I thought maybe it had something to do with the window valet because the battery went shortly after I started to use the valet.
I take the battery out during the winter and use a trickle charger on it and it still went bad.
Bought a Sears because of the warranty/full replacement assuming this is going to happen again and again.
I do think it has to do with how much we use the cars. I don't think the DD's have quite the same problems the weekend warriors have. IMO
My battery is still going strong after almost 6.5 years! Non-deep-cycle batteries like frequent, 10+ mile drives. I have a feeling a large stereo amp is placing more of a drain than did the OEM stereo, so that may very well be the problem here.
The Sears Platinum seems to be a very good battery; however, it is very heavy and pricey at $180.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
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Original battery is in my 03. I sometimes don't drive it for a weeks at a time in the summer months it always fires right up with never having to put a charger on it. I let it sit last winter for almost 3 months and it still fired right up.
I don't understand why some cars have to have a trickle charger on them. They shouldn't need to have that done.
I don't understand why some cars have to have a trickle charger on them. They shouldn't need to have that done.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,283
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From: Monmouth County NJ
Wanted to drive the car because it was so great today. Went to Sams Club, and bought the yellow top. Wanted the Platinum but really had trouble with the case size available and the fit. Thanks for all the input.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Wakefield R.I.
I have the Gold series size 85 with 595 CCA . While doing this I remembered how I ended up with this battery. At the time it was the only place I could find a battery in stock that met MOST of the size requirements. Also I don't think it is prorated for the first 4 or 5 years. Like you I had a run the next day and needed to get the car going again.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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I had no luck with my original AC Delco. It onlylasted 1 year and 8k miles and then dropped dead - instantly.
Like you I went for a Yellow Top as mines a weekend car and the Red Top doesn't like being used infrequently. I've had it a year now and its going well.
Like you I went for a Yellow Top as mines a weekend car and the Red Top doesn't like being used infrequently. I've had it a year now and its going well.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Jeffersonville In
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The Delco in the 98 Pace Car lasted 6 years with frequent periods
( two to three weeks ) of inactivity. The 4 year old Optima Red Top started taking a dump at 3 yrs old and at 4 years old I just dumped it for a Sears Gold, size 78 with 800 CCA and a three year free replacement warrenty. Cost was $100. plus they installed for $12.99.
( two to three weeks ) of inactivity. The 4 year old Optima Red Top started taking a dump at 3 yrs old and at 4 years old I just dumped it for a Sears Gold, size 78 with 800 CCA and a three year free replacement warrenty. Cost was $100. plus they installed for $12.99.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Arroyo Grande CA
My original Delco saw it's first battery charger at 5yrs, 11mos. Vette started, but cranked slow. Felt 6yrs was pretty good, so bought a Sears DieHard Gold: 3 year full replacement, 100 month limited warranty. 2 yrs currently on the DieHard. No charger, nary a problem. The Vette regularly sets for 3-4 weeks.