battery change
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 201
From: Lyons Il
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
battery change
I was wondering what is the useable life of a C5 battery? I am thinking two to three years from what I've heard. Is the optima worth the extra cash? My battery is now almost 2-1/2 years old. Any advice would help. Thanks.
Dyver
Dyver
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
A battery will last 5 years or more if you take care of it. Like a battery tender in the winter when not in use, for example. Just check for leaks and corrosion from time to time you'll be fine. Just remember the cars computers sit under the battery.
Just invest in a dry cell or a AGM, if you want to change it out.
Just invest in a dry cell or a AGM, if you want to change it out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
IF you drive the car and keep the battery charged, it should last at least 4 or 5 years. If it ever goes completely dead, you have likely shortened the life.
The Optima batteries are not any better than the heavy duty Delco batteries. Delco now has a 50 month, free replacement, warranty if you buy their professional grade 7 year battery.
I had one over 3 years, and a cell went bad. They gave me a brand new battery.
If you are worried about acid leaking from a side post battery, you might consider changing the battery cables to the 2004 design, which uses a top post battery.
The Optima batteries are not any better than the heavy duty Delco batteries. Delco now has a 50 month, free replacement, warranty if you buy their professional grade 7 year battery.
I had one over 3 years, and a cell went bad. They gave me a brand new battery.
If you are worried about acid leaking from a side post battery, you might consider changing the battery cables to the 2004 design, which uses a top post battery.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
My Delco Gelmat was still going strong at 6 years when I finally pulled it (did a stereo upgrad added more so I wanted piece of mind)
I went with the Excide Orbital sprial cell. Not cheap but has worked great so far. I was going to get a Optima Red Top, but saw all the problems people were having with them, also I know of 2 friends who both had that battery in their vette and had issues.
Also, you might want to do a search, lots of info on this topic.
I went with the Excide Orbital sprial cell. Not cheap but has worked great so far. I was going to get a Optima Red Top, but saw all the problems people were having with them, also I know of 2 friends who both had that battery in their vette and had issues.
Also, you might want to do a search, lots of info on this topic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
My 2004 does indeed have a top post battery and is now 4 years old. I have heard it is a AGM type but don't see any designation on the battery as such. The manual says to get the # off of the factory installed battery. Wonder why they did not put what type to get in the manual?
