Battery change
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
Battery change
I'm new to a 2003 C5 and all it's electronics. I want to change the battery. Can I use the gizmo that you plug into the cigarette lighter with a 9 volt battery attached to keep eveything going while I disconnect the battery or is there some risk to the electronics if I do this? Also, if I just disconnect the battery cables without any other power source attached --- what will I lose on the electronics side. Just radio station memory and such or will it effect other things that I will have to see a chevrolet dealer about.
sorry for the basic questions but I'm used to dealing with a 1975 in all it's simplicity.
Thanks
sorry for the basic questions but I'm used to dealing with a 1975 in all it's simplicity.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
The worst possible scenario is that you might, which I doubt, have to reset your radio presets, clock and resync the fobs. Don't get paranoid about changing the battery. Remember to disconnect the negative terminal first: thumbs:
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
There is one thing to watch out for .... if the TheftLock is enabled on you Delco radio, you will need to input the "password" to unlock the radio after changing the battery. Be sure you either have the password, or turn off the TheftLock feature on the radio before disconnecting the battery.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 5
From: Chico CA
Also, be sure you use a gel or AGM type battery. I like my Exide Orbital, but there's a Delco version, a Sears version, the Optima batteries... And look for any evidence of battery leakage under the battery while you have it out. There are a lot of electronics and A/C bits under the battery, so it's best not to use a cheap one, and the lead/acid liquid filled batteries do tend to leak over time. I think 2003 had gone back to top post, which works in your favor, but the AGM or gel batteries are safest. My wife's 2004 Grand Prix came with an AGM battery from Delco, and it worked well. Made it nearly five years in "mom-mobile" duty - lots of start/stop and around town driving.
