Battery
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Battery
My original battery was the type with caps for refilling but when I learned there was a computer under the tray out of paranoia I switched to a sealed battery. Over the years and multiple Optima Red Tops, I've noticed they don't last as long as they used to. In fact I need to replace one right now. I recently bought new Walmart Evertstart batteries for my bass boat, and they seem quite nice, and they're sealed, too, so was wondering if they'd be ok. What batteries are you guys running these days, and why?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,563
Likes: 3,303
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Any brand of AGM battery is fine. I use the Optima Red Top. You are correct that they don't last as long as they used to. My recommendation would be to get a battery tender Jr. If you use it, your red top (or whatever AGM battery you choose) will last a LONG time.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
I've got a charger on it but it still keeps dropping. If I jump it with my charger and run it, the alternator does a better job at keeping it charged but if I let it sit a few days it gets too low again even with the charger on it in maintenance mode. Had it checked at autozone and they said all cells are good but it only holds 50%, and they don't know why. I have a Suburban with a Costco Interstate in it and I can let it sit a week and it's fine.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,491
Likes: 3,999
From: Cape Coral, Florida
I've got a charger on it but it still keeps dropping. If I jump it with my charger and run it, the alternator does a better job at keeping it charged but if I let it sit a few days it gets too low again even with the charger on it in maintenance mode. Had it checked at autozone and they said all cells are good but it only holds 50%, and they don't know why. I have a Suburban with a Costco Interstate in it and I can let it sit a week and it's fine.
Last edited by C5 Diag; Jan 13, 2023 at 12:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,563
Likes: 3,303
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I've got a charger on it but it still keeps dropping. If I jump it with my charger and run it, the alternator does a better job at keeping it charged but if I let it sit a few days it gets too low again even with the charger on it in maintenance mode. Had it checked at autozone and they said all cells are good but it only holds 50%, and they don't know why. I have a Suburban with a Costco Interstate in it and I can let it sit a week and it's fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Best performing battery I have had is the Odyssey Extreme - got my first one back in 2007-8 and it lasted 14 years. Replaced it with a new one - expensive, but IMO worth it. As for non AGM, I have had very good luck with Walmart Maxx batteries. I have a 10 year old one right now in my Chev p/u. Also, put one in the whole house Generac, again no issues. Cheap as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
My choice in a battery (cheapest as possible), any make that you can get a 3 year warranty. I replace batteries in my cars every 5 years. Since I drive my C5 at least once a week 12 months a year, I do not use a tender.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
Just went through the battery replacement. Your post doesn't say what year. If it's a 2004 with top posts, a group 34 will drop perfectly into the tray. Otherwise it's a Group 78. You can also get a 34/78.
The Size listed for the 2004 was an 86 and not an AGM and thanks to all the posts I have read here, I can confirm that the 34 fit perfectly in the tray of my 04 and was avail in AGM. All the battery posts also state 78 for side post connections.
Batteries plus had it for 20% off with a 48 month warranty which was the same price as Sams with a 36 month. I bought a Duracel Ultra Platinum AGM - had excellent reviews.
Batteries plus sale ends 1/25 Code "AUTO20"
The Size listed for the 2004 was an 86 and not an AGM and thanks to all the posts I have read here, I can confirm that the 34 fit perfectly in the tray of my 04 and was avail in AGM. All the battery posts also state 78 for side post connections.
Batteries plus had it for 20% off with a 48 month warranty which was the same price as Sams with a 36 month. I bought a Duracel Ultra Platinum AGM - had excellent reviews.
Batteries plus sale ends 1/25 Code "AUTO20"
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Just went through the battery replacement. Your post doesn't say what year. If it's a 2004 with top posts, a group 34 will drop perfectly into the tray. Otherwise it's a Group 78. You can also get a 34/78.
The Size listed for the 2004 was an 86 and not an AGM and thanks to all the posts I have read here, I can confirm that the 34 fit perfectly in the tray of my 04 and was avail in AGM. All the battery posts also state 78 for side post connections.
Batteries plus had it for 20% off with a 48 month warranty which was the same price as Sams with a 36 month. I bought a Duracel Ultra Platinum AGM - had excellent reviews.
Batteries plus sale ends 1/25 Code "AUTO20"
The Size listed for the 2004 was an 86 and not an AGM and thanks to all the posts I have read here, I can confirm that the 34 fit perfectly in the tray of my 04 and was avail in AGM. All the battery posts also state 78 for side post connections.
Batteries plus had it for 20% off with a 48 month warranty which was the same price as Sams with a 36 month. I bought a Duracel Ultra Platinum AGM - had excellent reviews.
Batteries plus sale ends 1/25 Code "AUTO20"
Last edited by MrLeadFoot; Jan 13, 2023 at 05:08 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Edit: I see what you mean now. On my tablet, I don't see a signature in my post. On my computer, I see it. Forum quirk I suppose.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
No worries. At the bottom of my original post is my "signature", which includes details of my car. No clicks needed. You probably just missed it when you were looking at the post. Again, no worries, it's all good! ;-)
Edit: I see what you mean now. On my tablet, I don't see a signature in my post. On my computer, I see it. Forum quirk I suppose.
Edit: I see what you mean now. On my tablet, I don't see a signature in my post. On my computer, I see it. Forum quirk I suppose.
Anyway back to the topic at hand - just be sure to get an AGM. I ran a "Maintenence Free" when I first got the car because they didn't have an AGM on hand. The first battery was defective and dripped from the vents. Upon warrantying that I ran a battery mat, and after several years and needing a new battery I got the AGM. I have run AGM in everything for many, many years and they are the way to go.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Jan 13, 2023 at 11:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
BTW, red top is 2 years old, and a warranty replacement for the previous red top that also died at two years, not using said charger and driven daily. I'm done with red tops.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 154
Likes: 31
From: Temecula, CA
"Optima" hasn't been the same since JC bought them and they started making the batteries in Mexico. Their batteries used to be bulletproof and I believe they were covered under a 5yr warranty [back in the day], now it's a 3yr warranty.
I wouldn't buy an Optima based purely on the name/[old] reputation. I'd either go with the cheapest AGM that meets spec or an Odyssey.
I wouldn't buy an Optima based purely on the name/[old] reputation. I'd either go with the cheapest AGM that meets spec or an Odyssey.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
"Optima" hasn't been the same since JC bought them and they started making the batteries in Mexico. Their batteries used to be bulletproof and I believe they were covered under a 5yr warranty [back in the day], now it's a 3yr warranty.
I wouldn't buy an Optima based purely on the name/[old] reputation. I'd either go with the cheapest AGM that meets spec or an Odyssey.
I wouldn't buy an Optima based purely on the name/[old] reputation. I'd either go with the cheapest AGM that meets spec or an Odyssey.