Jump Starting a Vette
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 66
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From: NJ
Jump Starting a Vette
Ok, I parked my 09 and let it sit a few weeks. Yesterday I added some Stabil and tried to start it and ...nothing. battery was dead. Its been in the 20s here the last couple weeks but the battery shouldnt have been dead (about 3 volts) should it?
Anyway I hooked it up to a charger for an hour and it started. I noticed instructions to connect jumper cables to other areas other than the battery. Is there a reason for this? Why not connect directly to the battery?
Thanks
Anyway I hooked it up to a charger for an hour and it started. I noticed instructions to connect jumper cables to other areas other than the battery. Is there a reason for this? Why not connect directly to the battery?
Thanks
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I think why they tell you to connect the negative cable to a metal part of the car (not the negative battery terminal) is that it reduces the risk igniting hydrogen gas coming off the battery. Most often (but not always) I hookup the jumper cables directly to the battery terminals. I'm not saying that's the recommended way but I've never had a problem.
PS I think the C6 also has a 'remote jumping terminal' away from the battery in the fuse compartment....it's probably better to use this.
PS I think the C6 also has a 'remote jumping terminal' away from the battery in the fuse compartment....it's probably better to use this.
Last edited by Wayne O; Dec 20, 2010 at 09:54 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 129
From: Fairview Heights IL
Ok, I parked my 09 and let it sit a few weeks. Yesterday I added some Stabil and tried to start it and ...nothing. battery was dead. Its been in the 20s here the last couple weeks but the battery shouldnt have been dead (about 3 volts) should it?
Anyway I hooked it up to a charger for an hour and it started. I noticed instructions to connect jumper cables to other areas other than the battery. Is there a reason for this? Why not connect directly to the battery?
Thanks
Anyway I hooked it up to a charger for an hour and it started. I noticed instructions to connect jumper cables to other areas other than the battery. Is there a reason for this? Why not connect directly to the battery?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7,250
Likes: 6
From: Glassboro New Jersey
The proper way to jump start ANY car is to connect the negative cable to a good engine ground, and not the negative battery cable of the dead battery. It reduces the chances of arcing and the battery exploding from hydrogen gas in the battery.
I leave my 07 coupe for months and never had a problem starting it. Make sure that your battery is fully charged (and not just driving it around. That will not properly recharge a deeply discharged battery) and have the battery tested. It should not go dead after a few weeks.
I leave my 07 coupe for months and never had a problem starting it. Make sure that your battery is fully charged (and not just driving it around. That will not properly recharge a deeply discharged battery) and have the battery tested. It should not go dead after a few weeks.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,773
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
C6s are battery pigs, always something taking a little here and there aand it sure adds up. Some people have little or no problems others have plenty.
On my 2ed C6 now and after a couple weeks you have a good chance of a low battery. Get a TENDER and use it anytime the cars sits for more than a few days.
As far as hooking up I ALWAYS go direct to the batteries, I prefer the shortest possible hook up I can get! If your carefull and hook up right +_+ -_-you will be ok. Have worked on cars since early 60s and been around a lot of batteries!
On my 2ed C6 now and after a couple weeks you have a good chance of a low battery. Get a TENDER and use it anytime the cars sits for more than a few days.
As far as hooking up I ALWAYS go direct to the batteries, I prefer the shortest possible hook up I can get! If your carefull and hook up right +_+ -_-you will be ok. Have worked on cars since early 60s and been around a lot of batteries!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7,250
Likes: 6
From: Glassboro New Jersey
Why not just err to the side of caution?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
My Z06 has the rear mounted battery and I always connect my float charger to the (+) lug at the underhood fusebox and a grounding point on the frame below the fusebox. I have never had a battery explode on any car I've owned over the past 50 years, but why start now.
