Dead battery
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: TX
Dead battery
OK, I went to start my car today after 13 days sitting and the battery is completely dead. Had to unlock trunk manually, pull cable to open driver's door to get to under the hood. Won't even take a charge (my Battery tender is not even showing the red indication). Checked voltage across the terminals, and it was 2.0 volts. Prior to sitting, the car had just been on a 3000 mile road trip to Bowling Green KY with the local Corvette club. Car is currently 15 months old with 9,000 miles. (2010 GS convertible) Way too soon to have a battery problem ?.... Has anyone else had this issue so soon ? Should I try to continue to charge the battery for awhile or do think it's gone ?
Trying to decide whether to go back with stock AC-Delco, or go with Optima (Red or Yellow?). In my previous C5 Z06, replaced with Optima Red with good results. What batteries are recommended for this car for Optima? Thanks.
Also need to determine if dealer will let me replace the battery under warranty - don't want to flat-bed the car to the dealer if possible.
Any other suggestions ? Thanks.
Trying to decide whether to go back with stock AC-Delco, or go with Optima (Red or Yellow?). In my previous C5 Z06, replaced with Optima Red with good results. What batteries are recommended for this car for Optima? Thanks.
Also need to determine if dealer will let me replace the battery under warranty - don't want to flat-bed the car to the dealer if possible.
Any other suggestions ? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 198
From: Southington CT
I would try having the dealer replace it first. If there is a problem, take the battery out and have them recharge it for you. I am not if a battery tender can bring back a completely dead battery. I know the ctek 7200 is supposed to be able to do that.
Was the battery tender connected during those 13 days ??
If you have to replace it yourself, I have read on the Optima site that you should use the Yellow top. You may want to go to their site just to verify that I am right.
Was the battery tender connected during those 13 days ??
If you have to replace it yourself, I have read on the Optima site that you should use the Yellow top. You may want to go to their site just to verify that I am right.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: TX
Stan, the Battery tender was not connected. I would have thought that the trip to Bowling Green would have charged it up pretty well ....
Just checked on the Optima site, and they don't list Chevy's for 2010. Looked at 2009 and showed Group 35 for Red and D35 for Yellow ....
Just checked on the Optima site, and they don't list Chevy's for 2010. Looked at 2009 and showed Group 35 for Red and D35 for Yellow ....
Last edited by cbidwell; Apr 30, 2011 at 10:18 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
unless you can determine if anything was left on, like the interior lights by hitting the little dimmer **** with your knee (not saying you did, but it does happen frequently), the battery should last longer than 13 days w/o being run, charged or maintained. many ways to go w. this, but I would go get it jump started, and make an appointment to have it checked at the dealer vs. replacing the battery. if it's defective, or if there is a drain on the battery somewhere in your system (odd that it would suddenly appear, but things happen), they will hopefully find it out.
barring that, with one full drain down you haven't permanently ruined your batt. in my opinion. Bowling Green suggested to me when it happened that our systems are not huge (alternator, batt. etc.) so it's not like you can EXPECT to charge your car by driving it. however, that said, they did mention that once started, if I wanted to try it (charging up the system by driving it), I could take it out for a 30-45 minute drive at rpms over 1500 (highway). I did. it worked. that was Nov. '07 and the car was 3 mos. old. it still has the same batt. and maintainer.
I brought it home and put it on a batt. maintainer. good luck. tell us what you find out.
barring that, with one full drain down you haven't permanently ruined your batt. in my opinion. Bowling Green suggested to me when it happened that our systems are not huge (alternator, batt. etc.) so it's not like you can EXPECT to charge your car by driving it. however, that said, they did mention that once started, if I wanted to try it (charging up the system by driving it), I could take it out for a 30-45 minute drive at rpms over 1500 (highway). I did. it worked. that was Nov. '07 and the car was 3 mos. old. it still has the same batt. and maintainer.
I brought it home and put it on a batt. maintainer. good luck. tell us what you find out.
Last edited by AORoads; Apr 30, 2011 at 10:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: TX
In the past, the car has sat as long as 23-24 days before battery starting to get weak. I usually drive it about 2-3 times per week at least, usually on weekends or during nice weather. I have put it on the Battery tender a couple times in the last 6 months if I couldn't drive it at the time. I'm wondering if an internal short (plating) occurred during the long trip.
I'm aware of the dimmer switch and accessory issues. (another club member had that problem with his C6). I usually check to make sure the lights, key, etc. go off in the garage before I leave the car.
I'm aware of the dimmer switch and accessory issues. (another club member had that problem with his C6). I usually check to make sure the lights, key, etc. go off in the garage before I leave the car.
Last edited by cbidwell; Apr 30, 2011 at 10:39 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
1. The OEM Delco battery is not a deep-discharge type. So when a healthy C6 sits for long periods, it will shorten the battery life. And if you have a problem causing excessive electrical drain, battery life can get REAL short in a hurry.
2. Make sure your C6 is electrically healthy. Measure the parasitic drain (or have the dealer do it).
3. I wouldn't bother trying to revive a dead 15-month old battery.
Get a new one designed for rechargeability, like the Optima Yellow Top.
4. If you'd regularly use a good battery maintainer (like a CTEK), it almost doesn't matter which replacement battery you use... the maintainer will keep it well-charged. Then you can shop for the cheapest battery that fits.
5. Best cost-no-object battery I've seen (with great install details): http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-c6-coupe.html
6. More than you'll ever want to know about C6 battery-related issues:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ocked-out.html
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,205
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From: Arlington VA
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
Battery died in my '09 after 18 months. I took care of it, but it never did check very strong.
Took the battery to the dealer, it checked bad and they gave me a new Delco on the spot.
Covered by warranty at no charge to me.
Took the battery to the dealer, it checked bad and they gave me a new Delco on the spot.
Covered by warranty at no charge to me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 29
From: Lakewood Ranch Florida
1. Replace batterry (check with dealer for warranty coverage - but replace unit whether covered or not.)
2. Get battery tender (Deltran or CTek). Keep connected whenever car not in use.
3. Problem solved.
2. Get battery tender (Deltran or CTek). Keep connected whenever car not in use.
3. Problem solved.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 515
Likes: 1
From: South of I-64 Illinois
I had the same issue. I was not disciplined about keeping it on the battery tender and 2 full rundowns and the battery was shot and wouldn't take a charge.
I took battery out (2010 coupe with 5k miles) and took to two different dealers, both of which wanted me to flatbed the car in. I told them how ridiculous that was and that they could bite me (I said it in a nice way) and that I'd never again visit their dealership for any reason ever.
I bought a new battery out of pocket for $110 and I'm sure to keep it on the battery tender.
Edit: The two dealers were in/near my current hometown and I did not purchase the car from either of them. The dealer I purchased from told me they'd replace with no problems, but that dealer is 150 miles away. So I chose to just buy a new one.
I took battery out (2010 coupe with 5k miles) and took to two different dealers, both of which wanted me to flatbed the car in. I told them how ridiculous that was and that they could bite me (I said it in a nice way) and that I'd never again visit their dealership for any reason ever.
I bought a new battery out of pocket for $110 and I'm sure to keep it on the battery tender.
Edit: The two dealers were in/near my current hometown and I did not purchase the car from either of them. The dealer I purchased from told me they'd replace with no problems, but that dealer is 150 miles away. So I chose to just buy a new one.
Last edited by Cyber2010; May 1, 2011 at 01:46 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Not sure about the accessory thing, as these car's have a battery run down feature. I myself have accidently hit the dimmer button, and the interior light's went off after about 15 minute's. If the battery was run down to total zero, then probably shot. I agree with a trip to the dealer to have thing's checked out. At the very least, the battery is part of the 36 month original factory warranty, and should be replaced for free.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,886
Likes: 173
From: Scottsdale AZ
St. Jude Donor '11
OP, not chastising, but do a search. You will find info about every week for the past five years.
My 2010 GS battery went out just above 9000 miles. Left it idle for two weeks, and it was toast. Under warranty, so dealer replaced with no problem. They told me one of the top warranty claims.
Won't go into why it happens. Leave you to do a search. Many opinions. But it does happen, so you're not alone.
Good luck!
My 2010 GS battery went out just above 9000 miles. Left it idle for two weeks, and it was toast. Under warranty, so dealer replaced with no problem. They told me one of the top warranty claims.
Won't go into why it happens. Leave you to do a search. Many opinions. But it does happen, so you're not alone.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: TX
Looks like more of an issue with this car than with my previous C5 Z06.
Incidentally, I found a new (4/11) Optima Yellow Top D35 at the local Autozone this morning for $206 - gonna wait until tomorrow, after I talk with the local Chevy dealer about warranty ... the original 85H7YR battery may be discontinued ?
Are the windows the only thing that need to be reset after replacing the battery ?
Incidentally, I found a new (4/11) Optima Yellow Top D35 at the local Autozone this morning for $206 - gonna wait until tomorrow, after I talk with the local Chevy dealer about warranty ... the original 85H7YR battery may be discontinued ?
Are the windows the only thing that need to be reset after replacing the battery ?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 535
Likes: 21
From: TX
I have an 07 Pace Car purchased new in March of 09. I had the car about 3 months and the battery went dead. Jump started it and took it to a dealer close to my house (I did not purchase it there) and they replaced the battery. I did not have to pay a dime.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 325
Likes: 4
From: Cincinnati
Back in 09 I ordered a convertible.I got it 3/30/09 and drove in summer on nice days.Not a DD.In the fall it sat for a few weeks,then it got warm.Went to drive it.Dead battery.I jumped it.Drove 40 minutes.Stopped for gas.Dead battery but I took cables and got a jump.The battery was toast.I was pi$$ed.I'm thinking a $67,000 car shouldn't have a dead battery.GM replaced battery under warrenty.I did some research.To me it is what it is.Sure maybe GM doesn't have it right but if you want to drive your car when you want to drive it,use a battery tender.It's just the way it is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
As a note to some of the battery maintainer's, as own a couple Ctek 3300's myself with desulf mode circuitry. From my observation's, seems the desulf mode only come's into play when the unit if first connected, not when in the fully charged maintaining mode. Recently had an older battery on a Ctek flashing between charged/charging indicating sulfating plate's. Pulled the battery and later again on the Ctek for a couple day's in the desulf mode. Now check's like new on a Midtronics tester. Point being, maybe a good idea to pull the maintainer off for a few day's then reconnect from time to time. No expert here, but what I've found. Maybe the fact the battery was still connected to the car also had something to do with it.
Safety Car
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From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
$300
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