Disconnecting Battery
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 13
From: Laguna Woods, CA
Disconnecting Battery
This is something that's never come up on my 2011 GrandSport in the 12 years I have owned it. I will be out of the country for two months. I can't use a trickle charger because there are no outlets in the space I park. Here's my question: Are there any negative consequences to disconnecting the battery until I return? I don't want to deal with a flat battery when I get back.
Tx
Garibaldi
Tx
Garibaldi
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,595
Likes: 4,055
From: Cape Coral, Florida
The idle may be erratic for a little bit so an “idle relearn” (procedure below) may be required or if you have a “better” scan tool there is a function in there that will accomplish this quickly.
1. Start and run the engine in PARK for 3 minutes.
2. Turn the engine OFF for a minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Start the engine and run for another 3 minutes.
4. Engine should idle normally after 3 minutes.
After having performed the relearn procedure and the engine still does not run within normal idle speed, it will be necessary to drive the vehicle above 45 mph (70 Km/h) including several decelerations. Also
ensure that after driving the vehicle, let the engine idle for a minimum of 5 minutes.
If the engine has returned to normal idle speed, the relearn procedure is completed.
If the idle speed is still erratic or incorrect, restart idle relearn procedure.
1. Start and run the engine in PARK for 3 minutes.
2. Turn the engine OFF for a minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Start the engine and run for another 3 minutes.
4. Engine should idle normally after 3 minutes.
After having performed the relearn procedure and the engine still does not run within normal idle speed, it will be necessary to drive the vehicle above 45 mph (70 Km/h) including several decelerations. Also
ensure that after driving the vehicle, let the engine idle for a minimum of 5 minutes.
If the engine has returned to normal idle speed, the relearn procedure is completed.
If the idle speed is still erratic or incorrect, restart idle relearn procedure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 916
From: Baie-D'Urfe, Quebec
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
i disconnect mine every winter while the car is elsewhere in storage, although it is on a maintainer. But that's 6 months. In your case, it'll be fine.
The only thing to remember, is that to get access again, you will need to remove the key from your FOB, to open the hatch manually. Then, once the battery terminals is on, you can unlock normally. Also, it may be a good idea to do a 'flood start' cycle (accelerator to the floor) when firing up...
The only thing to remember, is that to get access again, you will need to remove the key from your FOB, to open the hatch manually. Then, once the battery terminals is on, you can unlock normally. Also, it may be a good idea to do a 'flood start' cycle (accelerator to the floor) when firing up...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,281
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From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 1,166
From: Northern Wisconsin
This seems like a good excuse to buy one of those small, portable jump starters. They would be handy to have at times like this when you aren't sure what the state of charge of your battery will be.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 42
Likes: 29
From: Brooklyn, NY/Vero Beach, FL
I would disconnect mine for many months when I had it in FL. Just disconnect the neg cable and good to go. I would wrap cloth around the end so it cant touch any metal. It takes 60 seconds to remove and 60 secs to reattach. Done.
On my 2013 427 convert, I just needed to do a procedure for the power windows once it's rreconnected.check your owners manual for anything needed to be done after replacing a batt.
On my 2013 427 convert, I just needed to do a procedure for the power windows once it's rreconnected.check your owners manual for anything needed to be done after replacing a batt.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 542
From: Sarasota FL
St. Jude Donor '25-'26
i disconnect mine every winter while the car is elsewhere in storage, although it is on a maintainer. But that's 6 months. In your case, it'll be fine.
The only thing to remember, is that to get access again, you will need to remove the key from your FOB, to open the hatch manually.
The only thing to remember, is that to get access again, you will need to remove the key from your FOB, to open the hatch manually.
