Unfortunately, there are several pitfalls in getting a new battery installed, including ripping the carpet if you are not careful..You need to look up instructions from Jerry U. It pays to remove trim and take your time. I removed the whole side panel to be able to fold the carpet completely out of the way...be sure to remove the vent tube or it will hang up when you try to pull the battery out. I also removed all wires from box on top of the battery so I could get it out of the way instead of just folding it back...the more you can get out of the way, the easier it is to get the battery in and out...
BTW- the factory battery was ACDelco Silver series, and I replaced mine with ACDelco GOLD series with 42 month replacement.

Jerry has the most complete instructions you will find anywhere.

http://netwelding.com/Battery_Issues.pdf

 

Automotive batteries typically have a manufacture's date code and/or warranty sticker revealing it's age. If there's no current indication of a battery problem I would check that prior to replacement. Considering the C7 is fours years I wouldn't necessarily speculate the existing battery is the original even if it is a Delco.
Just saying, would be a shame to go through trouble of replacement if battery isn't that old.

 

Correct. Delco batteries should have a 3 digit code on the top label. First two are the month, last digit is the year.

 

Yep several tricks like how to get the large power board on the positive terminal off, etc!
This is a PDF of my install, lots of pics with text: http://netwelding.com/Battery_Issues.pdf

 

I just replaced mine for the second time, first time was December 16, 2016 (4 days shy of it's 4 year delivery date) and let me tell you, it's a pain in the ***! Careful not to rip the carpet bending it back, mine's toast, why GM didn't make the access to the battery easier by making fold in the carpet I have no idea. Anyway, I replaced mine under warranty, it's an interstate but I think it's mainly because it couldn't handle starting in cold temperatures in the winter, I have now since discovered that placing an interior heater near the battery totally helps with cold weather starting (although it doesn't help the poor engine, that will be my next step, interior heater under the hood if I decide to drive it in the winter again), again, why GM didn't put a block heater in the LT1 like they did with previous generations I have no idea.

Removing the battery from the cramped compartment is another swear word inducing process (again, why GM and Delco didn't put a handle on the battery I have no idea), so much WTF in GM designs it's almost funny. I forget what socket sizes you'll need but I think you'll need 3 metric sizes, two for sure so bring your entire socket set with extenders.

As far as replacement battery, stay away from Kirkland, I'm not too happy with Interstate, I had an Optima in my C5 which did me well although without looking I don't know if the post placement is C7 friendly (I'm 99% sure they have a replacement for a C7 though). Delco is fine, it lasted 4 years with cold temps and no plugging in but just a pita to install and remove since you can't get a battery puller in there.

Good luck.

 

Is it just the coupe that presents the problems changing the battery? I swapped the one in my '14 vert last year and the whole process was easy and quick.

I also went with the 42 month Delco.

 

 

^^^

Hmm, perhaps enough time has past and the dealer Tech has replaced a battery in a C7 so they won't rip the carpet!

There were still posts where that happened when I changed my battery 1 1/2 ago! But soon after I got my September 2013 built C7 Z51 I had to access the rear fuse panel that is to the left on the battery (as a source of power for my radar detector.) Saw it was easy to tear the corner of the unbound carpet that is under the passenger plastic wheel well! Can guarantee if you were to call AAA to jump start the car they would rip it!

My PDF shows an easy way to avoid. In fact since you may have to access the battery at some time, why not use this trick (pic below) and at least pull the carpet out yourself if you don't want to change it yourself. This suggestion is NOT in the Owner's or the 4 volume Service Manual.

See pic, your car your choice!



You can see the unbound carpet under the plastic wheel well cover. You must pull it out from under. The carpet back is stiff (cheap) and will tear! Best to remove the clip that is ~3 inches from the floor. It is NOT like the very strong clips used to hold most trim. You can unclip with your fingers or a screw driver. If you have plastic trim tools fine but it's not really needed. I only disconnect the lower rear clip and do not remove the more difficult other upper fasteners, which TEXHAWKO shows in his post. You can see the unbound carpet even better in his pic. You can see from the wood molding I used to take the pic, it will provide room. Just hold it out with one hand as you pull the carpet out with the other. It goes back with the closed side of your hand.

 

Just make sure you get the pos post really back down good if it is the least bet loose it will put out a code are will not start.. Ask me how I know that just chg mine out about a month ago..Robert

 

The carpet rips so easily, I have even thought about cutting the corner of the carpet out with a clean cut where I can just remove it, and not even mess with trying to keep it folded back.. I may still do that. I could hold it in place with velcro or something.