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I just had my dead battery replaced. I had to open the carpet-covered compartment lid to let AAA give me a jump start. The battery compartment access is the most @$#*& poor design in an otherwise wonderfully engineered car. I tore the carpet in the process of achieving proper access for jump start and then replacement access. GM, why not provide a thoughtful entrance hatch like for the storage compartment on the opposite side? Was that a bean counter cost savings? Very ill-advised and frustrating!!
Most of the battle is knowing how to properly lift the carpeting (grab from the rear-most area, pull up then forward). I did a little trial after seeing an instructor at Spring Mountain do it. Piece of cake. I had mine all open and put it back together in under a minute. There's more work to the entire job but opening it up properly is a big part. Pulling the battery out is another tough one. But there are tricks. I watched a Youtube video that showed a guy lift it right out. That helped a lot.
Changed batteries in my old C5 and C6 but when I got my C7 I quickly turned it over to my mechanic as I could see myself doing real harm...a royal pain in the butt to deal with......
Changed batteries in my old C5 and C6 but when I got my C7 I quickly turned it over to my mechanic as I could see myself doing real harm...a royal pain in the butt to deal with......
Actually it really is not that difficult if you are versed in the correct procedure to replace the Corvette battery. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.
Compared to other car's I've own the access to the battery is not *that* bad. For example on my Nissan 350Z you had to remove a section of cowl (under the wipers) to get the battery swapped.
The problem in the C7 is the cheap, paper like carpet. I've never seen such junk carpeting in a vehicle before, including basic work trucks. Its so thin it will rip if you just look at it wrong There are areas (like behind the seats) where its draped in place with no clips holding it in nor trim covering the edges. Terrible, just terrible!
I haven’t had to replace my battery yet, but when it is due, I will have it done by my dealership, who have been great every time I used them. I will take detailed pictures, with the service writer present. That way, if there is any damage, the dealership will be responsible. By the way, I’m definitely not the person to be told that they will not replace the carpeting. I’m tenacious beyond belief. 😈
Most of the battle is knowing how to properly lift the carpeting (grab from the rear-most area, pull up then forward). I did a little trial after seeing an instructor at Spring Mountain do it. Piece of cake. I had mine all open and put it back together in under a minute. There's more work to the entire job but opening it up properly is a big part. Pulling the battery out is another tough one. But there are tricks. I watched a Youtube video that showed a guy lift it right out. That helped a lot.
Actually it really is not that difficult if you are versed in the correct procedure to replace the Corvette battery. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.
Hardly a one-of-a-kind design fluke... go read posts on the C8 Forum for a while.
(btw, with "inaccessible" batteries, my son's Chrysler FWD sedans had remote mounted posts for jumping, etc. top-side under the hood; so it can be done)
Post 6 video is a good one. However, videographer doesn't discuss the carpet issue. In fact you can see his carpet has been previously damaged. Additionally take a look at the photos I just posted. Here is another instruction to consider.
Compared to other car's I've own the access to the battery is not *that* bad. For example on my Nissan 350Z you had to remove a section of cowl (under the wipers) to get the battery swapped.
The problem in the C7 is the cheap, paper like carpet. I've never seen such junk carpeting in a vehicle before, including basic work trucks. Its so thin it will rip if you just look at it wrong There are areas (like behind the seats) where its draped in place with no clips holding it in nor trim covering the edges. Terrible, just terrible!
In my 2012 MB M350, the battery is located under the front passenger seat and you HAVE to take the seat out to take the battery out!
There is a jumper post in the engine compartment but it's still a PITA. I had my Indy change the battery early this year (since its going on 8 years) just in case the battery dies and needs to be replace in the near future.
As for my C7 battery, the 1st thing I did was to install a Battery Tender pigtail to the battery posts and use it to keep the battery fully charged when it's parked in the garage, which is most of the time.
The correct procedure is to push the carpet from the edge instead of pulling it away. This prevents the sharp edges of the plastic wheel well molding from cutting into it. It's not really that difficult, and yes it could have been better designed. I also would have liked a flip up lid for the battery, similar to the storage area on the driver's side.
Regardless, simply push the carpeting form the side out from underneath the plastic molding and then roll it back and out the way. That's how you also access the rear fuse box.
The problem in the C7 is the cheap, paper like carpet. I've never seen such junk carpeting in a vehicle before, including basic work trucks. Its so thin it will rip if you just look at it wrong There are areas (like behind the seats) where its draped in place with no clips holding it in nor trim covering the edges. Terrible, just terrible!
I did not have time to learn the "correct" procedure or have someone else do this. We shouldn't have to avoid tearing carpet to get at the battery in the first place. I wound up with a 1" tear that is almost invisible when the carpet is laid back down. In addition I put a small piece of Velcro over that area to remind me next time and maybe prevent further tearing.
Compared to other car's I've own the access to the battery is not *that* bad. For example on my Nissan 350Z you had to remove a section of cowl (under the wipers) to get the battery swapped.
The problem in the C7 is the cheap, paper like carpet. I've never seen such junk carpeting in a vehicle before, including basic work trucks. Its so thin it will rip if you just look at it wrong There are areas (like behind the seats) where its draped in place with no clips holding it in nor trim covering the edges. Terrible, just terrible!
Would you know if replacing the carpet is a simple fix? Any ideas how much a replacement carpet would cost?
We didn't tear our carpet, but bought a gray Lloyds trunk mat to eliminate that "black hole" effect in the trunk, especially at night or with small objects. Looks better during the day, too.
Also, the mat has a rubber backing. If we are going to carry something that might be damp or dirty, we flip the carpet over so the rubber is up. When done with transporting, we wipe the rubber clean/dry, then flip it back so the carpet is on top. Works well.
Another good idea I learned years ago from someone on CF.
Battery compartment access
There are areas (like behind the seats) where its draped in place with no clips holding it in nor trim covering the edges. Terrible, just terrible!
