rwsinky

Went to start my C6 GS and got the Engine Malfunction light and a couple of clicks! All other lighting cam on but no starting. New battery time? It's a 2012 and I keep it on a tender. Started right up last week when I last used it with no indication of a weak battery. Could it be something else?

mikeCsix

Dirty or loose battery terminals. If you have a volt meter, you could measure the voltage on the battery, with a shorted cell, the voltage will measure about 10 volts. The volt meter on your car may be another way to tell, I prefer to go directly to the source as the car meter will be reading across a possibly dirty or loose battery connection.

rwsinky

Thanks Mike, I will check that as I had the car in earlier this Summer for the headlight recall and maybe they did not tighten the connections.
In the event I need a new battery any recommendations aside from OEM?

RocketDawg

Lots of opinions on that. I've got an AutoZone Platinum (glass mat) that I've had over 3 years and it's still going strong.

LMB-Z

Make sure your battery has not discharge. Mine did and leaked acid everywhere. I kept a tender on it also. No need to put OEM battery back in, any auto parts store will have a battery. Just price and get one with a high CCA (cold cranking amps), with the right terminals. You can Google it and get several ideas. DO NOT go to the dealer and buy a battery .

mikeCsix

Opinions will be all over the place. Personally I prefer OWN, they are guaranteed to fit correctly and last as long as anything else. My 2012 is still going strong despite sporadic care over the past year.

Cuckoo

Really no need to waste $ on an expensive battery.

Autozone or walmart has what you need and if you have a problem there is always an Autozone or walmart nearby.

I put an autozone in mine a few months back .

It does feel weird to put a lower priced battery in an expensive car but it will do the job. Just a vanity thing i guess.

windyC6

Heck...after re-cycling, the high price batt someone puts in today could have been a cheapo batt several years ago....and vice versa....

GrandSportRob

Just like the stock Goodyear tires the stock battery also stinks. I saw some small acid buildup on my 13GS batter last year. Replaced it with a Sears Die Hard.

LowRyter

those battery terminal are pretty finicky. Not only do they need to be clean but you better make sure you have the specialized nuts securing the cables. Otherwise the cables will never tighten.

Bruze

In July 2014 I bought a new battery from a local family-run auto parts place. I don't even remember the brand (not a common one) but it was around $100 give or take a few bucks.

I had it load-tested a few months ago and it's still in great shape (although I always have a tender on it).

Don-Vette

2012? it's almost 2018, time for a battery. IMO

Scuba Ghost

Your OEM lasted 5+ years. Why not stick with another Delco?

TorchRedFred

I also went with the Sears Die Hard battery. I always considered them to be good batteries.

Boomer111

Yellow Top here since 2013 in the C6.

Ran a red Top for 11 years, not on a tender either. Changed it out just due to time, it was still performing ok. Had a 60 amp draw from a CB amp too.

rwsinky

Thanks all for the replies and information. I pulled the cables and cleaned them and the battery posts. Checked voltage- it was 12V. Reconnected and nothing, This time it shut down and locked me out of the car! Had to open hatch to manually open the door. Put a battery charger on it with a "Start" mode and still nothing but clicks. Hooked up the charger in normal mode and made some calls. GM $109 with 30 month warranty - Auto Zone $124 with 60 Month. Was about to go get the Auto Zone when I tried the car one more time. It started right up! Go figure. Just another day in the life of me! I think I will change it out anyway as it is, after all, 5 years old.
Thanks again!
Russ

windyC6

Maybe....but I think after re-cycling the Die Hard batt someone bought today could have been a Bogus Hairy brand sold by Mid Night Auto Salvage 5 years ago.....

Bruze

Still sounds like you have a bad connection at one of the four terminals. Did you check the two ends under the car?

rwsinky

No, I will do that before I get a new battery. Thank you.

ruxvette

OP...did you put the cone-shaped nuts back on? Also, you might want to check the starter solenoid connections, especially if you have headers.

A bit of trivia...
The majority of car batteries are created by 3 manufacturers: Delphi, Exide and Johnson Controls Industries. Johnson makes most of Autozone, Delco, Die hard batteries. Delphi makes most of Walmart batteries and some Delcos.