Discussion
After 3 weeks on holiday, tried to start the C5 vette (its been indoors all this time), and it won't. I suspect a flat battery as the computer says LOW VOLTAGE (did not check the voltage), and the engine just ticks and does not attempt to turn over.
Is this a sign of a low battery or something else?
Would a jump from another ordinary car be OK?
How long should a battery last on C5's without being charged (is 3 weeks a long time)?
All comments appreciated!
Is this a sign of a low battery or something else?
Would a jump from another ordinary car be OK?
How long should a battery last on C5's without being charged (is 3 weeks a long time)?
All comments appreciated!
Yes, this sounds like a low battery!!
Right, I don't know about the "official" line about jump-starting it, but I've jumped both my 1999 Cadillac and my 1991 Corvette, quite a few times, with no problems... I'd say the C5's electrics won't be that far of my Cadillacs, for comparison.
Now, a bit about batteries: cold weather impairs battery performance, and normally manufacturers allow for a battery to "last" that fortnight's holiday... so in short, 3 weeks and in this colder weather, you can get to a low battery situation quite easily.
Now, interestingly in my Cadillac I had a similar situation but in 2 weeks it could get too flat to start... (thankfully the Corvette came in handy for jumping!)
When I checked out the battery, it was a Vauxhall battery (remember this Caddy was sold through UK dealers), and it was *too small* in capacity (I think it was 540 instead of 770 CCA or something like that)
So, I got a correctly sized one (actually from Claremont I think - some places are funny about freighting batteries).
So, what I'd sum up is:
- 3 weeks is nothing particular to worry about it
- once started, *do* run the car or charge the battery up, to get that battery back into shape
- check the CCA of the battery, and verify it's OK (or not)... I have no idea what the C5'd need, but am sure you can find out
- don't go on such long holidays, you make us all jealous
Right, I don't know about the "official" line about jump-starting it, but I've jumped both my 1999 Cadillac and my 1991 Corvette, quite a few times, with no problems... I'd say the C5's electrics won't be that far of my Cadillacs, for comparison.
Now, a bit about batteries: cold weather impairs battery performance, and normally manufacturers allow for a battery to "last" that fortnight's holiday... so in short, 3 weeks and in this colder weather, you can get to a low battery situation quite easily.
Now, interestingly in my Cadillac I had a similar situation but in 2 weeks it could get too flat to start... (thankfully the Corvette came in handy for jumping!)
When I checked out the battery, it was a Vauxhall battery (remember this Caddy was sold through UK dealers), and it was *too small* in capacity (I think it was 540 instead of 770 CCA or something like that)
So, I got a correctly sized one (actually from Claremont I think - some places are funny about freighting batteries).
So, what I'd sum up is:
- 3 weeks is nothing particular to worry about it
- once started, *do* run the car or charge the battery up, to get that battery back into shape
- check the CCA of the battery, and verify it's OK (or not)... I have no idea what the C5'd need, but am sure you can find out
- don't go on such long holidays, you make us all jealous
c4koh said:
- 3 weeks is nothing particular to worry about it
- once started, *do* run the car or charge the battery up, to get that battery back into shape
- check the CCA of the battery, and verify it's OK (or not)... I have no idea what the C5'd need, but am sure you can find out
- don't go on such long holidays, you make us all jealous
Thanks alot Steve for the prompt response! I will try to jump it on Sunday. I need to drive 100 miles so that should charge it up!
Whats the CCA? Is it the current voltage or current ampage?
I've just been to Malawi for 3 weeks, unfortunatly the roads there are not too suitable for the vette! But a good TV program would be crossing Africa, North to South in a Vette!
100 miles should be a good enough run, I'd say. The CCA I believe is the "Cold Crank Ampage", which is supposed to be a measure of how much "juice" (current) the battery will provide in cold conditions, whatever they're defined to be; normally, warmer conditions will put less load on the battery.
I'd say basically the higher the CCA, the better; as I said, I'd expect 700 or so for your C5, just check it - it will be written on top or so.
And finally, I think GM put in their freedom batteries which should be maintenance free and last 5 years...
I'd say basically the higher the CCA, the better; as I said, I'd expect 700 or so for your C5, just check it - it will be written on top or so.
And finally, I think GM put in their freedom batteries which should be maintenance free and last 5 years...
Some of the AGM batteries on C5s have been known to be dodgy and have had to be replaced, but 3 weeks in cold weather is enough time for problems to happen with any battery - especially if you'd been doing short trips beforehand. Give the battery a visual check for leaks before you charge/jump start it, monitor the situation and if it reoccurs go straight out and get yourself a new battery.
I'm up for the Africa trip. Anyone know a TV company that'll sponsor me ?
I'm up for the Africa trip. Anyone know a TV company that'll sponsor me ?
Personally I would use a charger; notheless I suspect the danger is to the car charging you, not vice versa. A couple of years back I tried to jumpstart my mate's cobra with my C3. Not only did I screw my batter but I screwed my alternator too. Being 25 miles SW of Le Mans at the time only added to the pleasure!
If this is a 2001 car on its original battery then don't waste time and money - it's time for a new battery. Otherwise you're risking another "fail to start" pretty soon. Also the electrics tend to go nuts when there's knackered battery in any event. It's not a standard battery you can get from just any outlet in UK so you need to get one from a supplier familiar with US cars. Good luck!
Yes cold cranking amps doe = CCA.
I've used the Vauxhall Sintra (think it's that) battery with no problem in my 86, good thing is it's only £40. Although I would say in the winter a weeks about as good as it gets - but on an 86 there'll be all sorts of leaky circuits pulling current. My mum's 87 though seems to last forever.
Converter posts for batteries do work too, I had a traditional vertical post battery in my car for years.
Bes t thing - if you're leaving the car in the garage for a while, either disconnect the battery or connect one of those small plug size trickle chargers in.
I've used the Vauxhall Sintra (think it's that) battery with no problem in my 86, good thing is it's only £40. Although I would say in the winter a weeks about as good as it gets - but on an 86 there'll be all sorts of leaky circuits pulling current. My mum's 87 though seems to last forever.
Converter posts for batteries do work too, I had a traditional vertical post battery in my car for years.
Bes t thing - if you're leaving the car in the garage for a while, either disconnect the battery or connect one of those small plug size trickle chargers in.
5USA said:
If this is a 2001 car on its original battery then don't waste time and money - it's time for a new battery. Otherwise you're risking another "fail to start" pretty soon. Also the electrics tend to go nuts when there's knackered battery in any event.
I agree with 5USA. There are horror stories on the Corvette Forum of leaking batteries affecting the cars computers which are located under the battery bay. Also there are a number of weird indications possible once the battery starts to die.
My battery went flat after some work on the lights and I recharged it. Incidentally, the symptoms were the same; just a ticking and no turn over. I recharged it with a battery charger and I've had no problems since but the car sits for a couple of weeks when I'm away and still holds its charge. If yours is discharging in a short period it may be safer to get a new one. I plan to replace mine with an Optima Red Top very soon.
JMHO.
>> Edited by Dee Gee on Sunday 5th December 15:07
>> Edited by Dee Gee on Sunday 5th December 15:08
From reading the Corvette Forums, it's abundantly clear that C5's have a real problem with naff AC-Delco batteries which, once run down, may start to leak and affect the wiring and computer that lies beneath it. In nearly every case, the recommended replacement is an Optima Red Top battery. If you go on Corvette Forum you can find out which one they use.
A Brit who resides in France called Cochemarman recently changed his battery and in Europe, the Optima is marketed as something else, possibly Exide but I'll try and find out.
A Brit who resides in France called Cochemarman recently changed his battery and in Europe, the Optima is marketed as something else, possibly Exide but I'll try and find out.
Thanks all.
Gave it a jump on Friday from a Megan and started first time (thank god). I got back on friday and wanted to check the voltage (before jumping), but once I put the key in it went bizarre, with noises no displays, lights well dim - the lot! I was starting to panic now, so I quickly manouvered the donor car, and connected up and... vrooom it was up.
I gave it a run for an hour, then again on Sunday for 2.5 hours and seems OK now.
Charge is 12 volts after running now, but after a night its down to 11.5V. Nor sure but I think it is an Al-Delco Battery with 500 CCA.
I checked the manual and it says disconnect the -ve if left for more that 25 days. Mine was 21, but hey I think that is probably long enough.
Could not see any leaks on the top, and looked quite sound. Cant' see underneath though. Is there a specific place to look in the engine bay for leaks?
On a replacement battery, I have not really been looking, but I went to Costco (UK), and they do Bosch only batteries. I will see if they do the Optima Red Tops.
They recommend the 34/78 Red Top on the Forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=955464
Otherwise who else can source batteries in case of an emergency?
Thanks all!
>> Edited by gsmcoverage on Monday 6th December 10:31
Gave it a jump on Friday from a Megan and started first time (thank god). I got back on friday and wanted to check the voltage (before jumping), but once I put the key in it went bizarre, with noises no displays, lights well dim - the lot! I was starting to panic now, so I quickly manouvered the donor car, and connected up and... vrooom it was up.
I gave it a run for an hour, then again on Sunday for 2.5 hours and seems OK now.
Charge is 12 volts after running now, but after a night its down to 11.5V. Nor sure but I think it is an Al-Delco Battery with 500 CCA.
I checked the manual and it says disconnect the -ve if left for more that 25 days. Mine was 21, but hey I think that is probably long enough.
Could not see any leaks on the top, and looked quite sound. Cant' see underneath though. Is there a specific place to look in the engine bay for leaks?
On a replacement battery, I have not really been looking, but I went to Costco (UK), and they do Bosch only batteries. I will see if they do the Optima Red Tops.
They recommend the 34/78 Red Top on the Forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=955464
Otherwise who else can source batteries in case of an emergency?
Thanks all!
>> Edited by gsmcoverage on Monday 6th December 10:31
gsmcoverage said:
Could not see any leaks on the top, and looked quite sound. Cant' see underneath though. Is there a specific place to look in the engine bay for leaks?
>> Edited by gsmcoverage on Monday 6th December 10:31
The battery comes out easily. From discussion on the forum any leakage gets from the battery tray into the computer below. Should be obvious if there's a problem. Sounds like a new battery's needed very soon!
Regards
http://roeracing.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=13&idproduct=71
may this could solve/reduce this problem
"Next time you change the battery, add a little protection and install a battery mat. Made of polypropylene felt and fortified with acid nuetralizing agents, it dissolves the acid before it dissolves your car"
>> Edited by Viper on Monday 6th December 13:53
may this could solve/reduce this problem
"Next time you change the battery, add a little protection and install a battery mat. Made of polypropylene felt and fortified with acid nuetralizing agents, it dissolves the acid before it dissolves your car"
>> Edited by Viper on Monday 6th December 13:53
I like the idea of a battery mat and assume these things are readily available in automotive shops like Pep Boys etc in the US (I'm going to Seattle for Xmas so will investigate further).
Mark - my advice is to get a new battery asap. Mine went flat recently, after I couldn't use the car for 5 weeks. I immediately checked for leaks even though my warranty will cover it. The risk of damaging the computer is too great if you are out of warranty.
Mark - my advice is to get a new battery asap. Mine went flat recently, after I couldn't use the car for 5 weeks. I immediately checked for leaks even though my warranty will cover it. The risk of damaging the computer is too great if you are out of warranty.
Thanks Richard. I will check it over tomorrow for leaks and see how the battery comes out.
I am a little pissed now. I took it to BM just before the 3 years were up and asked them to check over the warranty recalls - ie column lock recall and battery and was told all was ok. Now it seems the battery is duff only 3 months later. They could have told me that it could be replaced under warranty anyway. Just so happens that it fails just after warranty has finished!
I am a little pissed now. I took it to BM just before the 3 years were up and asked them to check over the warranty recalls - ie column lock recall and battery and was told all was ok. Now it seems the battery is duff only 3 months later. They could have told me that it could be replaced under warranty anyway. Just so happens that it fails just after warranty has finished!
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