Battery?

[UncleBuck]

I have a 2004 convertible. Had a couple things happen in the past month or so. I was getting the "security" light, looked up the code and it was possibly the key. Used the spare key and have not received the security light again...yet. Also the radio preset channels scrambled...twice. It has been suggested that it might be the battery. The battery was installed in July of 2010, an Advanced Auto Parts OEM replacement. I live in northeast Ohio and car is stored Nov - April with a battery tender on it. Any ideas?

 

[catbert]

The first thing I'd do is take it to Advance to have the battery tested. Three years is not the kind of lifespan you would expect from a battery, but you never know. Start with the easy and obvious possibility.

 

[timfitz63]

You might want to also review this thread (and in particular, this post pertaining to the '04 model year vehicle) in which Paul (c4c5specialist) discusses the correct battery for the C5. Apparently the C5's are temperamental about batteries. Even one that is not exactly correct will work properly for a while, but will eventually cause the car to exhibit flakey behavior. Although Paul calls out GM Delco battery models, aftermarket batteries with the same specifications that Paul mentions should be acceptable.

 

[UncleBuck]

Battery Info

Thanks for the information. It appears as though I will be getting an AC Delco battery soon. Hard to believe it is soooooo sensitive to CCA and RC, but I guess when you think about it, it is just a very complex computer running the car. Thanks again!!

 

[timfitz63]

Thanks for the information. It appears as though I will be getting an AC Delco battery soon. Hard to believe it is soooooo sensitive to CCA and RC, but I guess when you think about it, it is just a very complex computer running the car. Thanks again!!

No worries! Yeah, if I recall from Paul's presentation, there are certain voltage thresholds that have to be met in order for the car to operate properly. If it's any consolation, it's not just the C5 and later Corvettes; car models from many different manufacturers (BMW leaps immediately to mind) are growing increasingly sensitive to battery-related specifications. Gone forever are the days where any ol' 12v battery will do in your Corvette...