Battery Advise/Questions

[JimmyS5600]

Hi All, My battery was dead today when I attempted to roll the windows down on my CE. It has the original battery,14k miles. Seemed to recharge ok but Iam
concerned that it was dead. I don't believe I left any thing on the last time I started it. {3 wks ago} I guess it is due for a replacement due to age? If so what should I replace it with? Concerned about a different battery besides Delco for the times I show the car. Any suggestions,advise greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jimmy

 

[Chick]

The battery is what, almost 7 years old, ya replace it or if it's a stick park it on a hill and jump it every day...LOL j/k j/k

Oh the ECM/PCM drags the battery down and 3 weeks without starting it is not a good idea. If mine is going to sit 2 weeks the battery is disconnected. I would stick with Delco.

 

[*89x2*]

I cannot seem to keep a battery in my one car for an entire year
I will be investing in a "Batery tender" for my seldom driven cars...
At least C4 batteries are easy to change

 

[sumoboy]

Listen to CHICK!

 

[Edmond]

You can get Delco batteries for about $70 or so. It's relatively cheap considering the troubles that you'll avoid...

 

[RubyDropTop]

Sounds Like....

The infamous C4 "battery eating syndrome." Trust me, you are not alone on this one. :cry I had the same experience shortly after I bought my car 2 1/2 years ago. I learned quickly that these cars will suck a battery dry if left to sit for weeks at a time.

My advice would be to replace the battery with a brand new AC Delco battery. It sounds like it will accept a charge but not hold it, and it is also rather old at this point. I show my car as well, so I understand wanting to keep originality. Even if GM no longer produces the original '96 battery, they should provide you with a correct replacement.

Do yourself a favor and either trickle charge the new battery if the car is going to sit, or disconnect the negative cable. Just keep in mind that the latter choice will still drain the battery down, just more slowly.

 

[tyrel]

Let's also not forget how a dying battery will destroy a perfectly healthy alternator, as the alternator works overtime to charge a useless battery. I've replaced too many alternators on my C4s to put up with old batteries.