Winter storage

[mperrysr]

My recently sold 2000 C5 had a problem of the battery going dead when not cranked over every couple of weeks. This eventually lead to column lock issues according to the dealership. I have a C6 ordered and don't want to run into the same problems. Anyone else experience this problem and if so, how did you solve it. Or does the car just need to be cranked every few days. Anyone use a trickle charger? If so, can you recommend a certain brand? I typically only put about 3000 miles per year on the car. The dealer tells me to drive it more, but I only like to take it out on nice days. Keeps it clean that way.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

The C6 battery is in the right hand side compartment of the rear hatch. The factory has been thoughtful enough to put some studs with wingnuts on the battery terminals for installation of a battery tender system. A .5 Amp/hr charger will be sufficient to keep your battery topped off for long term storage.
As long as it has a built-in regulator, it really doesn't matter what brand you get. Sears has them, as well as most auto parts stores.

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

Another choice could be to just unhook the battery if you are not going to be driving for several weeks. The battery in a C5 is spec'ed to last 21 or so days without a start. When I am gone for an extended time I just unhook my negative terminal. After I get back I only need to retrain the key fob, pressure sensors and do an idle relearn.

 

[mperrysr]

The charger I purchased for the C5 was to basically jump the dead battery, but has a mode to automatically, continously charge at .2 amps until battery is completely charged. I wonder if this is an acceptable application? What do you think. I could not find any info in the chargers owners manual of a regulator. What is a built-in regulator?

 

[wishuwerehere82]

The charger I purchased for the C5 was to basically jump the dead battery, but has a mode to automatically, continously charge at .2 amps until battery is completely charged. I wonder if this is an acceptable application? What do you think. I could not find any info in the chargers owners manual of a regulator. What is a built-in regulator?

The regulator shuts off the charger when the voltage has been charged to full capacity. It seems yours has it in Slow charge/automatic mode.
That's how I charge my C5 battery every week. Put it on slow charge and go out a few hours later when the light goes on.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Another choice could be to just unhook the battery if you are not going to be driving for several weeks. The battery in a C5 is spec'ed to last 21 or so days without a start. When I am gone for an extended time I just unhook my negative terminal. After I get back I only need to retrain the key fob, pressure sensors and do an idle relearn.

The only thing about this is that an unhooked battery will still lose 18% of its charge / month. It's still better to top off the charge regularly, or keep it charged continuously.

 

[mperrysr]

Thanks for the info. I do have an indicator light that comes on when charging is complete. I guess I am all set. We'll see!

 

[redvett]

Get a battery tender the NCM has them and you support the Museum. Keep it on when ever you have it parked.

 

[TJay]

Get a battery tender

I agree with redvette, the Battery Tender is the best for keeping a battery charged for long periods of time.

 

[Rob]

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/care/storage.html

 

[mperrysr]

Thats great advice. I ordered it today from NCM. I wish I knew about this site when I had my 00 C5. It would have saved me much time and effort. Thanks for the help. mperrysr