Topic: Winter battery issues
in Forum: C6 Problems
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This is my first winter with my 2008 Limited Edition Z06. Is there something I should be doing with the battery if I do not intend to drive it for a few weeks? The car has 21000 miles.
Why I am asking is that I left my car parked in the garage for about 2 weeks and when I went to start it--nothing. The battery, 3 years old, was recharged and has held the charge since although I have driven it at least once a week.
The car has the wild to mild accessory installed by the dealer and I was wondering if that is drawing the battery down. I have read that the wild to mild can be installed using a no battery draw method. Not sure how to check that out without going back to the dealer.
A friend has a 2013 60th Anniversary model with the same system installed by the same dealer. Due to some health issues he had not been able to drive his car for several weeks. He was finally able to get out but no battery. His car has about 1000 miles so I don't think it is his battery.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Camp Hill, PA - USA
Joined: 4/7/2008
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 2002 QuickSiver Convertible, 2007 LeMans Blue Coupe, 2010 Crystal Red Metallic Grand Sport Coupe (Heritage Edition). 6 Speed Manual
Two words...
Battery Tender - mine goes on the car every time I park it back in the garage.
Deltran Battery Tender ... every day!
My 2001 C5 had it's original battery up until this past spring. I think it would have lasted longer, but my son had been driving the car while I was on vacation ... and did not plug it in. The battery would not restart the car while he was out on the road.
I replaced the battery with a GM battery, and hooked it up to my Deltran Battery Tender! ENJOY!
My 2001 C5 had it's original battery up until this past spring. I think it would have lasted longer, but my son had been driving the car while I was on vacation ... and did not plug it in. The battery would not restart the car while he was out on the road.
I replaced the battery with a GM battery, and hooked it up to my Deltran Battery Tender! ENJOY!
Steven
2001 Intimidator Coupe, 19K miles
Former Member
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Camp Hill, PA - USA
Joined: 4/7/2008
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 2002 QuickSiver Convertible, 2007 LeMans Blue Coupe, 2010 Crystal Red Metallic Grand Sport Coupe (Heritage Edition). 6 Speed Manual
That is also the one I use and have used on all of my Corvettes since I start using one (about 10-11 years ago), and it has never let me down.
However, you should (or at least I do) still make it a point to start it every couple of weeks and let all the fluids come up to temps. I also move the car 5-6 inches one way or the other to prevent flat spotting (concrete - very cold in winter). I know some say these tires won't do that, but better safe than sorry.
2010 Crystal Red Metallic Grand Sport
my 2008 coupe had the battery last 3 years and then it came up with 1 dead cell so i had to replace it. i also kept a float charger on it when it was not being used in the winter. some delco batteries last a long time and some die a early death
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Canada
Joined: 12/27/2010
Posts: 3
Vette(s): 2008 Victory red convertible, 6,000 klm,s... 4 LT interior, automatic. Absolutely loaded. I have not seen another one like it. Nav., dual mode exhaust (with remote), magnetic ride, Hud, optional wheels,body moldings and mesh kits, stripe kit, etc. etc.
Hello, I have a 2008 vert and I was told when I got it that the battery can and will drain when the car is sitting and not being used. How I know? mine went dead after sitting for a week and a half and I had to replace it because it would no longer hold a charge. The newer Corvettes draw on the battery even when they are shut down because it still runs diagnostics periodically on itself= battery drain. Now i plug it in and don't worry.
I would think that winter weather would make the situation even worse so save yourself a headache and plug it in.
My Guardian Angel
the 2005 vette had to be put into reverse but not the later ones . also make sure the key fob is at least 10 feet from the corvette so the computers go to sleep. people who leave the fob in the car could be causing the battery problem
I agree with the use of a battery tender or maintainer. I disagree with starting the car every so often while stored - you do not get the moisture out of the engine and do more harm than good. I store my 2009 Z06 as I have done with my previous Vettes here in Wisconsin from November to April. I pump up tires to around 40 PSI put on maintainer, cover it and wait.....only good thing is it's like a new car every Spring
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Hudson, NH - USA
Joined: 9/1/2009
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 2006 Monterey Red Coupe
Bake said: I agree with the use of a battery tender or maintainer. I disagree with starting the car every so often while stored - you do not get the moisture out of the engine and do more harm than good. I store my 2009 Z06 as I have done with my previous Vettes here in Wisconsin from November to April. I pump up tires to around 40 PSI put on maintainer, cover it and wait.....only good thing is it's like a new car every Spring
This is very similar to the procedure I follow as well.
I use a battery tender during the winter months, add a good fuel stabilizer to the tank, increase the tire pressure (I even go one step further and remove my nice wheels and tires then reinstall the stock set of wheels I have for winter storage), apply leather conditioner to the seats, cover car, and do not start it until summer.
You must use a battery maintainer during the winter, even if you remove the battery from the car. It will vastly prolong the life of the battery.
in Forum: C6 Problems
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