Dead Z

[03VETT]

I recently went to move the z so that i could fit it with all of its new x-mas presents. The battery was dead, I called the dealer as soon as possible and the sevice guy told me that if the battery is completely dead that it will have to be towed to the dealership and get re-programed. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks for your help Bill

[woosch]

I think they are feeding you a line, that would mean everytime the battery is disconnected you would have to take it in for "reprograming". The battery died in mine a couple times before I said screw the stock battery and put in a red top Optima.

Save yourself the tow charges and either recharge the battery or go get a new one.

[Wingnut]

I've never had a dead battery but have disconnected mine during modifications and never had an issue...this doesn't sound right but I'd like to know for sure myself.

[R/ZO6-LS6]

I really would not think so. Ask another dealer in your aera. But don't tell him it's a Corvette.

[70boss302]

Your dealer has a tow truck or flat bed and no work for it. He'll tow you in and charge GM for some BS story to justify it. Get another dealer/opinion. Bill

[rbartick]

This is not true. Charge the battery and then drive the car. You may need to get a new battery.

Get yourself a Deltran battery tender and keep it hooked to the battery when not using the car for an extended period of time.

[Snakem2]

Mine was dead this morning also. I do not drive the Z often, so that is the main culprit. I put the automatic battery charger on until the meter stated it was fully charged. It still would not crack. I had to put it on the dreadful engine start mode for the engine to crank. No problem then. However, I took it to my local dealer for a test. The battery is fine. The charging system is fine. The problem is me. I do not drive the car enough. The mechanic told me that the generator does not kick in until its over 2000 RPM. If I just make short trips, then the battery is not going to recharge fully. Had enough volts, but not enough amps. They fully charged the battery for me. No charge, under warranty. Did not have to reset any codes.

I am going to get a trickle charger or just disconnect the battery when I am going to let be idle.

[Glenns]

Uhmm... Actually, the dealer may be referring to the anti theft code you can enter into your stock receiver. If the battery dies they need to re-scan the factory code to get it to work again (something like that).

Its in your owners manual.. I was told not to lose the bar code that was stuck to the radio for that purpose

[Resist]

That can't be correct because who keeps the bar code sticker on their radio's? I certainly didn't.

[vettewarehouse]

Hi there.
As I have been selling many vettes - I did encounter this problem several times. Even when I drive a certain vette as an every day car - the battery can die without any early indication.
Charging it will not help much - when the vette's battery dies - it just passes away and there is no reviving. Save yourselt the trip to the dealer. Go buy a new battery and put it in - this shall resolve the problem.
David

[mariner]

Last I looked, my Z had an alternator in it and was charging at idle. It may charge at maximum amperage, but any mechanic that thinks an automotive alternator doesn't charge until 2000 RPM needs to go back to school. Motorcycles yes - very small alternators, but not cars. Heck, most cars don't even run 2000 RPM on the highway any more.

[RocketSled]

B.S.

The computer program is in FLASH memory. FLASH retains it's content without power for *years*. Same as the memory cards for Digital Cameras.

You'll need to reset your Clock. And the car might run a little funny for a few miles as it goes through the PCM Relearn.

That's all.

[WB6HRO]

The reason we use alternators instead of generators is that an alternator can provide full voltage output even at idle. The current will be very small and full current output will not be reached until you run the engine up to about 2,000 RPM. (It has to do with the frequency of the 3 phase A.C. but that's another discussion)

The old generators would discharge 20-30 amps at idle, headlights would dim, etc. The alternator was a big improvement. Ok now back to the original problem.

The battery in a Z06 is a glass mat battery, these are different than the traditional batteries and most dealers do not understand it. Mine went dead after sitting about two weeks. I think there are (12) computers in a C-5 that need to keep memory on standby.

When you put the charger on it, the charge rate is LOW (when you have a dead battery) it will not take a high rate charge like a traditional battery. It's NOT bad! Just leave it on until it has a chance to charge up somewhat, then the charge rate will increase.

The best bet is the battery tender that was mentioned in an earlier post. The Museum offers one with the NCM logo on it, it cost a couple of bucks more but you're supporting the Museum, and I like the logo.

[aldrichc5]

Originally posted by rbartick
This is not true. Charge the battery and then drive the car. You may need to get a new battery.

Get yourself a Deltran battery tender and keep it hooked to the battery when not using the car for an extended period of time.

Which stores sells the Deltran battery tender?