Steve D

OK so I go to start my 2008 coupe with only 16k miles (always garaged) and nada. Get it jumped with cables and drive to my dealer. The corvette tech says the battery was leaking.

Before you guys jump on me about springing for the cost of a new battery, the tech then asks me to come out to the garage area and shows me how the cable/wire that goes to the battery terminal and the connector were completly destroyed by the corrosion. So my $117 battery replacement now comes to more than $500 worth of repairs.

And of course everything is out of warranty according to the dealer.

Rich Mickol

Sorry to hear that. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullit.

AORoads

were there any signs that this was starting to happen when you looked in/at the engine compartment? it was good that the technician brought you over to see the damage or we might be reading another one about the 'stealership'.

need-for-speed

That really sux. I started a thread a while back about what type of (AGM) battery to replace the OEM battery with. I never did decide which type to get. The OEM in my 08' is still good but I'm worried about a leak too. Looks like I need to bust a move.

Thanks for sharing and best of luck.

mickey5

If only the cable and connector were corroded why not just put in a new cable assy and recharge the battery? Was the terminal also eaten away?

Steve D

Thanks, and I did see your thread, but I'm not sure a different manufacturer is the anwer. This is the 5th vette I've owned since 1968 and I]ve never had to replace a battery. In that respect I'm lucky. But as you know in recent years companies have outsourced production to Mexico, Malaysia, India, etc to slash labor costs. You really don't know what the quality controls are anymore ... or if there is such a thing.

Best bet is to just keep an eye on the battery terminal to make sure corrision isn't starting.

Steve D

Yup, like a pirranha got it. I'm ok with replacing a battery after 4 yrs, but the other damage it caused is what pizzez me off!

LS14ME2

I remember when I had my 01 Trans Am the OEM Delco battery leaked , research found they were notorius for doing so... Are they still prone to leaking?

Jim2003

Wow how long since you looked under your hood? All that damage did not occur in a matter of 2 or 3 days. That took some time. I would suggest you check items under the hoods of all your vehicles more often. As soon as I see one little thing different I attack the problem immediately. That is in all our 4 cars and truck, not just the vette.

viper62

I had two batteries replaced on my 08 do to leaks around the top seam. Both batteries where replaced under warranty.

Your real concern is that the computer is mounted under the battery. With that bad a leak I would verify that nothing got on the computer or the cables.

Hope all is well

Gearhead Jim

Perhaps we should start using a "battery mat" that fits under the batt to absorb and neutralize any leaking acid.

I already use those little felt rings that go around the terminal posts, but they won't help if the plastic case starts to crack.

Steve D

Yes, that's a great point viper62. The technician mentioned that to me and is cleaning up any corrosion that may have flaked off below the battery.

viper62

Great to hear they took the time to make sure.

LS WON

I keep 2005 garaged too at 49,000 miles on original 2005 battery and cables are clean. Perhaps you just got a bad battery or batteries made during 2008 were defective?

bolivar

Another person posted here with this problem. The acid got into the 'computer' under the battery and behind a panel behind the right front tire. And it was causing problems. You sure do need to check inside this black box for acid problems.

LS WON

Dealership told me on C-6 this was corrected and was a major problem with C-5.
I had a battery acid leak (caused by me) but luckily the acid just drained out. Dealership checked for acid residue and it was clean.

BettermostCorvette

Funny I traded my 08 in March with the original battery and the terminals looked like new. The battery had to be bad from the start to cause that kind of damage.

mickey5

If you use a battery tender regularly and hook it to the terminals it should remind you to look over the battery case for corrosion...just sayin.

need-for-speed

Usually if the cable end is eaten up like that it's because the battery is leaking around the terminal. That's probably what corroded the cable end. Back in the day when I was po, with my old beaters, I would just clean up the connection and go on. Now that I'm not po, I wouldn't chance it.

Old battery gotta go !