Hey Snoopy, did you notice if the time on your radio display was off (assuming you have the stock radio?)

My radio keeps losing time (running late.) I have the upgraded radio but do not have XM or Onstar. My HHR sits more than it is driven and can sit without being started for 3 to 5 days on average. I'm trying to figure out if that is the cause for my radio always losing time. I had my radio replaced a couple years ago because it was always losing time but this one is the same.

 

Calgary.....

I didn't notice when I started either of the cars SO, I went out and checked before writing this (I assume the clocks wouldn't gain time BACK). Both clocks are 2 minutes slow, and I remember they were at that reading before the vacation. Which is the norm for all my GM vehicles.

 

That is the key sentence there....I hardly doubt it would have been so easy starting if you had left it outside parked in the sun the whole time. I've been lucky to get 7 yrs out of any battery out here in the desert.

 

Not necessarily......I have always experienced reasonable longevity from Delco batteries. I have parked vehicles in airport parking lots fore 3-7 weeks, when I traveled for my company, and had no trouble starting the vehicle when returning. ONE time, at around 8+ weeks, I had trouble. I purchased a solar trickle charger because of that incident (note: somewhat difficult to use the charger INSIDE of my garages). Hardly use it any more.

So, was your vehicle parked in a garage when you achieved the 7 years? Five, maybe 6 is my norm.

 

The vehicle I was referring to was parked mostly in the garage, and I believe it was a Duralast battery from Autozone!

 

Parked my HHR in October the last 2 winters for 7 months never turned the key or put it on the charger fired right up in June no big deal.I have AC Delco`s in my boat sit`s out all year starting battery lasted 7 years deep cycle 9 years.

 

MY AC Delco always started in my Fiero when it would site all winter. Also my Optima does the same. I just put the key in and it fires up after sitting for months.

 

Dealer had to replace mine 3 months after new vehicle purchase.....they diagnosed the battery as bad.

 

So......not bad....only one person who had a "bad" delco battery.

But understand, I'm not saying Delco has NO bad batteries. I'm just providing insight on MY recent experience.

 

Add me to the "bad battery" list. Actually twice. Both times the HHR sat in the driveway for two weeks while I was out of state. Completely dead, not even enough power to unlock the doors.