[perfect]

Hey everyone,

Went out to my car yesterday afternoon to take my lady for a ride and couldn't even get the radio to turn on. Completely dead battery.

After making a few phone calls and checking a few local places it became clear that the battery in the V is somewhat unique and doesn't have a direct replacement.

I did a search and see a few threads regarding this issue. Some people simply took measurements of their current battery and found the nearest dimensioned replacement. Others found the Optima Group 78 Red Top with side mount only posts.

Just wondering what any recommended. I do have an aftermarket stereo so I'm hoping somebody has a pretty beefy replacement that they can clue me in on.

Autozone/O'Reilly's wanted to $200+ for their suitable Optima. I think I can get a cheaper replacement directly at the Cadillac dealer.

Thanks!

 

[sefa01]

Walmart's Everstart 78-N. It has 770 cold cranking amps and is about $80. And they install for free.

 

[heavymetals]

Check out the ODYSSEY 1230.

You need to get it with the hold down bracket (they sell) and make a mounting board to duplicate the group 78 footprint for the clampdown on the V.

One heck of a battery!

 

[BacDoc]

I had mine replaced under warranty.

 

[trhs75]

BacDoc -- replaced through the dealer? About how old was the car/battery? I'm surprised they'd cover it without pro-rating. Good deal!

 

[deedubb]

I replaced mine with an Optima red top model 78 from advanced auto parts for $149.99. It bolted right up with the stock clamp.

 

[BacDoc]

BacDoc -- replaced through the dealer? About how old was the car/battery? I'm surprised they'd cover it without pro-rating. Good deal!

'05 with 36k miles....and I have the extended warranty. Dealer never even questioned it...not the first one they've seen.

 

[trhs75]

My 05 is certified for two more years; hopefully they'll cover me if the need arises! I've heard good things about the Optima batteries, also. Consumer Reports gave that Wal Mart battery a top rating a year or two ago.

 

[perfect]

thanks for the input everyone, i'm torn between the higher price Optima (which was $180 for me) or if Caddy has a better deal

Walmart Everstart is still on the radar too, thanks!

 

[CTS NV]

Also had mine replaced under warranty on my '06.

I called Onstar and they came to my house with a new battery on a Sunday. Now that's service.

I imagine this must be a frequent issue, since I didn't get any questions. Interestingly, the radio stopped working before the battery went and I had made an appointment to get the radio fixed, not realizing it was the battery.

 

[d0nindp]

Mine went dead today. Went up to the auto parts store and got a new Red Top Optima. I didn't know Caddy would warranty the battery so I just replaced it.

 

[Slithering_Joe]

My battery was replaced under original factory warranty about 7 months ago. It doesn't take much to drain a new battery to the point it won't start the car. I found that out last week. :annoyed:

 

[perfect]

Just a quick update to this thread (because I hate finding a thread with a potential solution but no follow up!!)

I went to Autozone and picked up the Optima Red Top Group 78 with side mount posts only for $180 (comes with 3 year warranty). An old dude named Wayne helped me install it in no time and it fit right in without a problem. Wayne was seriously digging the V and was pretty excited when I started it up and gave it a good rev.

An added bonus for people with the LS6 red FRC covers is that the Redtop complements the engine bay nicely.

Also, if anyone is looking for a decent battery shround (in OK shape), let me know and its yours.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[CIWS]

Mine went dead today. Went up to the auto parts store and got a new Red Top Optima. I didn't know Caddy would warranty the battery so I just replaced it.

I knew Cadillac warrantied the battery, but there's also something to be said for spending cash to get piece of mind, which is why I paid for and installed the type 78 Red Top.

 

[razl]

I also got mine replaced under 100k warranty. Called GMPP and they sent someone out without any haggling. In my driveway they changed out the battery and, while they were in there they also changed my oil, checked and topped off all fluids on the spot - no charge and no questions asked. The whole episode was less than 2 hours from dead battery to phone call to the time the rep left. It was fantastic