Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Buick Regal and 2003 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Certain devices on the vehicle maintain a small continuous current drain, parasitic load, on the battery. A battery that is not used for an extended period of time will discharge. Eventually permanent damage will result. Discharged batteries will also freeze in cold weather. Refer to BATTERY INSPECTION/TEST .

In order to maintain the battery state of charge while storing the vehicle for more than 30 days:

Ensure that the green dot is visible in the built-in hydrometer.
CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Disconnect the battery ground cable to protect the battery from discharge by parasitic current drains.

When the battery cannot be disconnected:

Maintain a high state of charge.
Establish a regular schedule for recharging the battery every 20-45 days.

A battery that has remained in a discharged state for a long period of time is difficult to recharge or may be permanently damaged.