[btormar]

I need a new battery in my Pontiac G6 3.5L. I was going to just do it myself for half the price the dealership was going to charge me, but someone told me I would need a computer memory saver to do so. Is that the case or can I replace it without?

Thanks!

 

[geewhiz]

?? That's news to me! Try NAPA or a trusted shop for your replacement. A lot of folks just give you a compatible battery when you really need a "replacement". By that I mean some folks give you a battery that doesn’t fit properly.

 

[Abyssul]

When you detach the battery posts, the computer modules lose some settings. To prevent this, I bought a small battery charger, like a ATV, to hook it to the fuse box and a ground so the modules would stay charged. It worked and all my settings were intact. I went to my local Advanced Auto to get a replacement battery as well. Fits and works fine too.

If you don't do this, your car will have to redetermine the optimal settings for drivings by having the car driven for 50-100 miles. In addition, any DIC settings will be set to default. I couldn't afford for my DIC settings to go back to default because I have an aftermarket stereo.

 

[datacat]

NAPA batteries are really good and have an excellent warranty, and they cost less! I'm using one in my G6 that I originally bought for my old buick. It has a better CCA rating than the AC Delco and that is important where I live because it does get quite cold.

Edited: I bought a "computer memory saver" from princess auto for like $5. I only used it once when swapping batteries but that's it. I installed a new stereo recently and _none_ of my DIC settings were lost so I would say that it's not needed.

I believe Abyssul is correct though with it having to "re-learn" your driving habits.

 

[Kool_G6]

My car is rockin a nascar advantage battery from crappy tire, awesome battery... No matter how cold she gets she always starts. Lots of juice in that baby.

 

[Abyssul]

My dad told me he watched a recent documentary about how all car batteries are basically the same thing when it comes to performance and quality. The technology hasn't changed in decades so it makes sense. All you are doing is paying for brand name.

It's the classic debate of generic vs brand items. Its a genuine argument, but only for specific items. Lithium AA's are definitely better than some CVS crap.

 

[geewhiz]

I need a new battery in my Pontiac G6 3.5L. I was going to just do it myself for half the price the dealership was going to charge me, but someone told me I would need a computer memory saver to do so. Is that the case or can I replace it without? Thanks!

I believe Abyssul is correct though with it having to "re-learn" your driving habits.

This is true but I feel its a bit of an exagration; not on your part datacat but as a whole in the automotive world.
IMO, when the car resets it's DIC or any other driving setting the difference is quite nominal unless you run the quarter mile every morning.
I'm not saying anyone is wrong I just saying that changing the battery on the G6 is not a big deal and doesn't require any special tools other than a wrench and the new battery, the right size battery too!
(I've changed my battery, started it up then drove down to the store afterwards, no issues.)

 

[360ci]

I agree. Remove the old battery, put the new one in and off you go. NO WORRIES.

If you have to re-program your radio settings, big deal.

 

[06gtpg6]

Yea but there's some ppl that dnt have stock radio, n can't afford yo go back to default

 

[360ci]

Poor babies....

 

[wesuhlee]

i replaced my battery a year after getting my 6 and didn't have any issues...like geewhiz said, wrench and battery...that's all it took

 

[btormar]

Thanks everyone for their input! I'll probably just do it myself then, hopefully I get to it before winter really kicks in here...

 

[ThreePointSix]

Just go grab one of those memory savers from any auto store. Plug it into your power outlet, connect a 9volt battery to it and change your battery.

 

[JDE]

BEWARE of CD-CHANGER

Folks all the pros and cons here are true - those are life exp. points and here's mine; G6 battery swap caused me to loose my CD-Changer. I had 6 CD's in there and the battery was dead I swapped with a new battery and now I get a CD Error and it just cycles and reports NO CD and TTY error. Called the dealership and they told me to bring it in and they would fix it. I lost the programming "they said" and it would cost $350+ to reprogram the anti-thief device and TTY codes for the stock LCD (oil, MPH, Trip A/B). I did a little research on 2005 G6 Stereo's and possible fix's (None).
Recommendation was to replace stereo with aftermarket 1-DIN and purchase a 2-DIN LCD TTY device face plate from Amazon. But at the time I did not like the color schemes (I have Red Dash lights and the LCD was Green with white LCD). Hey at least the radio still worked and I bought an iPOD FM x-mit to sync with for less then $350.