It's been a long time since I have been on here, I have retired and we have moved to Louisiana. We have a 2004 Crossfire (original owner, 90k miles) that has been in dry storage for the past 5 years. It will soon be time to awaken it from the dead, and move it from Ohio to Louisiana. Now, when it was parked, it was only intended to be in storage for 2-3 months. That turned into a 5 year slumber. Fuel wasn't drained, battery has long been dead, it hasn't been touched. Basically parked on top of a four post lift and left.

How would you go about the awakening? I have my own thoughts, but would like to hear from others.

 

If you're going to drive it, here's what I would do:
First do a visual inspection. Look for any rodent nests, chewed wires etc...
Try to siphon out or drain that old gas and put new gas in it.
Also pull the plugs and spray a little "fogging oil" or WD-40 into the cylinders because they're dry. You could score the cylinder walls if you run it dry. That will lead to trouble in the future.
Check the engine oil, if it's 5 years old, I would change it.
Check the coolant level. You can use a hydrometer (very cheap tool) to check if your coolant is still good.
Check your brake fluid, and other fluids.
Check your brake hoses, coolant hoses, etc...
Replace the battery, remember connect the positive first, then the negative. It will probably run rough for a while because the computers will have to re-learn everything.
Also, I would not use starter fluid to try and start it.
Good luck!
John

 

All of the above. I would add, after it is running replace the tires.

 

It was good that you didn't have it stored on the floor which should eliminate any mouse problems and related wiring and seat distruction. If you are going to drive it to LA , drain & replace the fuel, change the oil & filter, install a new battery, and change the coolant. Your tires should be good seeing they were not exposed to the elements and UV. After doing the basics start the engine and let it get thoroughly up to temperature. Check all the hoses, PS level, and take it for a drive so you can check all the transmission functions. When you get to your new location you can do a more indepth maintenance process.

 

I’d check the date code on the tires.