Optima Batteries

97whitez71 · August 16, 2005

I bought a red top back in July. I got a whole 27 days out of it. Yesterday I get in my truck and no lights, no turn over, nothing. It was like the battery wasn't there. Put a volt meter on it and I promise it read -0.15 volts. I've never seen a battery read that before. I took it back and of course it tested bad. Got a new one and we'll see how long this one lasts. Any other experiences like this with the optima batteries?

98vert6spd · August 16, 2005

I bought a red top back in July. I got a whole 27 days out of it. Yesterday I get in my truck and no lights, no turn over, nothing. It was like the battery wasn't there. Put a volt meter on it and I promise it read -0.15 volts. I've never seen a battery read that before. I took it back and of course it tested bad. Got a new one and we'll see how long this one lasts. Any other experiences like this with the optima batteries?

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my first lasted about that long

then they gave me the one i have and it dies about 1 time ever 40 days

I take it back they charge it up say nothing is wrong and i see them again in another 40 days

the d**n thing has been charged now 4 times in say 5 months

scottlambson · August 16, 2005

I've had quite a few in the past years. Never had one fail that quick. I killed one in about 18 months as the car sat quite a bit and had a consistant 180mA draw on the battery.

If your consistantly charging them I'd have a look at your charging system. I've seen alot of batteries changed and replaced and the problem was not with the battery itself. Optima or otherwise.

Find out how much your draw is when the vehicle is off (cpu, radio etc...draw current to retain memory etc...). Then have someone find out how much your alternator is capable of charging. Some of those testers will only test a nominal load at less than 40 amps and at full tilt alot of vehicles will draw more than that, i.e. lights and windshield wipers on, etc.... Your alternator may not be keeping up with the demand.

Friz · August 16, 2005

I've had mine for almost 4 years. No problem whatsoever.

Bish · August 16, 2005

I've had mine for almost 4 years. No problem whatsoever.

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Same here. About 4.5 years and still going strong. THat counts around 6-7 times I drained it (stereo) to the point of no start.

Wingnut · August 17, 2005

My last one lasted 6 years before I killed it. But it's still good enough to crank my neighbors 496...Just won't hold a charge for more than a day.

az'03Silverado · August 17, 2005

Gee, I thought the Optimas were the perfect batteries that everyone bows down to. From what you said, it seems that the $150.00 price tag is a little much.

Wingnut · August 17, 2005

They are GREAT batteries. I ran mine down to zero more times than I could count though. No battery will withstand that kind of repeated abuse.

I'll buy another when the time comes for a new battery.

97whitez71 · August 17, 2005

I'm still confident in the opima battery. It wasn't a suprise to me, that's just my kind of luck. I checked my charging system about 2 weeks ago. No problems. I think I just got a lemon. When the guy hooked the tester/charger up to the battery, it kept saying "wiggle clamps", like it was not completing the circuit. It eventually went through the testing process and said to replace. I think something inside the battery burnt up. I just never heard of these things dying like that. Nobody makes a "perfect" battery.