Re charging an Optima

[ErVikingo]

I have a problem with my Optima, it would not hold charge for a week (FYI, it has been in the car about a month). Then, when I recharge it, the charger (a Sears automatic 2, 12, 75 amp type) never drops below 10 (using the 12 setting). With regular batteries in 1-2 hours at 12 they get full charge and the charger goes into trickle.

So, any tricks into recharging an Optima? I hate to think of getting a battery tender since it is another thing to take out in order to drive.

[jkeyzer]

If you recharge it off the car, does it still draw 10 amps indefinitely? Optimas are good batteries and should not go dead on their own. If it won't charge up off the car (just the charger connected) after a day or two then something is wrong with the battery. I would try very hard to get it replaced under warranty if this is the case.

FWIW, I've had a red top optima in my 72 for almost a year and never had a single problem with it.

[ErVikingo]

Jeff,

That is exactly the problem, I've cahrged it in and out of the car. It always draws 10 amps indefinitely (by the way, it gets hot). I have another one in my garage which I have never used that I might trade to see if I get any different results.

I don't recall what the warranty is on them???

Thanks much for your input,

[911pcars]

My experience with my Optima is that below a certain discharge threshold, the battery needs substantially more than a trickle charge to accept a recharge. This means hooking it up to a large capacity charger, the type used at repair shops, for about an hour. After this initial jolt, the battery should be able to accept a trickle charge until up to full capacity. Don't leave it on too long or the battery will overheat.

If used infrequently, the Optima has a pretty good shelf life, but there are accessories in our cars that constantly discharge the battery, if only a slight amount. I suggest a small charger to maintain battery charge between uses; the type that automatically switches ON and switches OFF to prevent overcharging.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[Early_S_Man]

Optima recommends a maximum of eight hours at 10 Amps, so it would seem that the battery is bad. Here is their charging guide:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/usingOptima/charging.asp

And their customer service contact info:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/contactUs.asp

[jkeyzer]

It may have a reversed cell or some other internal damage. I would try the other battery you have but check the voltage off the shelf and also when the car is running. Make sure your charging system is not overcharging the battery as if this were the case it would damage the new one just like the first. I think anything over 14V would be too high.

Don't let the battery get hot or make any bubbling noises, that can be very dangerous if the battery ruptures and spews acid.

[ErVikingo]

Thanks much guys,

I have just checked the other Optima and it reads 10 volts, I am charging it at 12 amps in "automatic mode" and will check it in an hour or so.

Sherwood, what is the capacity of those garage type chargers? My charger has a 75 amp mode (which I thought would be way too much).

Warren, the links don;t work but thanks much anyway, I'll google it. Also, I saw a sticker with a number on the side of the battery. FYI, 36 month warranty!!!

Jeff, the battery does get hot but I have not heard bubling noises. Thanks for the heads up on acid spills, ...

I'll let you all know how this develops. Thanks again for your valuable help. FYI, the system puts out 13.8 and above with the engine running.

I need to make sure the car will not crap out on me as I'm embarking on a 4:30 hour drive (each way) with the wife.

Thanks again, Juan

[911pcars]

ErVikingo,
If the battery is warm during recharging, it's taking a charge. Instead of charging at 10 amps, try 3-5 amps for a couple of days just to make sure. If it doesn't come up to specs (load test), it might be bad. I say this cautiously since so many good batteries are discarded just because they're discharged and just need a long trickle charge.

Optimas used to have a 72 month warranty. Maybe Interstate (or whoever bought them) shortened the warranty with free replacement for the first X months.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I was told by an Optima dealer--no personal experience--that the slightest overcharge will quickly ruin an Optima. I also asked him if the Optima was as good it was touted to be. He looked both ways and quietly said, "I wouldn't put one in my car." (He knew perfectly well that I wasn't considering buying one but was simply curious.) "This here Interstate, that's what you want."

Stephan

[pwd72s]

It's true that Optimas don't like a charge of heavy amps...I forget the exact number, but current in shouldn't exceed normal alternator amperage. Stay below 15 amps with your charger & you should be okay. I'm running optima in both of our Detroit Irons, have been quite satisfied. German made gel cells in the Porsche because they are the exact size of the factory twin battery set up. $pendy, but they also seem to work well. ErVikingo? Sounds like you may have a bad one...

[Allan Broadribb]

Take it back - they have a good warranty. I believe it's 2 years replacement followed by a 4 year depreciation. AT $120 for a new Optima this also proves my theory that all batteries cost $20 per year - so why not get the Optima it's so much cleaner.

[ErVikingo]

I tested my other (unused) Optima and got full charge with a trickle (2amp) charger in 3 hours, no overheating or anything. I have monitored it each morning and it still reads 12.7V.

The other one is down to 8,25V. I spoke with Optima's cust service and they told me not to charge it over 10amps. Just 30 minutes at 10 and then go to trickle 1amp. They told me to bring it to PepBoys to have it checked and they should then replace it.

My problem, I bought it from a catalog (Perf) and don't know if Pep Boys will replace it.

Thanks guys for all your help. Next time around, I'll get a deep cycle one since I hardly drive my cars.

Juan