[Z06] Another bad Optima Red Top
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: Thompson Falls MT
Another bad Optima Red Top
My OEM battery finally died last month so I bought the red top Optima at Costco for $119. I didn't do any current research since past stuff I've read all said it was a great battery. I put it in and put a charge on it overnight to make sure it was fully charged. Two weeks later the battery would barely turn the engine over. WTF! I thought maybe I didn't have the charger cables secure so I put it on a charger again. The charger indicated a deep drain and didn't give me a full charge indicator until late the next day. Now, ten days after last driving my Z the battery sounded weak again. Now, too, I see lots of other posts about bad experiences with the Optimal batteries. Thought I would add my 2 cents worth. At least Costco will take it back. I'll stick with a DieHard for the next one. 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,836
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From: Sacramento Ca
You probably got one that had been sitting around for a while. I had the same thing happen with a costco optima. I took it back and got a fresh one. Make sure you check the date on top of the battery. I have optimas in 2 cars now and no problems.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 26
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From: Atlantic Beach N.C.
got my optima red from the Auto Zone it lasted 13 months in a C5 driving once every week or so.
no problem with the exchange,free for 36 months.
Disapointed
I had expected better life from a battery that had this great reputation 
no problem with the exchange,free for 36 months.
Disapointed
I had expected better life from a battery that had this great reputation
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I have OPTIMA batteries in everything I own and I've never had a failure. The longest one lasted seven years for me and the new owner of that car is still using it.
I'd certainly agree that common sense would dictate selecting a fresh manufacture date when purchasing an OPTIMA. I do the same thing with lettuce and hamburger.
I wouldn't suggest using a regular high amp output battery charger on an OPTIMA. The heat will do interal damage. Every OPTIMA equipped car that I've owned also had a float maintenance charger hooked up for extended periods of non-use.
I use a BATTERY TENDER PLUS (@ 1.25 AMPS). Another option is the CTEK float maintenance charger manufactured in Europe. It has some additional capabilities over a BATTERY TENDER PLUS and costs about the same. Go to their website at ctek.com and look at the Multi US 3300 model.
I'd certainly agree that common sense would dictate selecting a fresh manufacture date when purchasing an OPTIMA. I do the same thing with lettuce and hamburger.
I wouldn't suggest using a regular high amp output battery charger on an OPTIMA. The heat will do interal damage. Every OPTIMA equipped car that I've owned also had a float maintenance charger hooked up for extended periods of non-use.
I use a BATTERY TENDER PLUS (@ 1.25 AMPS). Another option is the CTEK float maintenance charger manufactured in Europe. It has some additional capabilities over a BATTERY TENDER PLUS and costs about the same. Go to their website at ctek.com and look at the Multi US 3300 model.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Oct 13, 2006 at 04:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
I havent had an Optima Red Top but a Corvette Mechanic told me just yesterday that they are not supposed to last as long as a conventional battery but that their safer for our computers because they are not acid based.Is this correct?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
...check out optimabatteries.com and click on product info, then automotive...
I don't work for the manufacturer, but I've been using them prior to their availability to the public. Our fleet of cars were sometimes operated 24/7 while others sat for weeks w/o being used. They didn't fail us.
I don't work for the manufacturer, but I've been using them prior to their availability to the public. Our fleet of cars were sometimes operated 24/7 while others sat for weeks w/o being used. They didn't fail us.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: Thompson Falls MT
Originally Posted by hotwheels57
I have OPTIMA batteries in everything I own and I've never had a failure. The longest one lasted seven years for me and the new owner of that car is still using it.
I'd certainly agree that common sense would dictate selecting a fresh manufacture date when purchasing an OPTIMA. I do the same thing with lettuce and hamburger.
I wouldn't suggest using a regular high amp output battery charger on an OPTIMA. The heat will do interal damage. Every OPTIMA equipped car that I've owned also had a float maintenance charger hooked up for extended periods of non-use.
I use a BATTERY TENDER PLUS (@ 1.25 AMPS). Another option is the CTEK float maintenance charger manufactured in Europe. It has some additional capabilities over a BATTERY TENDER PLUS and costs about the same. Go to their website at ctek.com and look at the Multi US 3300 model.
I'd certainly agree that common sense would dictate selecting a fresh manufacture date when purchasing an OPTIMA. I do the same thing with lettuce and hamburger.
I wouldn't suggest using a regular high amp output battery charger on an OPTIMA. The heat will do interal damage. Every OPTIMA equipped car that I've owned also had a float maintenance charger hooked up for extended periods of non-use.
I use a BATTERY TENDER PLUS (@ 1.25 AMPS). Another option is the CTEK float maintenance charger manufactured in Europe. It has some additional capabilities over a BATTERY TENDER PLUS and costs about the same. Go to their website at ctek.com and look at the Multi US 3300 model.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: Thompson Falls MT
Originally Posted by 8T Shark
I havent had an Optima Red Top but a Corvette Mechanic told me just yesterday that they are not supposed to last as long as a conventional battery but that their safer for our computers because they are not acid based.Is this correct?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 312
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From: Protecting the sheep in northern MN
I had a red top that was drained by a short in the car. It would then take a charge but would'nt hold it. I took it back to the local Interstate dealer and he said that a regular battery charger would not charge it correctly and could cause damage. He said that it had to be charged at a high amp and at different intervals.(?) They recharged it for me and I never had a problem again. Still running after 4 years!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
...go to optimabatteries.com and read the faq section.
Battery Maintenance
The OPTIMA® battery is truly maintenance free. When charged properly you will not have to worry about leaking, corrosion, or gassing. Periodically inspect your battery terminal connections to ensure they are clean, snug, and protected from the elements.
Open circuit voltage (OCV) and storage: OCV: all RedTop and BlueTop SLI >12.8 volts
(for a fully charged battery)
YellowTop and BlueTop Deep Cycle >13.0 volts
(for a fully charged battery)
Battery storage
Due to its unique high purity lead grid construction the OPTIMA battery has a self discharge rate much lower than conventional flat plate batteries. This means the OPTIMA can be stored for longer periods of inactivity whilst retaining enough charge to start your vehicle. Depending on storage temperature, the OPTIMA can usually stand for 8 to 12 months and start most vehicles.
When possible, store your battery in a cool, dry location. Check the battery voltage every 6 months and charge if it falls below 12.6 volts.
Remember, newer vehicles with on-board electronics such as computers, alarms, etc, require battery power to retain system memory while the vehicle is parked. If the vehicle is to be stored for long periods you should use a maintenance charger to compensate for this drain. This charger should be voltage regulated between 13.2 - 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum. On older vehicles, without electronics, disconnect the battery cables when the vehicle is not being used for extended periods.
The OPTIMA® battery is truly maintenance free. When charged properly you will not have to worry about leaking, corrosion, or gassing. Periodically inspect your battery terminal connections to ensure they are clean, snug, and protected from the elements.
Open circuit voltage (OCV) and storage: OCV: all RedTop and BlueTop SLI >12.8 volts
(for a fully charged battery)
YellowTop and BlueTop Deep Cycle >13.0 volts
(for a fully charged battery)
Battery storage
Due to its unique high purity lead grid construction the OPTIMA battery has a self discharge rate much lower than conventional flat plate batteries. This means the OPTIMA can be stored for longer periods of inactivity whilst retaining enough charge to start your vehicle. Depending on storage temperature, the OPTIMA can usually stand for 8 to 12 months and start most vehicles.
When possible, store your battery in a cool, dry location. Check the battery voltage every 6 months and charge if it falls below 12.6 volts.
Remember, newer vehicles with on-board electronics such as computers, alarms, etc, require battery power to retain system memory while the vehicle is parked. If the vehicle is to be stored for long periods you should use a maintenance charger to compensate for this drain. This charger should be voltage regulated between 13.2 - 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum. On older vehicles, without electronics, disconnect the battery cables when the vehicle is not being used for extended periods.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: arlington tx
optimas are acid based batteries. the major difference is they are spiral wound cells instead of flat plates. this all gives it the six pack look. they also have a glass absorbmant material that holds most of the acid and keeps it from leaking. optimas generaly have a longer life. i was told one time they have like 1/3 internal parts than normal batteries. they are sealed so unless the case gets cracked they will not vent or smell.
optima had some interesting commercials before
1st had a guy shoot a battery with a high powered rifle then put in his truck and start it and drive off.
2nd was a battery in a fish completely submerged but still running the pump that was taking the water out of the tank.
optima had some interesting commercials before
1st had a guy shoot a battery with a high powered rifle then put in his truck and start it and drive off.
2nd was a battery in a fish completely submerged but still running the pump that was taking the water out of the tank.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 48
From: NJ
Originally Posted by TAC
I also use the Battery Tender Plus. The light stayed red w/no green for quite some time, indicating a major discharge. The blue date stamp on the top of the battery is 9/06 so it's not old by any means.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 69,020
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From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Originally Posted by TAC
My OEM battery finally died last month so I bought the red top Optima at Costco for $119. I didn't do any current research since past stuff I've read all said it was a great battery. I put it in and put a charge on it overnight to make sure it was fully charged. Two weeks later the battery would barely turn the engine over. WTF! I thought maybe I didn't have the charger cables secure so I put it on a charger again. The charger indicated a deep drain and didn't give me a full charge indicator until late the next day. Now, ten days after last driving my Z the battery sounded weak again. Now, too, I see lots of other posts about bad experiences with the Optimal batteries. Thought I would add my 2 cents worth. At least Costco will take it back. I'll stick with a DieHard for the next one.
A bad alternator would produce those symptoms.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: Thompson Falls MT
Originally Posted by Thud
Are you 100% sure it was the battery?
A bad alternator would produce those symptoms.
A bad alternator would produce those symptoms.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1523791
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by TAC
My OEM battery finally died last month so I bought the red top Optima at Costco for $119. I didn't do any current research since past stuff I've read all said it was a great battery. I put it in and put a charge on it overnight to make sure it was fully charged. Two weeks later the battery would barely turn the engine over. WTF! I thought maybe I didn't have the charger cables secure so I put it on a charger again. The charger indicated a deep drain and didn't give me a full charge indicator until late the next day. Now, ten days after last driving my Z the battery sounded weak again. Now, too, I see lots of other posts about bad experiences with the Optimal batteries. Thought I would add my 2 cents worth. At least Costco will take it back. I'll stick with a DieHard for the next one.