Thinking about an Optima...DON'T!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,439
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Thinking about an Optima...DON'T!
I have had two Optimas. One was installed 11/06. It went dead without warning and would not even jump start 10/07. I towed it to a dealer who installed a second Optima red top. Now it is dead after 5 months and won't hold a charge for more than a day. The dealer(s) now tell me that Optimas new policy is that the battery must be returned to Optima for testing and if found to be bad they send out a new battery to the dealer...all while I wait with no battery in my car for 4-6 days or more. WTF!! I suggested that they just refund the prorated value and put in a Delco... No can do! It can only be replaced with an Optima! However, I can buy a Delco and keep the replacement Optima...What a Deal!! Anyone want a new Optima cheap? I'm 'Opting' for the Delco. The dealers are not happy with this and told me they are dropping Optima as a result. One dealer suggested buying Mopars new gel battery!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I've been seeing lots of posts in here about these batteries failing. I've never had one so I have nothing to report about them personally other than what I've read.
I will say however that the original Delco battery, the positive post fell off the first year and fortunately, I was standing in front of it when it happened.
Since that time, I've had two batteries in it, the first came from Costco since it was the only place open. It lasted for years. Since then, I replaced it with a Sam's Club battery and it too is doing just fine with no problems at all.
I will say however that the original Delco battery, the positive post fell off the first year and fortunately, I was standing in front of it when it happened.
Since that time, I've had two batteries in it, the first came from Costco since it was the only place open. It lasted for years. Since then, I replaced it with a Sam's Club battery and it too is doing just fine with no problems at all.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
AC Delco dropped AGM batteries for a reason: Unless you charge them often and adequately, they do not last. My OEM AC Delco AGM is going on 7 years old and it still works great, but I drive my C5 at least 3 times per week and a minimum of 15 miles each way. In addition, the weather here in San Diego is very kind to batteries in general.
By the way, the 04-present AC Delco lead acid batteries are of a new strengthened design and are much more robust than the 97-00 versions. If you HAVE to have an AGM, the best one out there is the Sears Platinum at $180 - way too expensive for me, but then again, I don't pay top dollar for runflat tires. My GSD3s are much better at lower cost.
By the way, the 04-present AC Delco lead acid batteries are of a new strengthened design and are much more robust than the 97-00 versions. If you HAVE to have an AGM, the best one out there is the Sears Platinum at $180 - way too expensive for me, but then again, I don't pay top dollar for runflat tires. My GSD3s are much better at lower cost.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm convinced the problem in most cases is not the battery its the Vette. This car eats batteries.
I've had 2 AC Delcos that failed. One was a leaker (luckily not in the Vette) and one just died.
I've had an Optima that failed. It was great as a DD but couldn't cope with 8 weeks without being used. Once the Red Top is discharged its probably toast.
Bottom line is with the vette if you use a battery tender when the car is not in use you'll be fine
The main thing about any AGM battery (Optima included) is it wont leak on your PCM.
I've had 2 AC Delcos that failed. One was a leaker (luckily not in the Vette) and one just died.
I've had an Optima that failed. It was great as a DD but couldn't cope with 8 weeks without being used. Once the Red Top is discharged its probably toast.
Bottom line is with the vette if you use a battery tender when the car is not in use you'll be fine
The main thing about any AGM battery (Optima included) is it wont leak on your PCM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
I have had two Optimas. One was installed 11/06. It went dead without warning and would not even jump start 10/07. I towed it to a dealer who installed a second Optima red top. Now it is dead after 5 months and won't hold a charge for more than a day. The dealer(s) now tell me that Optimas new policy is that the battery must be returned to Optima for testing and if found to be bad they send out a new battery to the dealer...all while I wait with no battery in my car for 4-6 days or more. WTF!! I suggested that they just refund the prorated value and put in a Delco... No can do! It can only be replaced with an Optima! However, I can buy a Delco and keep the replacement Optima...What a Deal!! Anyone want a new Optima cheap? I'm 'Opting' for the Delco. The dealers are not happy with this and told me they are dropping Optima as a result. One dealer suggested buying Mopars new gel battery!
No electrical problems, huh? That's bad luck if I ever seen it, two RedTop's in a roll that were duds. From the handful of guys whom I know are running RedTops, they have had no problems, but I have read of problems on the forum. Good luck, but I'm going to stick with mine, and keep it hooked to a "tender" when not cruising.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7,825
Likes: 0
From: Manassas VA
I replaced my original battery with an Red Top a little over 2 years ago. Got it from Sears, it failed, I returned it, they tested, it failed, they gave me a new one, it failed a day later, I returned it, they tested, it failed, gave me another new one. I took it home, installed it right at dusk, and noticed my INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE LEFT ON!!!
After making this humbling discovery, I haven't had any further issues, even since the car has been sitting under a cover for 3 months without a battery tender. I went out 2 weekends ago and started it, expecting a low battery and a labored start... nothing doing; she started right up!
After making this humbling discovery, I haven't had any further issues, even since the car has been sitting under a cover for 3 months without a battery tender. I went out 2 weekends ago and started it, expecting a low battery and a labored start... nothing doing; she started right up!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 2
From: Glen Allen VA
Since you will be shelling $$s to buy a Delco and losing $$s on the Optima, it would be wise to shell some more $$s and invest in a battery tender. The $70 I invested in a battery tender is paying for itself each year.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 1
From: South of Indy
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
My stepson used to drag race a 63 split window pro mod and someone told him about the red top Optima line. He bought one, it went dead and wouldn't hold a charge, got another, same scenario, third one I think worked for a season. I always used a wally world battery in my street stock dirt car, without an alternator, charged all week on an onboard trickle charger and raced all night on the battery alone. They may not be "cool" but they are durable and cheap, no Corvette tax, and if you have any issues, they almost always give you a replacement, even without a receipt, at any wally world. No wait, no hassle. I only buy wally world batteries for our vehicles whenever they need new ones, I even have one in my old international tractor. 
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 1
From: Fremont (Livin' On The Fault Line!) CA
Yup, no issues with mine for several years...good luck
You should verify that your charging system is ok and if so, consider using a trickle charger/battery maintainer if your Vette is idle for extended periods of time (Deltran Battery Tender Plus is a great unit).
Larry
