Optima batteries....

[Craig]

If you remeber about a month ago I posted a question about Optima batteries and there were some positive and negative opinions on these batteries. I've had my yellow top Optima in my jeep for about a month now and I have to say I don't like it. This battery was good for the first week or two but now it barely turns over the jeep when I go to start it. I took my jeep into my buddies shop and we tested both the battery and the charging system. The charging system read better than most vehicles (14 point something volts) and the battery tested excellent. The only thing I can come up with is that since the weather is starting to get colder it has a very poor cold start to it. It's not even that cold yet. I'm gonna get a new 1000 cranking amp interstate battery this week from my buddy because I can get em at his cost and use the Optima as a secondary battery. Now all I have to do is find somewhere outside of the jeep to mount it. Any suggestions on where to mount the battery? Inside the jeep isn't an option because I don't want the battery fumes inside the jeep and I need what little space I have. I can't mount it next to my main battery because my snorkel came with a washer fluid bottle relocation kit which mounted it next to the battery.

 

[jps4jeep]

Get a red top! The deep cycle type batteries are a slow discharge, and that slow discharge of the yellow and blue top are not designed for regualr vehicles. Generally the Yellows are used in show vehicles for the stereo system, but 95% of the time, there is another normal battery on the vehicle for powering the computer system and starting system etc...
The slow discharge is great for the Amps that are designed for all that bass. so when the amp(s) hit hard, the battery slowly discharges, and does not rob power from the other systems.

The best of both worlds would be have a dual battery set up where there is a red top for general use, and a yellow top for winching or anyother type of electrical load that is a prolong load.

I have had my red top now for 6 years, and I have not a single complaint!

 

[Joopin]

MeanGreen makes a dual battery tray that stacks the batteries on top of each other sideways... you could try that.

And I agree with jps on this one, you picked the wrong top dude!

 

[jps4jeep]

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive.html

The OPTIMA RedTop

The looks alone generate plenty of buzz. But it's the patented SPIRALCELL® Technology in OPTIMA RedTop batteries that's truly worthy of praise. OPTIMA RedTop batteries are built to withstand the abuse Trucks, SUV's and 4x4's experience on and off-road. SPIRALCELL Technology immobilizes the internal components of the battery, enabling OPTIMA batteries to withstand incredible amounts of vibration.

Vehicles modified for better engine performance demand more from a battery. OPTIMA batteries withstand the high underhood temperatures associated with these Performance vehicles. The sealed cells make the battery spill-proof, even if you install it on its side! This prevents external gassing and leaking which can damage engine components and limit battery performance.

If your battery is used in vehicles that demand extra reliability and performance, or if you just take pride in getting the best performance out of your vehicle, OPTIMA RedTop batteries deliver the performance you demand.


The OPTIMA YellowTop

Demand more from your vehicle? Then get more from your battery. OPTIMA YellowTop batteries are made for the extremes. If you have an extreme vehicle, you expect high performance. Whether your vehicle is made to take the abuse of off-road driving or cranking out decibels, you need more from your battery. OPTIMA batteries with patented SPIRALCELL® Technology deliver that performance. The deep cycle characteristic of this technology coupled with its extreme resistance to vibration provides performance vehicles with the repetitive power they need in a spill-proof package.

If your vehicle has a lot of accessories like running lights, high-performance stereo/AV system, winches, or hydraulics, your vehicle demands more from its battery. OPTIMA YellowTOP batteries provide the extra performance and deep cycling capability that your vehicle demands.

 

[jps4jeep]

And I agree with jps on this one, you picked the wrong top dude!

Yes, wrong top, should have gotten a halter top!

 

[wm69]

You might also replace your battery cables. When I put my red top on my second jeep it still didn't start well. I ended up replacing the starter and the batt cables and it turns over great now. Oh, and in case you didn't see it, you should've gotten a red top.....

 

[LadyJeepFreak]

I have a red top as well for several months now and I love it. I have left my lights on twice for hours and you wouldn't even have known it when I started it up.

Heck, a halter top is a great accessory to four-wheeling too though! Maybe you should go with that instead? lol

Lady

 

[White]

Interstate 1000 200amp alt. Using it every weekend under a Heavy load, Works like the day it was installed.

 

[Craig]

Well, I thought for sure it was my battery but after installing a different battery, it's not the problem. We retested the battery and charging system just to make sure and they're both excellent. Gonna try the starter next...figure the solonoid must be shot. I know it's not the connections or the battery cable. I recently replaced my battery cable because it was corroded underneath the sheilding from the battery all the way to the starter. If it's the starter, this will be my second one in two years now.

 

[Craig]

Yep, it was the starter. Starts good now.

 

[laneiac]

Had the same problem once. Felt like such a doofus. Actually replaced the battery, starter and alt. Ended up being a crummy battery cable connection...