Battery is going out
#1
Battery is going out
I have an Optima "clone" battery from Les Schwab tires.
It's been a great battery, but I think it's going out.
Just a bit ago when I had to go gas up, the engine would not start.
The starter spins, but kind of slow.
After a bit it started.
Same thing yestermorn too.
The battery is 3 years old as of June a few months back, and had a two year free replacement.
It does however have an 84 month warranty on it, so I am sure I can get the next one pro rated.
I'd like to get an Optima, but since this ones still pro ratable, I might as well take advantage of it.
This is the one I'll probably end up getting, as it has the side terminals I need for my audio amps.
How long have most been getting out of their gel cell batteries?
It's been a great battery, but I think it's going out.
Just a bit ago when I had to go gas up, the engine would not start.
The starter spins, but kind of slow.
After a bit it started.
Same thing yestermorn too.
The battery is 3 years old as of June a few months back, and had a two year free replacement.
It does however have an 84 month warranty on it, so I am sure I can get the next one pro rated.
I'd like to get an Optima, but since this ones still pro ratable, I might as well take advantage of it.
This is the one I'll probably end up getting, as it has the side terminals I need for my audio amps.
How long have most been getting out of their gel cell batteries?
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: VANCOUVER WA
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
les schwab's batteries are crap in my opinion,
as well as there brake & suspension parts
i would go for a optima.
see if you have a interstate battery wholesaler around you,
they can just about beat everyones prices
as well as there brake & suspension parts
i would go for a optima.
see if you have a interstate battery wholesaler around you,
they can just about beat everyones prices
#5
Contributing Member
I bought a Optima clone this summer. I assumed that Optima made the clone and it probably had the same technology and was of similar quality. Maybe I'm wrong, but it was there, I needed a battery, and this one seemed better suited to the rough treatment of wheeling. Go for it Corey...it's just a battery. It'll get you another 3 years down the road of life.
#6
Just tested the voltage on the battery with the engine off.
12.30 volts.
With engine started I get 14.58 volts
I would think 12.30 volts would be enough after sitting over night, or does that sound low?
Obviously it started up though, since I tested it at warm-up too, and it started the first try.
If it's not the battery, perhaps the coil is messing up?
When it's messing up, it just cranks.
It's not the cold start injector, as that was replaced October of '99, and when it messed up, the rig would sputter after starting up.
No sputtering here when it won't start, it just takes awhile when it does mess up, then it starts fine and idles fine.
PS, just got off the phone with Les Schwab, and he said the 12.30 voltage was fine for the battery when the rig is off.
They will load test it though, and the time left on the 84 month warranty will allow me 75% coverage towards a new one.
And the kicker is...they also carry "real" red top Optimas which he would give me.
12.30 volts.
With engine started I get 14.58 volts
I would think 12.30 volts would be enough after sitting over night, or does that sound low?
Obviously it started up though, since I tested it at warm-up too, and it started the first try.
If it's not the battery, perhaps the coil is messing up?
When it's messing up, it just cranks.
It's not the cold start injector, as that was replaced October of '99, and when it messed up, the rig would sputter after starting up.
No sputtering here when it won't start, it just takes awhile when it does mess up, then it starts fine and idles fine.
PS, just got off the phone with Les Schwab, and he said the 12.30 voltage was fine for the battery when the rig is off.
They will load test it though, and the time left on the 84 month warranty will allow me 75% coverage towards a new one.
And the kicker is...they also carry "real" red top Optimas which he would give me.
#7
Contributing Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Fountain Valley, CA (so cali)
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
its not the voltage what matters.. its the CCAs that the battery is putting out at 12+ volts. take it to sams club and ask them to test it
if its putting out less than its rated CCAs at the proper voltage, then its a bad battery
if its putting out less than its rated CCAs at the proper voltage, then its a bad battery
Trending Topics
#9
Contributing Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Corey, according to this website , those batteries are made by GNB, which is now a division of Exide.
I think your battery, like Optimas, are not gel cell, but AGM (absorbed glass mat) type, which is basically still a lead-acid battery, just in a different configuration than the lead-plate type.
I'm not sure if your problem is the battery or not - those problems always seem elusive to me - and it seems like only the testing equipment tells the truth.
My last Red Top didn't survive it's full life with me - I overheated it at least once, and I think I put too many loads on it - it lasted only 3 years and 4 months. I like you - prorated mine due to $$, so I have another Red Top, but that's ok because I ended up doing the dual-battery setup. If Les Schwab will let you apply your pro-rate to a different battery, you should consider a deep cycle with a decent cold-cranking amp rating (like the YellowTop) because it will probably last longer due to the drains you may be putting on it with your winch, stereo, lights, etc.
I think your battery, like Optimas, are not gel cell, but AGM (absorbed glass mat) type, which is basically still a lead-acid battery, just in a different configuration than the lead-plate type.
I'm not sure if your problem is the battery or not - those problems always seem elusive to me - and it seems like only the testing equipment tells the truth.
My last Red Top didn't survive it's full life with me - I overheated it at least once, and I think I put too many loads on it - it lasted only 3 years and 4 months. I like you - prorated mine due to $$, so I have another Red Top, but that's ok because I ended up doing the dual-battery setup. If Les Schwab will let you apply your pro-rate to a different battery, you should consider a deep cycle with a decent cold-cranking amp rating (like the YellowTop) because it will probably last longer due to the drains you may be putting on it with your winch, stereo, lights, etc.
#10
Contributing Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Sitka, AK
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by BajaTaco
Corey, according to this website , those batteries are made by GNB, which is now a division of Exide.
I think your battery, like Optimas, are not gel cell, but AGM (absorbed glass mat) type, which is basically still a lead-acid battery, just in a different configuration than the lead-plate type.
Corey, according to this website , those batteries are made by GNB, which is now a division of Exide.
I think your battery, like Optimas, are not gel cell, but AGM (absorbed glass mat) type, which is basically still a lead-acid battery, just in a different configuration than the lead-plate type.
#11
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 9,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was thinking about replacing my battery, how much would a RedTop Optima cost? I need something that I could just hook up my old battery cables to and go. I'm not sure about the Optima's but are they the same size as regular car batteries...so in turn..will they fit into the old spot? Thanks guys.
Fink
Fink
#12
Thanks for the info guy's.
Still have not got it tested.
I have just about zero free time during the week, and most stuff I gotta do on weekends.
It's starting just fine, I may have drained it a bit as I sit in a lawn chair at work behind my Runner for dinner every night, and listen to the tunes with plenty of bass, and the engine off for about 20 minutes at a time.
May just now be putting a strain on the poor thing.
Chris, an Optima will fit in the stock spot just fine.
Do a Google search for them, and you will find a gazillion places to buy one from online, or by you.
Still have not got it tested.
I have just about zero free time during the week, and most stuff I gotta do on weekends.
It's starting just fine, I may have drained it a bit as I sit in a lawn chair at work behind my Runner for dinner every night, and listen to the tunes with plenty of bass, and the engine off for about 20 minutes at a time.
May just now be putting a strain on the poor thing.
Chris, an Optima will fit in the stock spot just fine.
Do a Google search for them, and you will find a gazillion places to buy one from online, or by you.
#13
Contributing Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is a place that I learned a few things about batteries while working on my dual battery setup.
#14
Contributing Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: The Lone Star State
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I could be wrong about this. But doesn't a battery have a surface charge? I seem to remember that when having a battery tested the surface charge had to be removed before testing the battery. That way you get an accurate reading.
It's probably worth a shot to just take it to Autozone and have them check it for free.
Good Luck
It's probably worth a shot to just take it to Autozone and have them check it for free.
Good Luck
#15
Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Wash
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Batteries are made from the same company and just packaged different. I know of two companies, Johnson Control and Exide. Les Schwab now carries Johnson Control brand batteries with Les Schwab packing on them. The exide or GNB batterys they use to carry failed alot. Just like any product out there, some people have great luck with while others get a bad one or lemon as we call it.
Just like a sharp rock is going to puncture any tire if you run over it just right,4ply.6ply,8ply,10ply. Nothing is the best.
I would have the battery tested, then go from there.
Just like a sharp rock is going to puncture any tire if you run over it just right,4ply.6ply,8ply,10ply. Nothing is the best.
I would have the battery tested, then go from there.
#16
UPDATE
My battery is fine, and I found the problem.
Been meaning to update this, just now getting to it.
About 3 weeks ago at night I noticed the green "on" lamp for my power converter was on a dim glow, not a full glow like when you switch it on.
I have no idea why it's lit up when the power switch is off, but I pulled the fuse for it from the box under the rear seat and all is well.
For any of you running the same power converter as in my article in the Tech section, check yours in the dark too and see if it's lit up with a faint glow.
I do believe this was the source of my battery drain.
And for others who have a different make of a power converter, check yours also to see if it does the same.
Been meaning to update this, just now getting to it.
About 3 weeks ago at night I noticed the green "on" lamp for my power converter was on a dim glow, not a full glow like when you switch it on.
I have no idea why it's lit up when the power switch is off, but I pulled the fuse for it from the box under the rear seat and all is well.
For any of you running the same power converter as in my article in the Tech section, check yours in the dark too and see if it's lit up with a faint glow.
I do believe this was the source of my battery drain.
And for others who have a different make of a power converter, check yours also to see if it does the same.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
smilen724
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
13
11-08-2015 04:11 PM