I just swapped out the original Panasonic battery in my 2001 with a Napa Legend battery.
After cranking for a second or two the starter cranking speed slows down and then recovers and the engine starts. I never had this happen before.
So I'm wondering if :
1. I got a defective battery
2. Cold Crank power rating is not enough
3. After disconnecting the battery there is a re-learn time involved in the ignition/fuel system.
thx

 

bad ground?

 

No ....but it dawned on me that comming off the shelf it probably needs a good charge. I just came back from aprox 20 miles on the freeway. I'm going to let things get cold and then see how it cranks. This is probably a 'DUH' post !
Adding follow up here:
Seems fine now !

 

Every single battery that I've ever installed has been pre charged. Ive installed MANY batteries. I'm a mechanic.

Why did you install a new battery in the first place? What problems were you having?

My starter acted the same way. It was worn starter contacts.

 

[QUOTE=Adam F;50951333]Every single battery that I've ever installed has been pre charged. QUOTE]


Yep but some sit on the shelves for months and become discharged.

I used to work at a auto parts store. There was a time or 2 that we would sell a battery that needed a charge and the customer would come back.

My question is, if it's the battery, then when the engine "dies" so to speak, why does it start? Normally when that happens you don't have enough energy to turn the engine over and start it.

Might not be enough CCA, it drains too many amps too fast from the battery.

But I'm just guessing.

 

Only 57k miles on the truck but the original Panasonic battery is going on 9 years old. Loving wife left the ignition on and drained it. Battery Tender / Charger brought it back to life but I figured it was time. I'm going to use it in a project car. Odds are it would/will go another year +
I had bad luck with Optima, could not find a new Panosonic and Consumer Reports gives the Napa Legend high marks plus it's only $80 !

 

My dad is in the same boat as you, 99 with 52k mi.
We just had his original go out on us after 10 years.
He said he got a good price on a deep cycle battery, ill get pics when the ups guy bring it

 

im using an optima yellow top from costco, cheapest price there.

If your having problems with the battery take it back to napa, they have good return and exchange policies, especially on their brand products. they can even charge it for you if you dont have a charger and for free.

 

What kind of bad luck did you have with Optima? I've never heard of anyone having a problem with Optimas.

 

When you buy a battery check the dates on top, and choose the newest. Napa should be able to test,charge or replace it.
Me I am sticking with Interstate. Although I have never had a problem with even the cheapest napa brand batteries. I just like what my current battery has put up with.

 

You have now. Yellow top for a Honda Civic. It puked after less then a year. Stock radio etc. no extra power demands. The warranty via Sears was useless also.

 

I would have contacted Optima themselves. I'll bet they would have given you a new one no problem. I belive they warranty them for 3 or 4 years. At less than a year... well they have a reputation to think of you know.

Every place I've ever seen that sells premium batteries like that gives you at least a 1 year free replacement warranty. Weird that Sears wouldn't replace it.

Ah well, nothings perfect!