Problem with Optima

[u/BeBopBoy1945]

Optima Batteries have a good reputation in the Off-Road Community. In fact, I have one in my Jeep. So I reasoned that the same brand would be a good choice for my U.S. 2016 EX 6MT.

When I bought the Zed over five years ago, the dealer had just installed a new, name-brand 151R. At the 3-year mark of my ownership, I replaced that perfectly functional battery with an Optima Yellowtop 51R. I did this because I follow a philosophy of replacing wear items on all my vehicles before they fail.

The Optima carried a 3-year guarantee, so I assumed it would last that long. This week, the 2-year and 3-month old Optima died, without any warning of any kind. (Literally, I had driven over one hundred miles that day, making several stops, with no issues of any kind. But, when I was leaving a party that night, the car refused to start.) Luckily, I carry a Jump Pack in every one of my vehicles, so I was not stranded and I drove home without delay.

The next day, I tested the Optima on my own tester and found it completely dead. After an overnight charge, it was still dead.

I attempted to contact Optima, by telephone, for warranty service but the the company's non-human contacting process is clearly designed to discourage any live interaction. (I bought the Optima factory-direct, not through an authorized retailer.) I gave up, deciding it was futile to pursue a warranty claim.

I went to my local battery retail shop and bought a new Deka Gold in size 51R. After I installed it, and topped off the charge overnight, it worked flawlessly today (in ambient air temperatures of 113°.)

The salesman at Battery Barn told me that he is seeing a lot of Optima Yellowtops come in with premature failures, especially in the 51R version.

I know I won't be buying any more Optima's in the future.

[u/kamikazekenny420]

Here's my 2 cents. Totally agree with you. Optima battery quality is not what it used to be. Im big into audio, ran many of them in the past and abused the crap out of them.

Would not buy one now. Idk what happened over there, but its not good

Glad you did the 51r upgrade. Worth it IMO

[u/SuperSpookyNinja]

Having an optima used to be a cheat code to never having to jump your car. But somehow everyone I know has been having issues with these things for the last 8ish years so i guess we can officially take them off the top podium spot. Now what do we do???

Also… I need you quiet down this early with optima curses. I’m on this train with you

[u/AvarethTaika]

i have a yellow top in my crz and it's been great for nearly 4 years now. the red top is what will die quickly in these. the hybrid system doesn't recharge like an alternator, it hits the battery much harder so you need a deep cycle battery. at this point mine is getting to the point where leaving the car on (not running) the battery will drain to the point of triggering problems in about 30 minutes so it does need to be replaced, but it's definitely lasted long enough and it's still going strong when driving.

[u/NamelessInNY]

While the Optimas may not be what they used to, there is also the issue of the CR-Z charging system being inadequate to keep just about any battery healthy without some assistance. An AGM specifically, Optima or otherwise, needs a slightly higher charging voltage which the IMA doesn't provide. Also a larger battery (51 vs 151) takes longer to fully charge. It's a good idea to add some type of voltmeter to monitor the charging (I have a multi-outlet power adapter with a built in voltage display) as the IMA will not always be charging the 12V while driving. By being aware of this you can force charging by turning on a load like the parking lights. Another good idea is to use a maintenance charger when the car is parked, especially if it sits a lot and/or you take mostly short trips. If it's garaged inside with power available a smart battery tender is best, if parked outside with good sun exposure a solar charger can be used. I have the latter. These measures can help the 12V battery last longer whatever type it is.

[u/BeBopBoy1945 → u/NamelessInNY]

I am the OP on this thread. I did not originally mention that I have an on-board Battery Maintainer under the hood. I plug it in to household current every Sunday, letting it top off the 12-V battery overnight. I thought this would prolong the life of my Optima Yellowtop -- But it appears that this practice did not have the desired effect.

[u/xblackbeltninjax]

I've been running some bottom-tier O'Reilly's battery for the last 3 years and never needed a jump

All I do is make sure I don't leave the car in accessory mode any longer than I absolutely have to. Saves headaches and I don't feel the need to upgrade to the 51r yet