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Optima Red batteries suck...

Discussion in '360/430' started by CoreyNJ, Aug 26, 2024.

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  1. CoreyNJ

    CoreyNJ Formula 3
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    Apr 17, 2006
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    #1 CoreyNJ, Aug 26, 2024
    So I generally keep my car on the OEM charger when it's not in use. On Sunday I went to go for a drive to the NJ Cars and Coffee event. I had the car in 1st gear and the LED driving lights were on before I went to start the car.

    Put the key in, wait till the buzzing stops and start the car. It seems like it's starting on 1 bank. So immediately shut it off and noticed I had the driving lights on, so I turned them off. To reset everything, I removed the key then opened the door, locked the car and unlocked its then opened the door. Put the key in and waited for the buzzing to stop. This time the car started and both banks were good, but the check engine light did not go off after 30 seconds.

    Grabbed my Thinkdiag and ran a scan. It was like a Christmas tree of errors. Everything from Gear shift failed to CAN bus errors. Tell tale sign of a battery issue. I cleared the errors and drove the 30 minutes to the event and all seems well for now, but I'm pretty sure my 3 year old optima is on its way out as I realized in hindsight that I have been having some issues the past few weeks if the car doesn't sit on a charger 24x7 and it doesn't always start on both banks the first time, but until yesterday it always worked when the battery was on the charger just prior or if I went on a nice long drive the previous day, which I assumed charged up the battery.

    So I bit the bullet and ordered an Antigravity 60AH, charger and battery monitor. I already have the "adapter" for my 2009's factory charger plug.

    I'll keep everyone posted when it arrives if my gremlins go away.

    Optima Red used to be such good batteries, I am very disappointed but I guess this is the way of the world now with outsourcing to cheaper manufacturing.
     
    armedferret and ditpixs like this.
  2. GogglesPisano

    GogglesPisano F1 Rookie
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    #2 GogglesPisano, Aug 26, 2024
    Had a friend that worked for an auto parts distributor. He said the reds were the ones that were returned the most and this was 12 years ago before a lot of them went to crap. Either way, I think any battery is a gamble these days if you don't check the manufacture date. You'll be happy with the antigravity battery though. I've had mine for over a year and never have to worry about keeping it on a tender unless I'm not driving it for a month which doesn't happen often.
     
    Sj_engr likes this.
  3. KC360 FL

    KC360 FL Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2017
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    #3 KC360 FL, Aug 26, 2024
    I own a shop. I gave up on Optima batteries altogether years ago. Customer's cars would sit and the Optima (usually fairly new) would continually go flat in no time.
    I have used Interstate and they are passable. But to be sure, they certainly don't last past their expiration date. I just replaced one that was a 3 year battery. It crapped out exactly on the 36th month-- not to mention they are now over $300.
     
    armedferret, Rifledriver, MaranelloMark and 1 other person like this.
  4. SoftwareDrone

    SoftwareDrone F1 Veteran
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    #4 SoftwareDrone, Aug 26, 2024
    I used to use Optima red top. No more. Now Interstate.
     
  5. kens

    kens Formula 3
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    #5 kens, Aug 26, 2024
    Thanks. Adding in my own experience, looks like I am unsold on Optima now.
     
  6. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 World Champ
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    #6 RedNeck, Aug 26, 2024
    I’m unimpressed with Odyssey batteries also. I’ve had the best luck with Walmart everstart AGM batteries, I’ve used them in several cars, the warranty can’t be beat and they will be going in my Ferrari.
     
    armedferret, KC360 FL and Shorn355 like this.
  7. swc5150

    swc5150 Formula Junior
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    #7 swc5150, Aug 26, 2024
    I currently have a red top as well just over a year old. If not tendered, it drains too quickly. The interstate I had prior was much better…and cheaper.
     
  8. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 10, 2002
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    #8 fatbillybob, Aug 26, 2024
    Interstate from Costco work like red top optima of the old days. Optima not good since maybe 2000?
     
    RayJohns likes this.
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 Rifledriver, Aug 26, 2024
    Whenever Johnson Controls bought them.
     
    armedferret and RayJohns like this.
  10. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    #10 RayJohns, Aug 26, 2024
    AGM Costco batteries are good quality for the price.

    Optima was bought years back and production was moved to Mexico. You know the rest of the story...

    Ray
     
  11. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Aug 27, 2024
    My Optma's have been averaging 9 years.

    Not making a recommendation. Just posting an experience and observation.
     
  12. Flea7

    Flea7 Formula 3
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    #12 Flea7, Aug 27, 2024
    after 2 years ...I think mine is starting to F up too. Going to replace with Braille
     
  13. RossoF430

    RossoF430 Karting

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    #13 RossoF430, Aug 27, 2024
    Yes Optima batteries are crap. Mine lasted 6 months on my 993.
     
  14. RayJohns

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    #14 RayJohns, Aug 27, 2024
    Braille i48CS or CX is the your best bet when dealing with modern Ferrari electronics. For the 360 (and maybe the 430) you can usually get away with Odyssey batteries also.

    Ray
     
  15. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 World Champ
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    #15 RedNeck, Aug 27, 2024
    KC360 FL likes this.
  16. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

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    #16 flash32, Aug 27, 2024
    Duracell is awesome ..from battery plus or Sam's

    Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk
     
    AandSC likes this.

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