Hey guys.

I have the honda/acura size yellow top optima battery in my integra. Im having trouble with it holding the charge. Its like when ever i jump into the car and it sits for like 3 to 4 hours its already down to 10v. this morning i had to jump start it since the voltage was down to 8v. is this a battery problem or the alternator?? when i get the car running the alternator charges. it stays at 14v or so. when the alternator charges the battery it boost it up to 12.2 or so V. Then when the car sits again it starts dropping after a few hours. now i was wondering should i return the battery for warrenty?? the motor is a first gen b16a1. i did not change the alternator yet so the thing is im not sure on the milage of it. But it seems to charge fine and id rather return the battery and get another one instead of overheating the alternator and burning it. the thing is the battery is like only 2 months old or not even that. did anyone have a problem with this battery holding charge and stuff?? any information would be great. im stressing on this one. dont know where to start. thanks. j


Modified by kuni00 at 2:51 PM 11/18/2004

 

start by checking the current draw when the car is off. sounds like you've got something drainging the battery when its not being charged.

 

I had the same problem, and I have heard from several reputable sources that the first batch of those batteries were bad. Mine would do the same thing. Id return mine if some *** hole didn't jack it from my friends shop.

 

sounds like a typical optima.....if you are getting 14.4 with the car on, then the alternator and voltage regulator are doing their jobs.

it's either a bad battery or a constant drain on the system....

 

the battery is damaged.


the yellow tops are not "true" deep cycle batteries. They are able to withstand a lower voltage drop (around 10.5v) than regular batteries, but they will NEVER be 100% new again. It's called reverse chemical reaction.

Once you get down to an unsafe voltage, the battery cannot recharge back to it's full state again.

If the voltage has been dipped down low many times already, say goodbye to the battery and get another one

 

Thanks guys.. yeah i went back to sears to get it checked. one of the cells were dead. so they gave me a brand new one. thank god for the 1 year replacement warrenty.

 

told ya. voltage dips down to a certain level for the optima and you'll start seeing problems.

 

how much is it? im thinking of upgrading my battery or alternator because i have a lot of stuff draining the battery.

 

if i recall correct i paid about $154 or so with tax. back in hawaii though. i know over here in vegas was selling for around there without tax. so expect to pay about $130-150 for it. around there. its ok for a good battery. but i mean it just looks good. haha. but over all ok with it. hope that helps.

 

well this is the first time ive heard complaints about the optima yellow top...

What is recommended then for cars/civics that have a lot of electrical equipment, and a powerful amped up sound system?

 

people with civics, accords, etc have all things in common.


not enough current from the alternator. it is simply too small for many people's demand.


upgrade to a bigger alternator.

 

gotta love the 3 year warranty

 

i had the same thing happen to me. just wouldn't keep charge and one day just stopped working. sent it back and i just got a new one a week ago. if anyone is interested i am selling it brand new but it is the group 51 which is the smaller the same size as oem honda battery. 120 bucks.