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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Bad Optima 6V battery?

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Discussion Topic: Bad Optima 6V battery? -- page: 1 2 3

Flatbob

01-13-2010 @ 9:28 AM

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After being fully charged the battery shows 5.97V, is this an an indication of a weak battery? Have been told it should show around 6.7V. Checked a new 12V in another vehicle and showed 12.3V Really don't want to buy another 6V Optima but will if necessary.

supereal

01-13-2010 @ 9:44 AM

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Just putting a voltmeter across a battery doesn't mean much. A good battery tester has a built in calibrating resistance. Most voltmeters have a very low resistance, and can't accurately measure the battery's condition. With the battery in the car, and the engine running at a fast idle, you should see about 7.2 volts. more or less. If less, the charging system may be faulty. If more, the battery may have developed a high internal resistance. If your Optima battery fails in less than several years, it is likely it has been damaged by overcharging, either in the vehicle, or by a charger. It is also possible that you have one or more poor connections in the system, or defective/undersized cables.

Flatbob

01-13-2010 @ 10:56 AM

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Thanks for the opinion Bob, my battery is 5+ years old so will probably get a knew one, at fast idle I only get 6.2 V. My amp. meter gauge shows a plus charge when driving; I would like to believe charging system is ok.

TomO

01-14-2010 @ 8:20 AM

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Flatbob, have your battery checked with a modern load tester. Most places that sell batteries will check it for free. The Optima battery must be charged with a slow charge and may take as long as 2 days to reach full charge after being discharged. My Optima lasted 7 years and would still start the car, but was getting slow in cranking.

Tom

Flatbob

01-14-2010 @ 9:15 AM

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TomO, will take it to nearest Auto Zone & get it checked.

t35

01-14-2010 @ 1:32 PM

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i bought a new optima in 2006 and had trouble from the start. it would not hold a charge for more than 2 days.
interstate tested and verified it was defective, and replaced it.
it was a world of difference. it can sit for weeks with barely no discharge in 10-20 degree weather.
i've had the replacement over 2 years.
if you get a good one, you'll love it, but i've heard there are a lot of rejects.
tom

37RAGTOPMAN

01-14-2010 @ 1:35 PM

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is the Optima battery worth it,?
I just relaced a battery, in MB,it was in there for 6 years,it was a DURALAST from AUTOZONE,
how much longer would a OPTIMA LAST,?
is it worth 2 times the price ?
just my 2 cents 37RAGTOPMAN
I see the prices on the OPTIMA starts $169.95 and went up to $209.95
I guess it up to the individual, what works best for them,

BERTHA

01-14-2010 @ 7:01 PM

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I have never had good luck with the optama's. They never worked very well in the RV or the Ford. Replaced the RV's with two Lifeline AGM's and used a Ford logo from Mac's in the Ford. They both have a Battery Tender which works very well keeping them topped-up.

http://batterytender.com/automotive/battery-tender-junior-6v-at-0-75a.html

TomO

01-16-2010 @ 8:45 AM

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I like the Optima for its ability to keep a charge, and cold cranking power. I also like the fact that I don't have to refinish the battery tray and frame every year due to corrosion from the lead acid battery. There is very little difference in price between the script lead acid battery and the Optima. You can buy them on Amazon for as low as $115, including shipping. Right now they are priced at $136 but they have sales regularly.

Tom

supereal

01-16-2010 @ 10:31 AM

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If you are having, or have had, problems with the Optima battery, there can be several causes. The charging system in your vehicle may be set too low or too high. This is often seen with three brush systems. You may be using an inappropriate charger. The Optimas require a slow charge due to the spiral mat design. The battery may be defective. We have seen several, but not many. Be sure you retain the necessary documents for warranty replacement. We have sold Optimas almost from the first time they were offered, and found them to be ideal for old cars and trucks. They also have the benefit of being able to be mounted in any position, and they prevent the common rot seen from the overflow of ordinary lead-acid batteries. They are a bit pricey, but what really good thing isn't?

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