OPTIMA battery drain
07-17-2004, 03:45 AM
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OPTIMA battery drain
While working on my '91 I left the trunk up and the year old Optima battery connected and managed to completely drain it. I attempted to recharge it on a low charge rate and it gets pretty hot. Are there any Optima experts out there with advice, rather than it's "fried?"
07-17-2004, 01:52 PM
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Hey Jerry,
Try Optima's website:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/faq.asp
You might also call their contact phone number. Bet you can get a straight answer there. I've heard rumor that a flat Optima has to be recharged by the parts store. But, that's just rumor. We have a similar technology battery (factory!) in our '96 Miata, but have never had to jump it--it's only been used for jumping other cars. That damn battery still cranks like new--incredible. The one in my Porsche cranks over stronger than any lead acid battery I've ever had (short of one fresh from the store).
Please let us know how things work out for you.
Try Optima's website:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/faq.asp
You might also call their contact phone number. Bet you can get a straight answer there. I've heard rumor that a flat Optima has to be recharged by the parts store. But, that's just rumor. We have a similar technology battery (factory!) in our '96 Miata, but have never had to jump it--it's only been used for jumping other cars. That damn battery still cranks like new--incredible. The one in my Porsche cranks over stronger than any lead acid battery I've ever had (short of one fresh from the store).
Please let us know how things work out for you.
07-17-2004, 03:16 PM
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I've had that happen and tried to recharge in automatic mode at 10 amps and it fried the battery. I read somewhere that you need to start at low amps, (approx. 2 amps), for an hour and then switch to full power charging. I done this the last several times I've drained the Optima and no problems....
To me, the bigger issue is how quickly batteries drain in a 964...
-CKKrause
To me, the bigger issue is how quickly batteries drain in a 964...
-CKKrause
07-19-2004, 03:21 AM
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I dunno. I'm going to take the Optima back to the dealer tomorrow and see what he has to say about charging the thing. I'll let you know.
07-21-2004, 02:02 PM
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When I drained my Optima Red Top it would not charge with my trickle charger. I took it back to the store and was told that Optima (dry cell) bateries require a rapid charge and will not adequately charge with a trickle charger (when drained). The trickle charger works great for maintenance.
07-21-2004, 05:41 PM
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I recently had a message from Al Zim, a 356 enthusiast and owner of ZIM's in Texas, and he related that Optimas should be hit with high amperage charges for two hours followed by a trickle charge. He said the company claims that the battery can be initially charged with up to 200 amps. "That's the equivilant of an electric welder!" sez Al.
