Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: fug on December 16, 2008, 09:20:41 PM

Title: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: fug on December 16, 2008, 09:20:41 PM
Has anyone ever had an issue with a fairly new Yellow top batter just dying completely?

I put a yellowtop in my Jeep a few months ago and it hasn't seen a lot of use due to various mishaps that have been keeping me from wheeling.  Anyhow... I went out to tonight to drive the jeep down to DSI for a new rear driveshaft.  Battery was completely dead (not surprising since the jeep was parked for weeks)... I jump started it and everything seemed to be fine.  I drove from my place in Airdrie to DSI (about 40km) and when I got there I found the battery was still completely dead.  Not even a glimmer from my dash or interior lights.   I would have thought 40k at 100km/h would be enough to recharge the battery.  So now I'm wondering... did I just get a bum battery? or would bringing the battery inside and warming it up and recharging perhaps bring it back from the dead? 
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: Dragonmaster on December 16, 2008, 09:26:20 PM
OPtima's do this sometime.  Bring the battery in to a slightly warmer place and hit it with a 2amp charge for about 20 minutes to warm it up and then a 100A charge for a 1-2 hours.  This should bring the charge back.  Sometimes the initial charge isn't deep enough and they drain and are stubborn to recharge.
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: chevboy on December 16, 2008, 09:35:12 PM
ya i hav heard of that be for . i had 1 do that 2 weeks ago  they short out . you cant let them sit for long periods of time.
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: FiEND on December 17, 2008, 08:58:07 AM
my new red top was dead when i finally put it in, but i slow charged it for a few days and it perked right up.  Bill returned a couple yellow tops this year that were problematic.  try slow charging.
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: fug on December 17, 2008, 09:07:02 AM
Drove back to DSI this morning and swapped the yellow top out for my old battery.

I will warm the Optima up and put it on a trickle charger and see if I can't bring it back from the dead. 
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: Bnine on December 17, 2008, 02:22:10 PM
Good luck. We are on our forth in 2 years. Ours all failed internally and wouldnt hold a charge. Once you get it charge up, just put the voltmeter on it to see how it reacts. If you can watch the volts go down, its discharging internally and pooched.
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: fug on December 17, 2008, 02:30:30 PM
I thought I remembered someone having issues with theirs.  I'll cross my fingers... the stupid thing was expensive.  Not sure how long the warranty is on them but hopefully I can get it exchanged if its a goner.
Title: Re: Dead Yellow Top battery
Post by: FiEND on December 17, 2008, 02:33:19 PM
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/warranty.html