New battery keeps going dead...

$2BURN · Feb 28, 2009

I have a new Optima Redtop battery and it keeps going dead. THough my car may sit for a month at a time. Is this commom? I have a stock alarm and stock stereo, I can't imagine these draining the battery. Maybe though... I suppose I could dissconnect he negative terminal while it sits.

What is the life of a battery that sits? I am "F"ing up my battery by jumping it or letting the alternator keep recharging it? I hear the alternator will rapid charge the battery, shortening the life of the battery and the alternator... :BangHead:

I know, I know, I need to drive my car more. And I know some of you are willing to do it for me. LOL

Anyway, teach this moron a thing or two about batteries! Thanks! :dontknow:

GDawg · Feb 28, 2009

A lot of people seem to have had this same problem with Optima batteries lately, including me. I had one back in 2007 that started dieing right away. I took it back and they gave me a free replacement and after 1-1/2 years, no problems.

ram360 · Feb 28, 2009

If you disconnect your battery and hook it back up do you get sparks? Usually indicates you have a draw on the battery. Although it's possible it could be the battery, some electrical demons may be present as well. You can take the battery to autozone and have them test the battery for free. I'd personally start there. If that checks out I'd move on to the electrical system. Sitting for a month will not kill a battery if both the electrical system and battery are working normally.

blown4point6 · Mar 10, 2009

Did you find the problem? I have the same issue and I know that is not the battery because I have replaced several times now. I assume I have a small drain somewhere but can't find it. I hate electrical.

CC'S95GT · Mar 10, 2009

some times when the batt dies it takes the alt with it. have them both tested. if they ck out good pull the bulbs under the hood, trunk, glove box, ashtray.

Win · Mar 12, 2009

IF you have a Voltmeter i would see if it has any draw.

BlueDemon · Apr 13, 2009

Make sure you dont have any light on after you get out of the car( ex. trunk light, glovebox, cigarette lither(ashtray). Also, I tried charging my Optima with my alternator once( drove around 1 hour!!!), after I left the light on. It was wothless!!! They take a lot of time to get charged. So take it to autozone or get a battery charger and charge it slowly. Make sure if they check it, the battey show around 12.45v, if not, it could say it bad when it's not!! That happened to me once too. Good luck!