Optima red top won't charge
 

I have been trying to charge my red optima a couple of days now. When I started I got no reading on the charger ~0 Amps.

After a while it started to take charge and went to about 6-7 Amps. Then it got pretty hot and I stopped the charging. Now it is back at 2-3 Amps and it wont get any higher...

Is seems to be either broken or fully charged. But when I shortcut the + and - there is no or very little spark...

When charging an ordinary battery (80 amps) the reader goes to 25-30 amps when the battery is empty.

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

How old is the Red top ??

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

I've had that happen to me also with my car bat. and I've sent it back to the factory for charging I understand they have to be totaly drained and shorted to be able to be recharged mine never held charge good again after it was recharged

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

It is a few years, dont know exactly but atleast 4. It was used for one year then it was put away until last summer.

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

Check with Optima dealer for Tech sheet on charging--there is a very special procedure and it's a PAIN.

I'm done fooling with Optima's--they aren't worth the "special handling".

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

I've heard this before and don't get it.

I take mine out and put them in the basement every fall then put them back in the boat in the spring. They hold a full charge all winter I never have to do anything but move them from the boat to the house.
I do check these with my load meter so when I say they hold a charge it is not a guess they act like new batteries after 4 years!
My onboard charger is all they ever receive a charge from.

These are the blue tops.

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

4 years is a very long time for a battery, you're lucky to get a season out of a regular Interstate. I would replace them all if you have more than 1. I have had very good luck with my Optima's in my Excursion and in my boat and wouldn't buy any other brand.

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

I bought a red top in 02. In in spring 04 it wouldn't start, I thought I had a dirty terminal. I ended up taking it to the Interstate distributer,it was replaced no charge. They checked the# and said it was part of a bad batch. Doug

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

I've had my current red top optima for 7 years now. Prior to this one I had one for a year that had a cell go bad and thay replaced it for free. It would still start the motor though, just slower. I'd say that's a good sign that the battery can still discharge enough current at 10 volts to start the thing. I will never put anything other than an optima in my boat.

Re: Optima red top won't charge
 

Shorting a battery is a good way to give the electrolyte the 'taste test'. You may want to make sure you have good disability and life insurance. Also, locate a good seeing-eye dog now if you don't wear safety goggles.

A battery produces hydrogen gas which, in the presence of sparks, can and will blow up.