Battery voltage getting low
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Raceland, Louisiana
Battery voltage getting low I have a red top optima maybe a year old. Today I noticed the voltage was reading in the low 12's. ITs usually around 13.8. Could my battery already be going down the tubes. I have a 6 year warranty on this thing. Will i have to get a new one or will this be covered? Could it be something else? Alternater maybe?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
I have seen the exact same thing, using a red top also, but have had no problems at all, sometimes I get a flat 12 volts, but have not seen lower. I was told by the Optima tech department, that when the battery reaches its max charge that it limits the voltage that goes through it, and this is normal. It just means the battery is not charging any more, and actually blocks the voltage that goes through it, which makes the meter run low numbers by the capacitors in the battery(didn't know there were any more parts in an optima). A regular battery will not restrict overflow of voltage, which in some cases can cause the battery to overcharge, or overheat and blow up, which I have seen. Not pretty when that happens. I had my a/c blowing full charge, my stereo running real loud, all my lights on, and the voltage showed 12 volts flat during a 5 hour drive to Cali, and the power never fluctuated, and the lights never dimmed. Been like this for about 4 months now, since getting the battery. I do notice that if I don't drive for a week and start the car the voltage shows about 14.8 for about an hour, then it starts dropping down again to the 12's.
In my opinion don't worry about it unless it shows you a problem. Or just look up their website and call the tech service yourself, I am sure they will tell you the same thing.
In my opinion don't worry about it unless it shows you a problem. Or just look up their website and call the tech service yourself, I am sure they will tell you the same thing.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Agree with the above. Your battery sounds just fine. The voltage changes are normal between recharging/maintaining the battery, operating the vehicle ignition system, DRLs/headlights, and running all of the other vehicle electronics.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 828
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From: dallas,tx.
I'm not familiar with red top optima batteries per se, so take this with a grain of salt if I'm off base.
Whenever I buy battery I will put it on a trickle charge for about a day to make sure it's fully charged electrically.
In the case of my current corvette it's not a daily driver, so it may sit for two or three weeks between drives. That tends to deplete the charge so I'll put the charger on it every so often to keep it charged. I was told by a mechanic that charging systems on todays cars are not designed to recharge your battery, but rather maintain it's charge by keeping up with your cars current electrical demands. Sounds kinda fuzzy to me, but whenever I stick my charger on my battery it accepts the charge, as indicated by the charger. (it's not a cheapy by the way)
I don't know if this will help answer any of your questions or not. Just wanted to share how I deal with keeping the battery in my car from dying a faster than normal death.
Whenever I buy battery I will put it on a trickle charge for about a day to make sure it's fully charged electrically.
In the case of my current corvette it's not a daily driver, so it may sit for two or three weeks between drives. That tends to deplete the charge so I'll put the charger on it every so often to keep it charged. I was told by a mechanic that charging systems on todays cars are not designed to recharge your battery, but rather maintain it's charge by keeping up with your cars current electrical demands. Sounds kinda fuzzy to me, but whenever I stick my charger on my battery it accepts the charge, as indicated by the charger. (it's not a cheapy by the way)
I don't know if this will help answer any of your questions or not. Just wanted to share how I deal with keeping the battery in my car from dying a faster than normal death.
