Optima Battery
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From: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Optima Battery Hi guys. I recently replaced my stock battery with an Optima Red Top. However, I seem to still be experiencing electrical problems. I think it's my alternator, but let me list what's going on:
1. Volt meter still moving. It hovers between 13 and the red dots and when I gas it goes up to 13, and when I come to a stop it lowers to the just below or to the dots.
2. My interior lights and headlights do not have a steady burn. I mean it kinda brightens and dims just very slightly. I'm using silverstars in my Hi and Low Beams, stock bulbs in the interior. It does this constantly, day and night ie tunnel or evening driving.
3. Similar to the #2 problem; when the AC and/or fan is blowing and when I slow down it seems to slow just a tad and then when I come to a complete stop it picks up again. But runs fine during freeway driving.
Again, I think it's the alternator, but I may be wrong. The Optima is the correct model for my Camaro. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
1. Volt meter still moving. It hovers between 13 and the red dots and when I gas it goes up to 13, and when I come to a stop it lowers to the just below or to the dots.
2. My interior lights and headlights do not have a steady burn. I mean it kinda brightens and dims just very slightly. I'm using silverstars in my Hi and Low Beams, stock bulbs in the interior. It does this constantly, day and night ie tunnel or evening driving.
3. Similar to the #2 problem; when the AC and/or fan is blowing and when I slow down it seems to slow just a tad and then when I come to a complete stop it picks up again. But runs fine during freeway driving.
Again, I think it's the alternator, but I may be wrong. The Optima is the correct model for my Camaro. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
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From: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Kage, no the old battery died while I was on a 4 week vacation. My dad had parked it on the street during the day, but had turned the headlights on manually and forgot to turn it off. When I returned from my vacation, the battery was totally drained, no start, no lights (interior or exterior).
rlcope, do you know if they (shops, etc) charge an alternator checkup?
rlcope, do you know if they (shops, etc) charge an alternator checkup?
Originally Posted by FenixSS
Kage, no the old battery died while I was on a 4 week vacation. My dad had parked it on the street during the day, but had turned the headlights on manually and forgot to turn it off. When I returned from my vacation, the battery was totally drained, no start, no lights (interior or exterior).
rlcope, do you know if they (shops, etc) charge an alternator checkup?
rlcope, do you know if they (shops, etc) charge an alternator checkup?
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From: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Sounds great, unfortunately those stores aren't out here in Hawaii
All we've got is checkers, napa, and lots and lots of local small shops. I'll check around. Thank you everyone.
All we've got is checkers, napa, and lots and lots of local small shops. I'll check around. Thank you everyone. 
Originally Posted by FenixSS
Sounds great, unfortunately those stores aren't out here in Hawaii All we've got is checkers, napa, and lots and lots of local small shops. I'll check around. Thank you everyone.
All we've got is checkers, napa, and lots and lots of local small shops. I'll check around. Thank you everyone.
What about checking some easy stuff first? Make sure you belt is good and that its tension is good. Make sure to take a volt meter and test the voltage at the back of the ALT. or right off the battery. Just to get a more accurate reading... Check the little wire that goes into the ALT. I had that wire go back right at the plug. The dealer sold me a new plug that had heavier gauge wire coming out of it. That solved a lot of my charging issues.
If all that stuff still points to the ALT, take it off and get it tested.
I dont like to trust those testers in autozone. I used to work there, and that machine would show good or "PASS" when I knew there was a problem with it. Plus...that machine doesnt change RPMS, or pulse its spinning like idle, or account for the vibrations from the engine. Just my .02 on that tho..
Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Justin
If all that stuff still points to the ALT, take it off and get it tested.
I dont like to trust those testers in autozone. I used to work there, and that machine would show good or "PASS" when I knew there was a problem with it. Plus...that machine doesnt change RPMS, or pulse its spinning like idle, or account for the vibrations from the engine. Just my .02 on that tho..
Good luck and let us know how you make out!
Justin