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Topic: Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years (Read 412 times) previous topic - next topic

Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years

Optima batteries used to be great.  The Optima Red Top starting bats in my 1996 FT lasted more than 15 years!  But now, this is no longer true.  My 3 Optima Blue Tops dated 3/12 died in October.  Less than 3 years for what had been known as a top-of-the-line battery.  One apparently had an internal short and the other two would not hold a charge for any appreciable time.  I disconnected the shorted bat and limped along with the other two until yesterday.

I have read many other similar complaints about Optimas made by the new owner, Johnson Controls.  Apparently they bought the company in 2000 and moved the manufacturing to Mexico.

Yeah, I know others on this forum have reported problems with Optimas.  I'm just adding my two cents worth.

I replaced them with 3 Deka Intimidator 9A31's.  Replacing starting bats in a 2003 FT is really a %$##.  Took me a couple of hours of not-fun work.

PS - No I don't have the original invoices as they were installed by the previous owner.  Even if I had any warranty, I would not install another Optima battery.
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Optima Blue Top - Failed in less than 3 years

Reply #1 –
One of my original optimas developed a short after five years, and I replaced it with a blue top I had around, I replaced them all a year,and a half ago. I cannot complain, as two of three lasted more than ten years. If this set goes south at age three, I'll probably replace them with a single 8D like I have for the house.

Fortunately, not having a tag axle, access to both banks of batteries is easy.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer