2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2001.5, OPTIMA install questions

[Motorhead]

I purchased two group 34, 800/1000 OPTIMA red tops to put in my truck. Optima supplies a spacer that can be put on the bottom of the battery to get the proper height for the stock hold downs. I just thought this morning about the temp sensors in the battery trays and if using the spacer will affect the charging.

QUESTION... How critical are the use of these sensors on my 2001. 5?

What is the role of the sensors in the charging system?

Will the truck not charge the batteries right if the sensors are blocked???

 

[Bob Cochran]

I had Put Optima red tops in mine several years ago and had not noticed any problem with charging. Where I live in Arizona on occasion gets pretty cold at times and all is good. I don't think you will have a problem.

 

[Thomas]

... What is the role of the sensors in the charging system?...

There is a sensor, not sensors.

From your Factory Service Manual:

The BTS is used to determine the battery temperature and control battery charging rate. This temperature data, along with data from monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery charging rate. System voltage will be higher at colder temperatures and is gradually reduced at warmer temperatures. ​

Remove the spacer from under the battery and make a spacer for the top of the battery. Or get shorter bolts.

 

[ILIANBG]

I just installed a pair of Red Tops Optima(the bigger red), and did not use the spacer. The hight was the same as the OEM batteries. There were two kinds of Red Tops(Pep Boys). The smaller one was cheaper by $50. 00, and lower hight than OEM battery too.

 

[Motorhead]

Thanks Thomas, I did not put the spacer under my batteries. I measured the bolts and they were threaded enough to clamp down the battery. The only thing I had to do was move the passenger side battery to the forward side of the tray so the Positive cable would reach.

 

[Thomas]

The one concern I've seen posted regarding the battery hold downs with the Optima batteries is that a less-than-OEM height battery allows the bolts to extend further below the battery trays. At least one poster claimed to have hit a wiring harness beneath the driver-side tray with the bolt.

My solution: http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/9696/batterysi8.jpg

 

[BigIronRam]

T At least one poster claimed to have hit a wiring harness beneath the driver-side tray with the bolt.





I never posted about it but that's what happened when I had them in my '96. It's a situation you'd like to avoid.

 

[JR2]

When I told the service manager at my local dealer that I put in some red tops he told me to go home and shorten up the drivers side hold down bolts or they will chew up the harness that runs under the batter tray. He told me he had done dozens or repairs on that problem and it was never an inexpensive fix. I cut mine off so they threaded in about 1/4 inch. No problems. You could also do a spacer on top if you did not want to cut the bolts.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I got to applogize Motorhead I had changed to Optima reds some years ago and I just looked. I did not use the spacers!!!! I also did not cut or modify the hold down bolts and my original statement is true I have had no problems. Dang I should look before I talk: I am getting to the age I forget things!!! Again sorry.