Optima warranty?

[1dslram]

My 7 month old Optima battery has an open circuit inside, no resistance at all. I bought it because it was sold Nation wide and would be easy to warranty, not so. I first went to Sears they won't warranty it because they didn't sell it. I got the same story at Pep Boys. I called Optima and was told that only the seller of their batteries was required to warranty the battery. Since I bought the battery in Florida and live in California this is not an option. The Service man from Optima told me I would need to take the battery to a dealer and have them perform a test and then call Optima with the results, then Optima would try to find a local dealer to deal with or ship a battery from their warehouse. This is fine for them but when any of us are on the road we would be stuck buying a temporary replacement battery at $50. 00 - $70. 00. Just because a product is sold Nation wide doesn't mean you can get the warranty honored where you are. Retailers arn't required to honor the manufacturers warranty. I guess next time is is back to a national chain battery Pep Boys most likely.

Bruce

 

[av8r]

Another option??

When my oem batteries gave up at 2 years old, I went to the Cummins dealer and got 2 Delco 1200 cca semi tractor batteries ($50 each). With only minor trimming of the trays they fit great with the oem clamps. Just had to replace them last year with Interstates @ $69. 99 each (dealer no longer carry the Delcos). OEM=2yrs, 1st set of Delco semi batteries=7 years, new Interstates 1 year and counting...



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[MKinner]

how did you test the battery? we use them at work and have brought them back to life after being at 5 or 6 volts. hit the battery with all you have(70 or 80 amps or so) until they get hot to the touch or you can smell it then back it off and trickle charge it for 24 hours. i have a master medium/heavy truck technician and he does that to all the optimas that need charging and swears by it. i didn't beleive him so i load tested the battery and i passed with flying colors!! it might be worth a try if getting a new one will be a hassle.

 

[1dslram]

I have hit it with 200 amps. the battery is an open circuit there is no connection between the posts, there is a broken connector on the inside. Sears got absolutely no responce either. I have done the same MK and have had it work on batteries that have been stored too long and gone dry.

Bruce

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Next time buy the battery at a national chain like Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. and hopefully another store of that chain will take it back. Sorry to hear of your problem. you'd thiink Optima would require all their dealers to honor their warranty.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Autozone has a nationwide computerized warranty... you don't even need a receipt. just your phone number.



with that said, I think I'm gonna go w/ the dual 1200's when I replace my current batteries... 2400cca's!?!?!



Forrest

 

[daveshoe]

I have had good customer service from Wal-Mart. I went in one night at 10 PM with TWO batteries that would not hold a charge after a 24 hour trickle. I suspect they had frozen the previous winter. Policy was to have them tested. No one there to test them. after firmly ,but politely informing them that no where on the warranty info did it say that these batteries were only to be returned at certain hours of business,a manager was called and gave me new ones--free of charge. They came with new receipts so in effect an extended warranty. These batteries may not last the warranty or be as durable batteries as some, but the warranty of two years free replacement and 7 years pro-rated ain't too hateful.

A starter-generator rebuilder I trust suggests that you never run an engine with a partially recharged battery. It is really hard on the battery and the alternator to start and charge up a weak battery with the alternator. The grid heaters probably cause the same battery durability problem. This may be one reason to stick with a cheaper battery with great warranty service.

 

[RGRAT1618]

We sell optima's at my work. We replace optima's from other stores all the time. The optima battery has a 3 year unlimited warrenty. If you have a batteries plus nea you go see them. They should help you out. If not PM me or e-mail me and I will take care of it for you. I am the manager of the batteries plus here in pittsburgh.



Rob

 

[BigEasy]

Autozone has a nationwide computerized warranty... you don't even need a receipt. just your phone number.



with that said, I think I'm gonna go w/ the dual 1200's when I replace my current batteries... 2400cca's!?!?!

That's exactly what I have in my 85 Chevy gasser plow truck. The engine cranks like it's already idling!



I love having AutoZone in my backyard!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

When my oem batteries gave up at 2 years old, I went to the Cummins dealer and got 2 Delco 1200 cca semi tractor batteries ($50 each). With only minor trimming of the trays they fit great with the oem clamps. Just had to replace them last year with Interstates @ $69. 99 each (dealer no longer carry the Delcos). OEM=2yrs, 1st set of Delco semi batteries=7 years, new Interstates 1 year and counting...



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I went to my local independant auto parts store... they had some school bus batteries that were 1275 amps at 32* and 1000 at 0*



what group/size/etc. batteries are you using? maybe I'll hit Cummins and see what they've got.



my truck was a little slow to bust off this morning, so I'm gonna go ahead and get some batteries for it. the ones that are in it are 5yrs old or so... I'd rather replace them at my convenience than when I'm stuck in some parking lot out of town.



Forrest

 

[av8r]

Series # on the batteries

Forrest:



I'll check the series for you when I get home on Friday. I don't have the truck with me right now, but I think they are a series 64 (?).



I'll let you know, maybe a detial photo or 2.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

2 odyessy 1700's fit like a glove (minor trimming)

She cranks over really fast.

I can charge them at 30 amps with out hurting them.

They have more power than I know what to do with... . (in the battery)

Corrosion free posts.



Very expensive.

And worth every penny... .



SFB

 

[willyslover]

Bruce... what ones are they ??



Did you try returning at Costco [if they are the same as they have] no receipt needed

 

[av8r]

Semi Batteries

Forrest: They are Group 31 Interstates. The same size case is available with a threaded stud, threaded socket or lead stud (like the OEM batteries). Only required some minor trimming of the battery tray, and the stock clamps fit over them. Realatively inexpensive too, at $60 each and powerful, 1175cca at 30°.



I hope this helps.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

helps a lot! those were the "bus" batteries my local independant auto parts guy was showing me... headed up there tomorrow to pick up an oil cap for my Frantz bypass setup... I'll go ahead and get a price quote on 'em!



Forrest

 

[1dslram]

I took the battery a group 34 marine blue top Optima battery to a Batteries Plus store. They called back in three days and said the battery failed their test and would be replaced. I would just need to wait until they get one is stock, about 3-4 days. The only drawback is the 40 miles roundtrip each time and the wait.



I set my 5th wheel trailer for 6 group 31 deep cycle batteriess at a 215 RC ea I get pleanty of reserve to run whaterver I need on the inverter during the quiet time including medical equipment for my wife. I have 100 amp computer controlled inverter charger for fast charging, Desulfation mode & float charge maintainer. I have all of this at a cost of less than 3 Optimas. I can get 3 batteries from Wal-Mart for the cost of one Optima. I won't be changing over to Optimas, too many $$$$$$.

Bruce