Optima battery bad "again"

So when you saw that the voltage was so low, did you charge the new battery prior to installation? You should expect a fully-charged AGM battery to be at ~12.9V.

If you didn't, then depending upon your driving patterns, the battery may have been operating in a partially discharged state much of the time which will shorten its service life.

Even if you did fully charge the battery, if you don't log 12K miles or more per year, it would be good to periodically charge the battery to help extend its life.

 

Hi Priusguy. What were the conditions under which you measured the 11.6 volts. Was it under no load/acc mode/ ignition on mode etc. Also, were you using the MFD diagnostic mode or measuring with an actual volt meter. Finally, what was the outside temperature prior to the measurements.

 

that can be your problen
what kind of tricle charger
you can damage your battery with a cheap trickle charger


go for a C-tek. those stop charging when the battery is full and start again after the voltage drops to some degree.

 

You got a lemon . Take it back to Advance Auto, tell them your story.

 

May wish to try...
[email protected]

explain you problem via email since you are unable to contact Optima by phone...

 

I've had AGM batteries killed by keeping them on the Battery Tender, Jr.

Surprisingly, I've found the $5 (with coupon) battery maintainer to be one of the best deals out there.

Battery Float Charger, Automatic


The maximum output is not more than 13.2 volts, which means that it will NEVER "fry" the battery.

 

Wow, I'm sorry your having this problem. Unfortunately, I don't have a good answer for you. That sucks.

 

The instructions for that charger clearly state "To prevent battery damage. Do not use on AGM batteries use for flooded lead acid batteries only". The Prius battery is an AGM.
AGM batteries need to be float charged at 13.6 to 13.8 volts.

John (Britprius)

 

Whereas the Battery Tender Jr. specifically claims to be OK for AGM.

Regarding Advance, maybe the staff has turned over since your first experience there. Can you return it through a different store?

 

I'll stick with regular batteries and replace them in a few years.

A NEW battery is always better than a used one that is three (3) years old.

I hate PRORATED BATTERY WARRANTIES beyond the full exchange period. To me, they are almost worthless.

 

Optima state there batteries if trickle charged or left on charge indefinitely should be charged at a minimum of 13.8 volts.

John (Britprius)

 

Perhaps we are fortunate in the UK/EU We rarely get prorated guarantees on anything. About the only things I can think of that does are tyres.

John (Britprius)

 

How many more posts about brand new dead optima batteries are we gonna read before Toyota and Auto parts stores no longer reccomend Yellow top Optima batteries?They are total garbage batteries and the only reason they are popular in Prius is because the hybrid battery does all the heavy lifting in this car... I mean geez... You could take all your batteries out of your kid's toys and duct tape 'em all together and have it run your Prius better than a brand new yellowtop optima made by a company that fired their quality control department to increase profits.

 

DOES Toyota recommend them?

Nexus 7 ? 2

 

No. Toyota would recommend buying replacement 12V batteries from its dealership parts departments.