diamondmit

...that the battery didn't slowly peter out, it just quit. Knowing a little about battery construction, one might assume that one of the plates fractured and shorted out (I couldn't charge the battery either), but I'm wondering if there is a way to tell. Does anyone know of a battery test to determine the integrity of the battery? All cells are full with electrolyte and no load voltage is 13.2V but I cannot draw any meaningful current.

I've already purchased a replacement battery and the car is running fine. I would just like to know if the car is going to kill the new battery like it (maybe) killed the original, or if the original battery was just at the end of its useful life.

Thanks and I'll let you know how things turn out.

BTW, I got a NAPA battery (made by Deka) that was top rated by Consumer Reports. The batter was a little taller, but slightly narrower - the battery holder didn't fit exactly, although it should be fine.

dd

whazzzzuup

iTrader: (11)

Wow. I think the battery has reached the end of its life-span. Generally, car batteries last about 3 years for me. However, I have always had audio systems in my vehicles. I think you should be fine.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

The same machine they used to test your cars electrical system is also used to test the battery. It puts a load on the battery. If the voltage drops below what is considered a good charged battery it means the battery can't support the load and it is toast. I think if the voltage drops below 11.8V under current load the battery is considered no good.

Anyway, no sense even testing the battery at this point. If it really lasted 8 years I'd figure you got 2-3X the life of a typical car battery and you might as well buy a new one since I guarantee that battery hasn't been able to hold a full 100% charge in a while.

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

8 years is fantastic for a car battery (based on my own experience). Hope your new one turns out to last just as long.

diamondmit

...screen). I also had to reset the region on the navigation system, and the Vaistech i-pod adapter was also fine.

I guess it's time to drive it like I stole it, as I've heard so often on this board :-)

I agree with all the posts - 8 years is plenty and if the car lasts another 8 along with the battery, I'll be a lucky guy.

best
dd

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

that is a long time for a battery...wow!

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

i wish my optima would last 8 years....that would be sweet

Kbueno

I got close with my red top...6 years.

link13

I get about 4 years out of Die Hards that are warrantied for a ridiculous amount of time. When they die, they pretty much go without warning. I'll park the car at night and it seems fine. In the morning, the steering wheel powers down slowly and the car won't start. That seems to be the normal way they go.

xxxoDWGoxx

my car is an 02 and about 8 months ago my battery went bad...it looked like the original..I was really impressed. I use the yellow everlast i think they are called from Wal-Mart with a 3 year free replacement..

I have a f250 diesel with 4 12s and 2 amps, cb with kicker, big power inverter and I have replaced the batterys 3 times in the last 4 years but all have been free because of the warranty

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

i have had this current yellow top going on 4 years now and knock on wood no problems to date

Kbueno

Yah, my red top did the same thing as the OPs....worked fine and suddenly had no juice. Hooked up a 200amp quick-start charger and all it would do is click. Not surprised, it's been drained so many times by my 7 year old leaving one of the doors overnight. $180 bucks later with a new red top everything is good.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

well least you got a new one...im starting to think bout it since im doing another audio build which is gonna wear this thing down....we shall c what happens

JoelGs

iTrader: (1)

Wow...that is a long time for the battery..I just recently replace mine with Optima red top..

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

so...y the red top instead of the yellow joel?