Hello all,

Well my Optima Yellow died on Sunday, as did the Sears battery in my Galant (SAME DAY!!!). I need a replacement battery for the S, but I don't want to spend a million dollars. I have a pretty substantial stereo (Apline PDX 100.4, 2 sets of Type-R components, PDX 600.1 to Pionner Premier sub) and a radar detector. The amps are all digital so the current drain for 1000W RMS isn't that bad considering. I live in NJ so it has to work in sa semi-cold climate during the winter months. What should I be looking for? How much is an OEM battery?

Thanks,

Rick Forshay

 

Well I just had my battery tested durning my last service, and it failed. While not totally dead, it's dying.

The dealership wanted $130 for a replacement with a pro rated 100 month warranty. Uh no.

I recently replaced the original battery in my wife's MDX, barely 3 years old, with a duralast gold from autozone. I was hoping to find out how good that was before buying a new one for the S.

I started researching to find out about auto batteries for the S. While I don't always believe in consumer reports, I did come across a few of their battery comparisons. Also, some interesting info that there are only 3 companies that manufacture batteries for all retatilers. Furthermore, they are not consistent across product lines, ie 2 or more manufacturers may make batteries to be sold under the autozone "duralast" line.

The other caveat is that different battery sizes preform differently. Therefore the recommended/best battery in size 75, might be 3rd or 4th best in size 31. Worst of all, they did not test size 51, which is the standard size for the S.

All that being said, it seemed that the Diehard Platnium and Optima Red Top were their top preformers. They are the same technology as your previous Yellow Top. These are also the most expensive ($150+). I think you can get the Red Top in size 51, but not sure about the Diehard.

They also recommended the Diehard Gold North/South. This is the battery just below the Platinum and is supposedly engineered for northern or southern climates. Sears.com lists price at $80 for size 51.

Lucky for me (or for my wife), the Duralast Gold was also pretty good preformer. In my area size 51 is $85, 3 year replacement warranty, 8 year pro rated.

There you go, Too much information. YMMV

Let me us know what you do. I'm getting ready to do a stereo and detector install, and know I have to replace soon.

 

^^Thanks for all the info. I was thinking about just going to Sears or Autozone- I don't see the need to buy another Optima as they are quite pricey. I think I'm going to make this my project for this weekend.

 

Good luck.

I'm sure you searched this site, like I did, but all I saw about Optimas, seemed not positive regarding longevity. My S sits all winter, so I will probably do the same as you, Sears or Autozone. I think a trickle charger is a must.

Again please post back with what you find out

 

To be honest, I had a brand new Honda Battery and a month old Optima in my car at around the same time and I couldn't tell a difference with stereo performance.

Asked Honda to replace Diff/Trans fluid, drained engine oil also, gave me car back with no oil, engine blew. Replaced engine and they took out my Optima battery and said not OEM, and gave me $100 bill. I said f*** off, and they let me keep the battery.

 

Thanks-good to know. I'm just putting in one PDX 4.150, so probably won't be drawing as much as you with 2

 

Thanks for all the great info guys.