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I've had an Optima battery in my '70 Charger since around 2003. I've gone through 3 in that time. I don't drive the car that often. I thought that the Optima would be a good choice; My thinking was that they were supposed to hold a charge longer than lead-acid batteries. The most recent one was bought in June 2016. Lately it does not hold a charge. I have a Schumacher battery charger but charging one of these types of batteries isn't as easy as it is with a regular battery.
On Wednesday, it charged up to 11.7 volts then the battery charger clicked over to "Maintain" mode. A few hours later it was down to just over 9 volts. Yesterday I charged it again, it peaked at 11.75 volts so I disconnected the charging unit and tested it today. It was down to 9 volts again. I wonder why the battery charger didn't sense it was discharging and kick into CHARGE mode.
I may have to get another battery but I doubt I'd get another Optima. These things are expensive and heavy too. There are smaller and lighter batteries that may be a better way to go. I would be okay keeping this battery if it can be saved but if it is too far gone, I'm looking at a change.
On Wednesday, it charged up to 11.7 volts then the battery charger clicked over to "Maintain" mode. A few hours later it was down to just over 9 volts. Yesterday I charged it again, it peaked at 11.75 volts so I disconnected the charging unit and tested it today. It was down to 9 volts again. I wonder why the battery charger didn't sense it was discharging and kick into CHARGE mode.
I may have to get another battery but I doubt I'd get another Optima. These things are expensive and heavy too. There are smaller and lighter batteries that may be a better way to go. I would be okay keeping this battery if it can be saved but if it is too far gone, I'm looking at a change.