Who has an Optima battery?

hollywoodstang, I'm certainly not trying to insult your automotive knowledge, just trying to offer assistance. When I post on public message boards, I do so knowing that the information I provide may not always help the specific person I am trying to assist, but may be of use to someone else, who may happen to be reading the thread. While I did indicate that two of the most-common causes for issues at battery terminals are overtightening of terminal connectors and improperly secured batteries, I also indicated that I didn't know if either was an issue in your application.

While it sounds like neither is the case for your vehicle, someone else may be reading this thread, who hasn't done anything to secure their battery in it's tray besides attaching cables to the terminals. I just spent four days on the Hot Rod Power Tour last week and saw a lot of that. If I can help that guy avoid a problem, even if it is with another battery, I'm happy to do that and I'm sorry if the information was of no use to you.

While some manufacturers do offer their own branded chargers for their batteries, we do not (although people actually request it on a regular basis). Newer chargers designed for AGM-specific batteries are a good investment if someone is in the market for one, but I have no trouble maintaining my own batteries with a 20-year old Schumacher. The truth is, we do replace warrantied batteries all the time and many of those batteries are simply deeply-discharged and work fine, when properly-recharged. My wife's Expedition starts every morning with a “dead” YellowTop, which was returned to us from a guy in New York, who was convinced it was defective.

If you did attempt to parallel charge your battery and it got hot to the touch, it probably needs to be replaced. If your battery (or anyone else's) fails because of a manufacturing defect within it's warranty period, we will be happy to exchange it for another, just like every other reputable manufacturer. Based on the date code and what I think I saw of the blurry serial number you posted of the battery not in the vehicle, it looks like it is still covered under warranty, assuming you purchased it close to the time period of the “1/08” date sticker on the battery. I would encourage you to return it to your retailer for warranty service.

I'm glad to hear Borla handled your warranty claim so well. I contacted them directly when a hanger broke on the Borla exhaust system on my pickup truck. After explaining that I could not return it to my local retailer because I purchased it directly from them, they also shipped me a free replacement system. However, they only did that after I provided them with my credit card number, in case I didn't cut up my old system and ship it back to them at my expense. I also ordered headers directly from them and even though they indicated over the phone that the y-pipe would fit on my truck (manual transmission), it did not and I ended up paying to have a custom y-pipe made. In reading your experience it sounds like you made out a bit better than I did, but I do appreciate the fact that Borla did make some effort to do right by both of us and my headers and exhaust have performed flawlessly now for nearly 100,000 miles.

The reality is that it is difficult, if not impossible for Borla, Optima or any other company that deals in the volume of sales that we all do, to have 100% customer satisfaction. We're trying to get as close to 100% as we can. My presence here and on other sites is part of that effort, even if I do end up getting knocked around like a digital punching bag from time to time. I do appreciate everyone's feedback, both positive and negative.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
Optima Batteries | Facebook

Jim

The retailer will not take it back, I know for a fact that my warranty ran out couple months back for 1/08 one and 11/07 one ran out of warranty period long ago.

I tried talking to the manager at the retailer and he even tried to charge it for me with their charger and failed, He tried to do a goodwill warranty but his boss wouldn't let him. which of course I understand. It's not his fault.

I really question the manufacturing quality of these optima batteries. I understand that the battery is only good as it's owner but I maintain all my cars very well.

I just can't take the risk and will not throw another $340 down the toilet.

Thanks for trying Jim

hollywoodstang, if that battery was a warranty replacement for another battery you had previously purchased, it is possible that your warranty has expired, as the warranty period begins from the original date of purchase. However, if you purchased that battery new, prior to February of 2009, it should still be covered under warranty. If you or your retailer has proof of this purchase, they have determined it no long works and are not honoring your warranty, please PM me with their contact information and yours and I will do my best to resolve this for you.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
Optima Batteries | Facebook