I'm getting 12.08 on one red top and 12.43 on the other. My dad thinks I should return the 12.08 one but admits he doesn't have much experience with these type of batteries and maybe they read different then lead/acid ones.

So any advice? Is that battery underperforming and should be warranty returned?

 

more info needed. are they still in the truck are they sitting on the counter. ????? if they are still in the truck and conected it's the wireing. if they are out on the counter disconected thats another story. I have delt with optimas alot. I would take them and charge them sepratly makeing sure not to over charge them . and then let them sit for 15 mins take a reading then let them sit for 2-4 hours and see if the voltage changes. more than .5 volt just some ideas for ya .

 

They are in the truck but I disconnected them from each other and and the truck.

What readings should I get on them?

 

I took a reeding off the optima blue top starting battery I keep in the back of my truck to start my generator. and got a reading of 13.07 after sitting in the back of the truck for about 3 weeks. and cranking over a geny that wouldn't start. but the voltage I look for was 13.50. the site link should tell you all you need to know hope it helps. http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...cal_specs.html
should answer most but the voltages to charge them to are *** follows Recommended charging information:

Alternator:
13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.

Battery charger:
13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.

Rapid Recharge:
Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated).
Maximum current: No limit as long as temperature < 125°F (51.7°C).
Maximum recharge time: Charge until current drops below 1 amp.

Float charge:
13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

To charge the OPTIMA® 6V-1050, six volt battery, divide the charge voltage setting in half.

All limits must be strictly adhered to.

Safety Information:

Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.

Always use a voltage regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.

Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.

 

ok heres a question... if one of my dual optimas is acting up, could that play games with my T/C lock/unlock and fuel gauge?

 

If your Alternator is acting up that chould play a part in the tcc lock up. Fuel gauge, I don't think so.
dan

 

When I installed my Optima reds I took the voltage readings on them also. I got low voltage, each showed less than 12.3. I too, thought they were very low. However when I connected them and tried to start the truck, they cranked the engine very strongly. They did not act like a low battery at all. They have been in service in my truck for 2½ months. I just took a reading on them and they read 12.68V.

I recommend that you just run them. They should be just fine.

 

I just returned two Red Tops because they were defective. They should read 12.4 minimum. Mine both read 12.18 and they were bad. The one you have at 12.08 is toast. Free replacement for 36 months.

 

2.2 per cell = 13.2 volts nominal __ full charge

 

Dang, well hope they don't need the receipt because that was like over a year ago and I've no idea where it is now.

Jrs_diesel, I've no problems at all starting the vehicle, the only reason this was even an issue is on a whim we decided to check the voltage.

 

Just take it back to where you got it. They should have records in their puter. Did you charge it? Check?

 

Just checking voltage across the terminals won't tell you if your battery is bad or not, you need to check with a load test, the battery store will check it for you.

 

Yea I charged it, should be okay.

 

Charge it and let it "rest" over night and take another reading. If it drops again it is bad. You might try getting a Battery Minder Plus and try desulification and see if that helps, but 12.01 is way too far gone.

 

My reds also read around 12.65-12.68.