OPTIMA YELLOW TOP BATTERY IN MY CRD?

shadow63 · **Joined:** Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:04 am **Posts:** 208

Hi I need to replace my battery in my 05 CRD. I hear the OPTIMA YELLOW TOP will fit. Does anyone know what size or part number that I should use? Thanks, Bill

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sun Nov 18, 2012 11:53 am

Optima's don't have a very good reputation since the ownership change and I understand their warranty is no longer particularly good.

I have no opinion on which size yellow top to get if you want to go that route. Otherwise most any group 34 will fit so long as the terminals are centered on the long axis of the battery so it can be mounted with the + terminal toward the fender; this is because we really use a 34R (reversed +- terminals). The other things to look for are a high CCA rating, I like 800+ although the OEM red top may have been lower; maintenance free; and if possible AGM "mat" internal construction.

The Sears battery in my signature is good but pricey; the Interstate mega-trom 85 is nearly as good and less pricey; some have posted being able to get a good battery for under $100 at Costco or NAPA. Be advised that some places will look in the "book" and tell you only the OEM red top will do. A good place will then look beyond the "book" for a decent group 34 replacement but a less enterprising or over lawyered place may refuse to sell to you except by the "book". If you run into the latter problem just buy the battery and pay the extra for no exchange; take the battery home and mount it; then take your old battery in to collect the exchange #s

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Sun Nov 18, 2012 1:42 pm

The Sears P1 is an AGM battery like the Optima RedTop but has a higher full charge voltage then Redtops and therefore spins the engine faster :SOMBRERO:

The various computers in Liberties have computer problems like the dash lights all flashing when the voltage drops making the Optima batteries a poor choice.
Get a Sears P1 AGM or a good high capacity "wet" battery just don't waste your money on an Optima battery :furious:

Hexus · **Posted:** Sun Nov 18, 2012 6:39 pm

I went with a simple Duralast Gold, 34-DLG from AutoZone.

It's done pretty well by me, about time to replace it too though...

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 18, 2012 8:19 pm

Hexus wrote:

I went with a simple Duralast Gold, 34-DLG from AutoZone.

It's done pretty well by me, about time to replace it too though...

And how old is it?

My Odyessy PC1500(Sear P1) is 7 years old(made in 12/05) and still put's out over 1000cca's(rated at 825cca).

dirtmover · **Posted:** Mon Nov 19, 2012 9:14 am

tjkj2002 wrote:

Hexus wrote:

I went with a simple Duralast Gold, 34-DLG from AutoZone.

It's done pretty well by me, about time to replace it too though...

And how old is it?

Yeah, I was about to ask the same. To have gone through 2 batteries in a 2006 vehicle seems excessive unless they've been abused.

At 6.5 years I'm still running the original Red Top though it is showing signs of weakening so I'll probably change it this winter.

shadow63 · **Joined:** Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:04 am **Posts:** 208

The battery is an Ever Start Maxx part number maxx 34s that has a cold cranking amps of 660. The sticker on it that says 11/11 so i guess its only a year old. I bought my liberty 7 months ago.WE had Our first sub 32 degree day here in new jersey 2 weeks ago and it seemed to strain during starts. I dont want to take any chances this winter.

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 19, 2012 7:40 pm

Ever Start is a Wal-Mart branded battery and I would say that 660 CCA is a little low for our Jeeps. Even the original Red Top Optima was rated at 700. you should look for one with 800 or more.

I bought an Auto Craft Gold from Advance Auto just over 3 years ago and it failed on me today. they did replace it prorated since the 3 year replacement period was over. So I got a new one for about half price and the warranty starts over new since I paid out something for it. The Auto craft Gold is an 84 month 800 CCA battery.

I think these Jeeps are hard on batteries.

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Mon Nov 19, 2012 7:42 pm

shadow63 wrote:

The battery is an Ever Start Maxx that has a cold cranking amps of 660.

That's not near enough CCA's :frankie:

TJ2 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 20, 2012 3:29 am

Optimas are not what they were. Everyone loves the Diehard P1. I bought a TDI that came with an Autozone battery that died soon after purchase. I took it to Autozone and persuaded them (I live close by and shop here a lot) to give me prorated warranty credit toward an AGM (absorbed glass mat) with adequate cranking amps. Cost me $70.

So, if you can't/don't want to pay for a P1, maybe there is another option. Interstate makes a good battery.

Ya pays your money and ya takes yer chances.

PS Used to be yellow tops were deep cycle. It would be a good choice for auxiliary batt. It's not really the ticket to start a diesel on a cold morning. The Optima site used to recommend a red top for cold start up.
PPS I was under the impression red tops were gel.

Hexus · **Posted:** Tue Nov 20, 2012 8:34 am

The Red Top Optima died in my jeep died in 2008 (Right after the craptastic 3 year warranty expired). The DLG that's in my Jeep now doesn't have any issues, but I just blew my turbo and in the process skipped a tooth on my timing belt. The engine still starts but the rockers are a bit crushed so the engine isn't running right and is hard to start. I killed the battery checking it after I installed the turbo thinking that was the only issue, so that's what made me think I may need a new battery. I have not tested it yet.

Currently it's just over 4 years old. 50 Months or so. It is rated at 800 CCA's.

shadow63 · **Joined:** Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:04 am **Posts:** 208

thanks everyone. Diehard p1 it is

OPTIMA YELLOW TOP BATTERY IN MY CRD?

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