I installed a brand new Optima and have plenty of power, but all I get is the proverbial clicking sound. All the dash lights come on while turning the key. But it just sounds like a relay under the dash but no starts. Anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks
Peter

Check if the starter relay located in the engine bay next to the battery is energising. You can swap it with an identical relay such as the wiper relay to see if the relay is faulty.

I hope you do not have a faulty ignition switch or switch actuator as happened here: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=61233

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2002 Export CRD 2.5 Sport

I was just informed that my 4 week old battery is totally dead. I was also informed that if you attempt to charge the Optima the old standard way, you will fry it. So I exchanged the old for a new and I'm told all is well.
Hard to believe a 4 week old battery goes south that fast.
Peter

On optima's site they have a procedure for reviving a totally dead unchargable battery. Check their site. It's something like hooking a good battery to it using jumper cables then hooking a charger to the good battery.

I suspect you just got a bum red top. I bought a replacement to resolve slow starting when under 50f and it did not help. So I hooked my smart charger to it one morning before starting it and it started much better. Get a Sears P1 and your battery problems will be gone. But how is the fan clutch on your alternator?

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

Clutch appears OK. Alternator puts out 14.8 volts. The battery was totally fried. A wire from - to+ did not get an arc.
Peter

Optima is crap, total crap.

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

5 1/2 years in service and down to -30C in winter disagrees with this statement.

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Share your ideas freely at https://www.facebook.com/groups/libertydiesels/

Multiple reported other failure incidences here indicate otherwise.

I say again, Crap, total crap.

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

Regarding the Red Top Optima battery, it's a hit or mis.

I replaced my original Red Top with a Sears P1 when it no longer performed well during the cold winter of 2010.

Even though it didn't have enough power to turn over my CRD, it did have a few more volts available to power a friends 1999 Toyota Rav 4 where it is still installed today, turning over the little engine.

It's been 22 months now and we'll see if it continues to work during the coming winter months.

So don't recycle your original Red-Top battery just yet, it may be able to power a smaller engine.

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2006 Liberty Limited CRD, Deep Beryl Green, Yeti tune, Arp studs, new cams, rockers, lifters, TB. "Green Monster"
2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Deep Beryl Green, GDE Hot Tune, ARP studs. "Rocket"
1982 Fiat 124 Spider Convertible. "Fiona"

One thing I did learn in this dilemma. Do not ever recharge your Optima with a normal charger, it will fry your Optima.
Peter

I have to go along with the "crap" point. My CRD has had 3 Optima's in 5 years.
Peter

Maybe just not total crap just not at all suited for the Liberty CRD
My second one, the one I took out when I bought a Sears P1, is preforming well in my not so demanding 2000 XJ

It seems that since Johnson Controls bought them they do not live up to their prior reputation

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

The Optima used to be a top rated battery. I still have the same one in the VW Rabbit Diesel Pick Up going on 9 years. Should have gotten the Sears 870 CCA
Peter

Knocks on wood, still on my stock battery from 2005...

Like others have said I think the QC and production went down hill since JC took over.