So, my Optima finally gave up.
Left me stranded at the mall on saturday.
Three attempts to jump start it didn't work and I had to have it towed home.
Of course, these things never happen on clear sunny days at the park. Nope, happened in
the middle of a severe thunderstorm with my 3 year old daughter upset because we were
stuck and couldnt go anywhere.

Now I had a spare deep-cycle marine battery at home. I charged it up overnite put it in the
CRD the next morning and everything started up just fine.
I tested the alternator. Got 14.15 volts at idle with lights, high-beams, radio, and A/C on.
Seems good to me.

Well, this morning, the CRD would not turn over. Hooked up my battery charger and charged
@ 6amps for about 10 minutes. Started up and drove to work.

Now, this extra battery I had is lead-acid, about 5 years old, but barely used. At only 600 CCA
its probably barely enough to get it started in the morning. It tested good at the parts store
sunday afternoon and I've been plugging it into a on-board charger/maintainer every night.
I'm not sure why it was dead this morning. Maybe it developed a bad cell or maybe my on-board
charger just isn't working. Or maybe I have some sort of parasitic drain (although my tests
seem to prove otherwise).

Right now I dont have the cash for a new Optima and I'm going to be driving to TN this
weekend and will be there for two weeks.

So what do you guys think is the best solution?
If I go out and get a new battery, what do you guys recommend?

Thanks

Dave

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

When my Optima finally died I replaced it with a Diehard Platinum (repackaged Odyssey I understand). I read up on it online. There are, of course, fierce debates on all sides. Some people advocate buying a cheap battery that lasts 3 years and you'll come out ahead dollars wise in the long term even replacing it more often. I, on the other hand, occasionally go way out in the wilderness beyond cell phone range and like the peace of mind--real or imagined--that the Platinum provides. They're supposed to be made of virgin lead and be more vibration resistant. 4 year replacement/8 year prorated I seem to recall. So when the summer heat out here kills it in 4 or 5 years it shouldn't cost me much to get a new one.

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2006 CRD Limited Dk Khaki
InMotion S-II, GDE TCM, Cummins Lift Pump, Mishimoto CAC hoses
Cooper Discoverer ATP LT245/75, Rola roof basket, JCR S3 sliders
OME lift+JBA UCA's, custom front hitch receiver, Mile Marker winch
All J Products rear cargo shelf
Sips biodiesel as if it were 12 y/o Scotch

One at Costco $68 bucks 9year warranty, autozone is close $100 same battery. Johnson controls is good stuff. Now why your marine battery is not working I have no idea except they do have lower CCA and maybe same as optima going bad. Dont get an optima the old ones where great but obviously newer stuff is over priced and wont last. Spec wise johnson control is better than optima your not downgrading.

I bought a walmart group 24 battery, yellow sticker maxx 2 years ago, it fits the tray no issue, is tall and the post barely kiss the hood insulation but has not caused any issues. It has been a champ.

Was only like $75 buck and 3 year replacement warranty

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2005 Liberty CRD Limited
Light Khaki

The worst stuff now,they ruined Optima's rep so much and there batteries.They no longer use 99% pure virgin lead.

Followup...

I went with the Walmart battery. They were the closest to my work and I like the 3 year free
replacement.

Completed my trip from Jacksonville FL to Oak Ridge TN today.
580 miles, avg speed 70 mph, got 29 MPG

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

My Optima lasted 3 months from new, Mopar put in a lead acid. Ran for 4 years and between the last winter but finally cooked it when I had the great diesel spill and left the blower fan on in the hour while being towed.

Bought a cheap autozone replacement about $80 for 800 CCA gold top after core

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06 CRD "Smogger" Dark Khaki, Sport, 22C, tow package, hitch, 6 disc and slightly addictive SIRIUS sat radio.
82 CJ-8 04 Light Khaki, rebuilt 4.0L w/FI on the stand and ready to go in.