Optima Battery

[AVIA8R]

I replaced both batteries in my 04 Cayenne TT about two years ago when I purchased the car with two new OEM units. I'm now having problems again with the car starting when I don't drive it for a few days. I've taken two business trips in the last month for more than a few days and came back to a dead battery. I connected my charger/tester and the batteries are at about 38%. I charge it up to 100% and don't have any issues again until I leave town and let it set.

I've used the Optima batteries (Red top in a couple of cars and a yellow top in my wife's Escalade) and love them. They're great batteries and worth the money.

I've seen a few posts regarding the Optima battery, but I can't find anyone that's posted that they actually did it.

HAS ANYONE SUCCESUFLLY INSTALLED AN OPTIMA DRY-CELL BATTERY IN THE CAYENNE…EITHER UNDER THE SEAT OR IN THE TRUNK?

Thank you ahead of time for any replies.

Matt

Edited March 22, 2010 by AVIA8R

[DUTCH VanAtlanta]

I have an Optima in my MB G500; and would not buy another. They lose their charge very rapidly and a totally unreliable in my experience. I hear many much more favorable reports on Odyssey batteries, which is the way I'll go when this almost dead Optima finally gives up the ghost.

[wvicary]

Purchase a battery maintainer. Optima batteries are just as prone to the parasitic losses on these newer vehicles as a conventional wet cell battery.

[Ignited]

I have had really good luck with a red top Optima for 12 years and holding in my '78 Datsun turbo Z which I drive much less since I got the CTT. Admittedly there isn't much comparison since the Z has very little parasitic loss...probably only the DFI computer, stereo and clock.

I would also have your vehicle checked for unusual electrical system drains by a qualified shop.

Tim in Ft Worth

[70Sixter]

Purchase a battery maintainer. Optima batteries are just as prone to the parasitic losses on these newer vehicles as a conventional wet cell battery.

+1 Any battery wants to be at full charge, but not overcharged. My 914-6 with red top Optima on a maintainer disappointed me. I just switched to Braille 17 lb. You can wire two 17s together or try a 21 lb version for a Cayenne. I got mine from Tire Rack.

[scxtasy]

Purchase a battery maintainer. Optima batteries are just as prone to the parasitic losses on these newer vehicles as a conventional wet cell battery.

+1 Any battery wants to be at full charge, but not overcharged. My 914-6 with red top Optima on a maintainer disappointed me. I just switched to Braille 17 lb. You can wire two 17s together or try a 21 lb version for a Cayenne. I got mine from Tire Rack.

I've had a red-top optima on my 911SC for about 8 years with no issues. This included a period of about 4 years when I had a failing alternator (I was living/working mostly outside of the USA so the alternator replacement kept getting delayed), with the car being driven roughly every 6 weeks. I had a battery maintainer on it the whole time I was away and each time I got home and drove the car it started first time and ran fine.

Andrew