moviewithnotitle
Full Access Member
Late last week during a good cold snap here in NJ, I went to start my Tahoe and she was dead! Stone dead. Hooked up the charger at 10amps/manual and left it for about 25min. This should have been enough time to get enough charge to crank her up, but nothing. I got good lights and everything else, but the starter just gently ticked and then nothing. After some old school cussing, I jumped her with one of my other vehicles, fired right up. Left her run and ran back inside. Talked to the wife for a while, played with the kid and then headed to work. Truck was running for a solid 1 hour. After work, she cranked but it was slow weak, but she got going. I have noticed that since the summer too, that the battery has been slower and weaker than normal.
I have been a fan of Optima batteries for a long time, my first was in 1999, and have run them in my cars and boats. They are great batteries. But the Tahoe though has killed 3 in the last four years. The first was a Yellow top, that lasted 8 months. Got warranty on it, and it was good for another 15 months, then died. After that I got a Red top which is exactly 2yrs old now and it's on its way out. Previous to this I had an Interstate Group 78. It was about 6 years old when I replaced it and worked well but seeing it's age, it was time.
I have throughly tested the charging system and wiring at several points in the vehicle and all checked out OK. I have also upgraded the grounds and power in several places over the last year so I am confident this is not the issue. I have tested for Parasitic draw on the vehicle a few times and never found anything that would be of concern, which all leads back to the battery.
When the battery is at rest, it sits at 12.45v. after a short time it begins to drop voltage and will level out at 11.35v. I noticed a bulge in the case under the sticker, usually an indicator of something bad happening or has happened in the past.
Again I really like these batteries, but in this vehicle I am at a loss.
So here is what I am planning on doing.
1. Going to replace the current battery with 2x Interstate MT-78's. (I have been planning for a 2nd battery when the funds were available, already got the 2nd tray installed)
2. Install a Hellroaring BIC8000 series Isolator combiner. (I use this unit in my boat and it's flawless. Has also saved me a few times out on the water)
3. Move all non-essential electrical items to 2nd battery. (Not that I have very much, but Stereo, Emerg Strobe lights, Aux/Backup/trailer lights, Scanner and 12V constant plug in the interior.
4 (possibly) Upgrade Alternator to the 140amp unit. (depends on how everything looks after 1-3)
With these 3 mods I should be solid. And with the great warranty on the Interstate's I should be set for a while.
I'll post a new thread for the install of all this stuff when I finally source all the parts and get around to doing it.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
MWNT
I have been a fan of Optima batteries for a long time, my first was in 1999, and have run them in my cars and boats. They are great batteries. But the Tahoe though has killed 3 in the last four years. The first was a Yellow top, that lasted 8 months. Got warranty on it, and it was good for another 15 months, then died. After that I got a Red top which is exactly 2yrs old now and it's on its way out. Previous to this I had an Interstate Group 78. It was about 6 years old when I replaced it and worked well but seeing it's age, it was time.
I have throughly tested the charging system and wiring at several points in the vehicle and all checked out OK. I have also upgraded the grounds and power in several places over the last year so I am confident this is not the issue. I have tested for Parasitic draw on the vehicle a few times and never found anything that would be of concern, which all leads back to the battery.
When the battery is at rest, it sits at 12.45v. after a short time it begins to drop voltage and will level out at 11.35v. I noticed a bulge in the case under the sticker, usually an indicator of something bad happening or has happened in the past.
Again I really like these batteries, but in this vehicle I am at a loss.
So here is what I am planning on doing.
1. Going to replace the current battery with 2x Interstate MT-78's. (I have been planning for a 2nd battery when the funds were available, already got the 2nd tray installed)
2. Install a Hellroaring BIC8000 series Isolator combiner. (I use this unit in my boat and it's flawless. Has also saved me a few times out on the water)
3. Move all non-essential electrical items to 2nd battery. (Not that I have very much, but Stereo, Emerg Strobe lights, Aux/Backup/trailer lights, Scanner and 12V constant plug in the interior.
4 (possibly) Upgrade Alternator to the 140amp unit. (depends on how everything looks after 1-3)
With these 3 mods I should be solid. And with the great warranty on the Interstate's I should be set for a while.
I'll post a new thread for the install of all this stuff when I finally source all the parts and get around to doing it.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
MWNT
Glad it worked out for ya.
