CAUTION: Optima YT 51 battery = junk
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
CAUTION: Optima YT 51 battery = junk
So, as some of you may know, I swapped out the crummy OEM battery with a Optima YellowTop 51 right after I had my S/C installed (essentially, about 10-11 months ago).
Well, I'm happy to report that the battery is dead and can no longer hold a charge. Optima was aware of this charge holding issue with their primary design for the YT51, and as a result they took it off the shelves. There was a rumor that they had went back and redesigned the battery structure. The 2nd run of these batteries apparently came out last summer, so I thought everything had been fixed. My battery had a manufacturing date of 7/07, so I figured I was good...but I was wrong .
I went back to Advance Auto Parts for a replacement/refund. They told me that have to run a few tests (including a full cycle charge) that'll take about 2 hours before they'll do anything for me. I want my damn money back...
So, just a word of warning to all you TSXers looking to upgrade your battery...avoid the Optima YT51/51R battery at all costs .
Well, I'm happy to report that the battery is dead and can no longer hold a charge. Optima was aware of this charge holding issue with their primary design for the YT51, and as a result they took it off the shelves. There was a rumor that they had went back and redesigned the battery structure. The 2nd run of these batteries apparently came out last summer, so I thought everything had been fixed. My battery had a manufacturing date of 7/07, so I figured I was good...but I was wrong .
I went back to Advance Auto Parts for a replacement/refund. They told me that have to run a few tests (including a full cycle charge) that'll take about 2 hours before they'll do anything for me. I want my damn money back...
So, just a word of warning to all you TSXers looking to upgrade your battery...avoid the Optima YT51/51R battery at all costs .
#3
I spend 2 much time here
i've been running this one for a while now with no issues ( knock on wood) not an exact fit though so it required some tweaking to fit.
http://www.exide.com/products/automo...bital_XCD.html
http://www.exide.com/products/automo...bital_XCD.html
#4
Make a hole, coming thru!
Consumer Reports gave Optima Red Top (same price range) for group 34/78 a #2 rating. Diehard Platinum came in higher. Autocraft Titanium (the other one Advance offers for the TSX in my area) came in #2 (Group 65) and #6 (Group 34/78) and for almost half the price. Looks like it comes with a 3 year replacement warranty.
They didn't even test a Yellow Top. Orbital Exide Select did okay (#8 in Group 34/78).
They didn't even test a Yellow Top. Orbital Exide Select did okay (#8 in Group 34/78).
#5
Originally Posted by DAYTA
So, as some of you may know, I swapped out the crummy OEM battery with a Optima YellowTop 51 right after I had my S/C installed (essentially, about 10-11 months ago).
Well, I'm happy to report that the battery is dead and can no longer hold a charge. Optima was aware of this charge holding issue with their primary design for the YT51, and as a result they took it off the shelves. There was a rumor that they had went back and redesigned the battery structure. The 2nd run of these batteries apparently came out last summer, so I thought everything had been fixed. My battery had a manufacturing date of 7/07, so I figured I was good...but I was wrong .
I went back to Advance Auto Parts for a replacement/refund. They told me that have to run a few tests (including a full cycle charge) that'll take about 2 hours before they'll do anything for me. I want my damn money back...
So, just a word of warning to all you TSXers looking to upgrade your battery...avoid the Optima YT51/51R battery at all costs .
Well, I'm happy to report that the battery is dead and can no longer hold a charge. Optima was aware of this charge holding issue with their primary design for the YT51, and as a result they took it off the shelves. There was a rumor that they had went back and redesigned the battery structure. The 2nd run of these batteries apparently came out last summer, so I thought everything had been fixed. My battery had a manufacturing date of 7/07, so I figured I was good...but I was wrong .
I went back to Advance Auto Parts for a replacement/refund. They told me that have to run a few tests (including a full cycle charge) that'll take about 2 hours before they'll do anything for me. I want my damn money back...
So, just a word of warning to all you TSXers looking to upgrade your battery...avoid the Optima YT51/51R battery at all costs .
#6
I kAnt Spel guD
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I'm using an Auto-zone Duralast Gold R51 battery, fits like a glove OEM even the litte plastic stock cover...was less then $80 and has a 3 year warranty or something like that.
Cheap is good, I had a standard A-zone Duralast Red in my prior Accord, again worked better then OEM. I'd have that in my TSX now if they had one on the shelf the day my OEM died.
I don't buy into the hype of the special batteries for standard daily use cars with regular stereos. You don't look at your battery under the hood, the point is to start the car after that it's almost useless in a day...ok ok not totally but darn near close.
Cheap is good, I had a standard A-zone Duralast Red in my prior Accord, again worked better then OEM. I'd have that in my TSX now if they had one on the shelf the day my OEM died.
I don't buy into the hype of the special batteries for standard daily use cars with regular stereos. You don't look at your battery under the hood, the point is to start the car after that it's almost useless in a day...ok ok not totally but darn near close.
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#10
I kAnt Spel guD
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If you go with the standard duralast non-Gold, I think it's like a $40ish battery, good heavens if it only last 2 years it's still a bargain. Mine was going strong at 2 when I sold the car.
#11
Senior Moderator
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I'm using an Auto-zone Duralast Gold R51 battery, fits like a glove OEM even the litte plastic stock cover...was less then $80 and has a 3 year warranty or something like that.
Cheap is good, I had a standard A-zone Duralast Red in my prior Accord, again worked better then OEM. I'd have that in my TSX now if they had one on the shelf the day my OEM died.
I don't buy into the hype of the special batteries for standard daily use cars with regular stereos. You don't look at your battery under the hood, the point is to start the car after that it's almost useless in a day...ok ok not totally but darn near close.
Cheap is good, I had a standard A-zone Duralast Red in my prior Accord, again worked better then OEM. I'd have that in my TSX now if they had one on the shelf the day my OEM died.
I don't buy into the hype of the special batteries for standard daily use cars with regular stereos. You don't look at your battery under the hood, the point is to start the car after that it's almost useless in a day...ok ok not totally but darn near close.
#12
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Quick update...
Brought my YT51 to Advance Auto Parts, and they confirmed the battery was completely done. In addition, the guy started laughing when he saw me bring in the YT51 because he said every single one he's seen sold has come back.
They let me swap out the YT51 to a RT75/35. It was kind of a PITA to fit into the engine bay, but it's in and it actually looks pretty good. Here's to hoping this one doesn't crap out on me as well ...
Brought my YT51 to Advance Auto Parts, and they confirmed the battery was completely done. In addition, the guy started laughing when he saw me bring in the YT51 because he said every single one he's seen sold has come back.
They let me swap out the YT51 to a RT75/35. It was kind of a PITA to fit into the engine bay, but it's in and it actually looks pretty good. Here's to hoping this one doesn't crap out on me as well ...
#13
I kAnt Spel guD
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The battery is more than just starting the car. If your alternator fails after the car is started, the battery is what keeps your car running (power to the relay, ecu, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors. etc). If the batter is of low capacity, it may not last long enough to get you home or to a shop, especially at night when you have to switch on headlights or other accessories.
You're likely better to put the extra cash toward a TLC plan or AAA, and a better cell phone plan.
#14
Quick update...
Brought my YT51 to Advance Auto Parts, and they confirmed the battery was completely done. In addition, the guy started laughing when he saw me bring in the YT51 because he said every single one he's seen sold has come back.
They let me swap out the YT51 to a RT75/35. It was kind of a PITA to fit into the engine bay, but it's in and it actually looks pretty good. Here's to hoping this one doesn't crap out on me as well ...
Brought my YT51 to Advance Auto Parts, and they confirmed the battery was completely done. In addition, the guy started laughing when he saw me bring in the YT51 because he said every single one he's seen sold has come back.
They let me swap out the YT51 to a RT75/35. It was kind of a PITA to fit into the engine bay, but it's in and it actually looks pretty good. Here's to hoping this one doesn't crap out on me as well ...
#17
fhwagads
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I have this bat too and its a couple months short on a year now I believe and it seems to be doing a good job. We'll have to wait for the winter to see what happens. I hope it lasts cause if it doesn't I'll be pissed i spent 175 on a battery when I could have gotten a different kind for less than $100.
#18
Team Owner
Although I think the new magnetic drives on the 2001 model reduced consumption by almost 60%.
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
#22
Make a hole, coming thru!
Good deal ... #2 in CR's tests. I always try to buy what Consumer Reports has tested and recommends (or at least, doesn't recommend against), I've had a lot less return experiences shopping that way.
#25
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wow, I'm not the only one! My YT for my Integra just died a couple months ago. Had it for approximately 2 years I think. I noticed the car having some difficulty starting, and then it was almost impossible to even jump it. Had to jump it every time after that until it got to the point it just wouldn't do anything anymore. I think the highest voltage I could get was 10V when the car was off, and jumper pack attached.
Got a redtop now from costco. =T
Got a redtop now from costco. =T
#26
Make a hole, coming thru!
Just noticed, folks. Optima is offering $25.00 mail-in rebates for batteries bought from 7/1 through 9/15. It looks like it covers all batteries, bought anywhere (even Costco). (Costco sells Optimas?)
Please, no applause. All in a day's work.
http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/image...267825670_.pdf
Please join us in celebrating the release of this
product by taking advantage of this limited time
$25 rebate offer. Purchase any OPTIMA brand
battery and redeem the rebate using this form.
Please join us in celebrating the release of this
product by taking advantage of this limited time
$25 rebate offer. Purchase any OPTIMA brand
battery and redeem the rebate using this form.
Last edited by davidspalding; 09-04-2008 at 10:44 AM.
#28
T.DoT P.I.M.P. lol
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Quick update...
Brought my YT51 to Advance Auto Parts, and they confirmed the battery was completely done. In addition, the guy started laughing when he saw me bring in the YT51 because he said every single one he's seen sold has come back.
They let me swap out the YT51 to a RT75/35. It was kind of a PITA to fit into the engine bay, but it's in and it actually looks pretty good. Here's to hoping this one doesn't crap out on me as well ...
Brought my YT51 to Advance Auto Parts, and they confirmed the battery was completely done. In addition, the guy started laughing when he saw me bring in the YT51 because he said every single one he's seen sold has come back.
They let me swap out the YT51 to a RT75/35. It was kind of a PITA to fit into the engine bay, but it's in and it actually looks pretty good. Here's to hoping this one doesn't crap out on me as well ...
Fitment is tight, stock battery tie can barely fit, look for (wider) aftermarket tie.
#29
Is waiting in
#31
Yellow Top Optima batteries are meant for marine application with deep discharge/recharge cycles. Automobile batteries (Red Top Optima) are meant for short high current bursts (as in starting an engine) and designed to be constantly topped up. I was surprised to see that YT was recommended for our TSX because it's not meant for regular car duty other than perhaps for driving your aftermarket stereos with the engine turned off. I'll bet they have this under their fitment chart simply because of its physical size rather than intended use. I'll bet that reason that they are failing is also because of they are being constantly topped up rather than being allowed to deep cycle.
#32
Yellow Top Optima batteries are meant for marine application with deep discharge/recharge cycles. Automobile batteries (Red Top Optima) are meant for short high current bursts (as in starting an engine) and designed to be constantly topped up. I was surprised to see that YT was recommended for our TSX because it's not meant for regular car duty other than perhaps for driving your aftermarket stereos with the engine turned off. I'll bet they have this under their fitment chart simply because of its physical size rather than intended use. I'll bet that reason that they are failing is also because of they are being constantly topped up rather than being allowed to deep cycle.
#35
The original acura battery in my 2002 CL type S lasted me 8 years. I just got a battery from my cousin 980cca should last another 8 years. battery in ,y 1998 honda accord didn't even make it 4 years before it was repalced with an interstate battery. the battery in my 1994 accord lasted 10 years before I replaced it. the battery in my 1992 mercury sable was 8+ years old when the car was totalled. . the battery in my 1989 sable died in 1998 when the car was 9 years old.
#38
Burning Brakes
Spoke too soon, my battery just died. Freaking Optima and their crappy batteries. I tried to jump start and it worked for all but 2 minutes and then died. Very disappointed to the say the least.
#39
Summer is Coming
Save yourself the hassle... Autozone Duralast Gold. I replaced the original with the Duralast gold and the engine starts like a charm... that's all you need.