I installed a Red Top roughly a year and a half ago. Anybody have issues with these batteries. My truck has been having issues turning over the past few days. This morning it gave me issues again, it just barely turned over enough to fire up though. I haven't checked voltage at the terminals yet, but I suspect they will be low. Ultra Gauge reads 14.2 at cold idle and 13.8 or so at temperature. Alternator voltage seems okay. Before I purchase another battery I wanted to see what you guys think of the Red Tops. I initially purchased it because it received good reviews. But, a year and half life span is horrendous.

 

Many people. Ever since they were bought by Johnson Controls and mfg moved to Mexico there has been a flood of complaints on forums. I think Optima is riding on name recognition, not reputation.

 

So maybe you have corrosion on the terminals, or the really big ones in the underhood fuse box or some of the ground tie points that you find if you follow the negatve wire from the battery. A little corrosion and the 300 amp starter drain can make quite a voltage drop.

Batteries are not the only thing my JCI friends moved the Mexico. Takes months to get replacement large building HVAC parts.

 

I have run dual both red and yellow top batterys for the last 12 years each set lasting around 7 years during which I did a lot of winching and camping, I think they are a good battery.
Your running voltage is low and I would look into in the form of a free charging system test at the local parts store along with a starter draw test while there. Also as mentioned,clean and check all your connections .
Your battery should be under warranty still, might want to look into that.

 

Agreed...MIGHT still be a decent battery but not as good as it use to be andno longer worth the coin.

 

If you MUST have a battery with a red top: ODYSSEY Batteries - Official Manufacturer's Site

 

Well. I stand corrected. Battery and altetnator both check out fine. It's the starter. Had to climb under and give it a whack after work to get it turning.

Red Top going strong. Hopefully, I have a pre-Mexican made unit.

 

Odyssey bare god, for sure but when was the last time you priced one out.
If you don't want a red or yellow top, go to Sears and buy one of their platinum batterys, made by Odyssey.

 

My dealer sold it cheaper than the same Sears version, though the Sears version seems to have a better warranty. I think I paid $209, and Sears wanted $219, and was a longer drive.... I probably should have paid the extra $10 for sears though... for the 100 month warranty that comes with it.

 

My Red Top has been replaced 2x in 3 years. I bought the first one from Orielys and they beat a SAM's club price of $168.00. Back in January 2010. I thought I had an alternator issue, took my alternator out and brought my spare 2 two separate autoparts stores. All passed 2 tests. I left my Optima overnight for a charge and it ended up testing bad. Not saying Optima is a bad battery, but I should not be on my 3rd in three years. It does have great cranking power though. I hope this one last 5 years, but I wont hold my breath. 3 year full replacement is a nice warrenty. Too bad you may need it