Drained battery completely...

[yourownself]

remember, you want AMPERAGE, NOT JUST VOLTAGE.
they both have to be right. you can be pushing 14 volts and no amps. that will not maintain your battery or accessories properly.

 

[shotgun]

The trick to bringing a gel cell battery back to life is as follows.

Slow recharge.

Also another problem some charger don't "read" a gel cell right.

Here I what I have done and has worked on a few "to far gone" Optimas.

It does require a second battery.

Connect the battery charger to the Optima on it's lowest setting.

Run a set of cable from the Optima to the other battery, like you are jumping a car.

Let charge on low (2 amps) for a day or two.

Next day move up to the next setting ( 10 amps max.), let it go for another day or two.

It should be fine after that.

Gel cells don't like being hit with a ton of amps at one.

 

[83cutlasssedan]

Thanks for the response. I actually have a multi-meter but wasn't exactly sure if It was safe to use on a car battery. Anyway I just tested it, and the voltage is sitting at 11.2 volts. Haven't tried to start yet this morning. I will take it for another drive today and if that doesn't fix the issue i will take somewhere to be charged.

thanks

 

[83cutlasssedan]

I like junkyards for batteries. I usually pay less than $15 for one. I have had the same junkyard battery in my Cutlass for 3 years with no issues.

not a bad idea.

 

[83cutlasssedan]

OK, that is an expensive battery. Way more expensive than an Interstate.

-UT-

I had an interstate battery before this one. It was a 5 year battery, and I think it lasted about 8 years. I had my car parked outside with the battery in it and still connected for 2 years (forgot about it). The battery charged up and a I used it for another 2 years after that. I was going to replace it with a new Interstate, but was hearing good things about these Optima batteries, so I gave it a try.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Optimas are really nice batteries. The only thing I don't like about them is that they are very expensive. I guess that if you need to mount it in an odd place and can't have a leak, or if you run a huge stereo it's the only way to go.

 

[83cutlasssedan]

Went back to Walmart with my battery and receipt thinking I could get it tested and charged. Turns out the walmart I went to didn't have a service center. So I went to customer service and told them it was dead, and they replaced it no questions asked. I couldn't believe it, hows that for a return policy. 😀
On another note, the Cutlass is up and running again.

 

[78mali350]

wal-mart is not horrible on returns, glad it all went smoothly for you, and glad to hear the car is going again

 

[srercrcr]

I've always been satisfied with Walmarts offering of batteries. My opinion is if the charging system is working properly, it will take care of the battery. Anotherwords, the batterys just the messenger.

I would recommend a cheap trickle charger, on ebay for $10, probably cheaper some other places. In bitter cold weather it will keep your battery fully charged. There's even a charger that won't let it overcharge the battery, I have one on my gate....works great.