Battery desulfators and computers. Please educate.

[BuickGN]

I have a 1.5yr old Optima Redtop that the bodyshop let go completely dead to where it wouldn't power the dome light. Ever since, it won't hold a full charge. Radio listening time with the engine off has been drastically shortened. I've trickle charged it overnight a few times and taken 2 hour trips out of town with no luck. It's time to replace it before it kills the starter in the process. However, I'm sure when they test it, it will test ok so warranty is out.

I've been looking into these battery desulfators but can't find a couple key facts. Do they plug into the wall to be used when the car is off or do they go inline with a battery cable to be powered off the alternator while driving?

Second, I know they send a series of high voltage spikes to the battery. Will the battery damp this or will I have to disconnect the cables to protect the electronics?

Thanks for any help. I figure for $40 it's worth a try.

 

[Familyguy]

My charger is supposed to check for an deal with sulfate deposits. I've never used it on my car, but it has worked OK on the boat batteries on the sailboat and I disconnect the battery when I'm charging it. At $1000 per battery, it's in my best interest to get as much life out of them as possible.

I've heard good things about a relatively cheap product called "battery minder," but haven't owned one myself.

 

[Bill in Utah]

3 year replacement warranty.

Warranty info

I'd know what I'd be doing.....

 

[BuickGN]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
3 year replacement warranty.

Warranty info

I'd know what I'd be doing.....


Whoa! I don't remember that when I bought it. Only thing I've worried about is them testing it and it testing good even though run time is cut in half.

 

[mechtech2]

Optima = problems, is my first thought.

 

[BuickGN]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Optima = problems, is my first thought.


Agreed. Though it seems hit or miss. My father had two yellow tops go bad within a year and neither was abused. One red top the following year and it finally got a Diehard Gold that has lasted the past 4 years.

The old, old one in my GN lasted over 5 years, it just seems that some of the newer stuff is not that great.

I really want to try a Diehard Platinum but I can't make myself waste that much money when I can likely get the redtop replaced free of charge.

 

[tonycarguy]

Originally Posted By: BuickGN
I have a 1.5yr old Optima Redtop that the bodyshop let go completely dead to where it wouldn't power the dome light. Ever since, it won't hold a full charge. Radio listening time with the engine off has been drastically shortened. I've trickle charged it overnight a few times and taken 2 hour trips out of town with no luck. It's time to replace it before it kills the starter in the process. However, I'm sure when they test it, it will test ok so warranty is out.

I've been looking into these battery desulfators but can't find a couple key facts. Do they plug into the wall to be used when the car is off or do they go inline with a battery cable to be powered off the alternator while driving?

Second, I know they send a series of high voltage spikes to the battery. Will the battery damp this or will I have to disconnect the cables to protect the electronics?

Thanks for any help. I figure for $40 it's worth a try.


If the battery won't hold a charge then it won't pass a battery test, so you should get warranty coverage.

I've used desulfators, they are hit or miss depending the battery's condition. Yours is partially holding a charge so it has a good chance of being revived. However, those cheap $30-40 models are junk. There is a $120 model that people have had better experience with. Search on ebay or google it.

The one I have runs off the battery and alternator. There is no need for AC power