[tlambo]

Long time observer of the forum, but now running into a problem and could use some guidance. I previously (2018) purchased an Optima Yellowtop D35 and it's since died. I'm looking to get it replaced via the warranty, but thought about seeing if I could swap it for a D34 for the bigger reserve and more CCAs. I understand there's some sort of extension mod that needs to be performed for the D34, but can't seem to find a definitive mod page that lists it (maybe I'm not searching for the right thing).

Can anyone point me in the right direction for this mod? Does anyone have any issues starting in cold (20's or teens) with their D34/35?

Thanks!

 

[meanGREENnugget]

I don’t know about swapping from d35 to d34, but I do know optima has a terrible reputation as of late. Everyone I know has had problems with them. Sellers attempt to not accept dead batteries under warranty without a fight. My friend just had his second yellow top die in his land cruiser, it was less then a year old. He had to complain to the BBB to get it replaced. If it were me I would get it replaced under warranty and sell it. There are better options out there. This is just my opinion.

 

[outback97]

From what I've read (just now) if you want a Group 34 you need a 34R... see here:

Battery Options

1. Brand: Motomaster Eliminator Ultra 2. Type: AGM 3. Size: 24F 4. Warranty: 5 year replacement 5. Photo: 6. Where did you purchase this battery?: Crappy Tire 7. Price?: $200? Can't remember 8. Your overall satisfaction with the battery so far on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best battery...

www.thenewx.org

 

[tlambo]

I definitely won't be buying another optima, just hoping to get something out of this warranty. It turns out the auto center I bought it from wouldn't replace it with a d34, so it looks like I won't be doing any mod. Hoping this one lasts me a little longer and doesn't give me too much trouble. Thanks for the replies.

 

[roXterra]

Interesting about Optima.
What are the better options?

 

[Just a Hunter]

What are the better options

Purchasing a battery can be a bit befuddling at times.
You want the best battery you can afford, but how can you know your money is well spent?
Apx three years past, I was in this situation and did my own research. Afterwards, I posted the information which you may refer to in the attached link.

In the end, I purchased an Eastern Penn AGM Battery which was sold through Autozone. I would have purchased an equivalent battery from Oreilley Auto but they were out of stock.

Warning: Retailers are fully capable of changing from one manufacturer to another and the below list may not be fully accurate.

For this reason, I would suggest performing your own research prior to making a purchase.
Www.google.com is your friend

Battery link Who Makes that Battery?

 

[Just a Hunter]

Ps purchase a 24F battery for your Xterra. It fits perfectly

 

[Eosphorus]

Long time observer of the forum, but now running into a problem and could use some guidance. I previously (2018) purchased an Optima Yellowtop D35 and it's since died. I'm looking to get it replaced via the warranty, but thought about seeing if I could swap it for a D34 for the bigger reserve and more CCAs. I understand there's some sort of extension mod that needs to be performed for the D34, but can't seem to find a definitive mod page that lists it (maybe I'm not searching for the right thing).

Can anyone point me in the right direction for this mod? Does anyone have any issues starting in cold (20's or teens) with their D34/35?

Thanks!

This is probably quite late advice, but my Odyssey AGM battery in my previous Chevy Colorado was the absolute best battery ever and I have owned 2 red top Optima batteries previously.

The Odyssey is like a red top that is also a better deep cycle battery for when that bass hits or when you start the car!

 

[HillClimb]

For the last 4 years and 9 months my Optima Red Top GR35 has been brilliant - very strong. But it just just started to seem to less strong cranking particularly if stopped and started a few times close together (eg. in town) so I tested it; normal voltage was bit too low and cranking voltage too low. Warranty was 36 months so nearly 5 years is excellent - but I have no idea whether Optima are still excellent or whether they have gone down hill. I tried to order the larger Optima GR34R which from posts on this forum and photos suggest is a straight swap; but they were out of stock (perhaps through choice !!) and they offered an Interstate MTZ-34R instead at the same price - these are normally are expensive; Did some research re. battery brands versus manufacturers (looks like most batteries are made by Johnson Controls (?) or Exide.

So re. your question the 34R for me dropped straight in no mods. On the 34 (some brands that offer a 34 do not offer a 34R) the terminals are the "wrongs" ends so hence need cable extensions.

re. cold cracking the Red Top GR35 had a CCA new of 720CCA and when tested now as it starts to decline CCA was tested at about 620CCA (stock OEM battery is rated at 550CCA). Winters here in Quebec are often range between +2F to -20F so I want the best battery I can get without going to silly money. My RedTop 35 never let me down; but I can't vouch for their quality now - they might have changed