I'm looking into getting a new battery since once a month my jeep decides it doesn't want to start. I like optimas but they are a little pricey. Any thought? Btw I'm new to the forum.
I've heard good things about the Optima yellow tops. Also, I'm pretty sure Jimbox uses a blue top as a spare when he's on the road or camping. Something like that.
Overland Journal, which is a pretty well known off-road/expedition magazine, did a test of the top six vehicle batterys, in the Fall of 2010 and
Heh Heh, thanks kbw--I use it mainly for my fishing boat, but it's a dropin for the jeeps battery--shouldit fail--
Now The OJ, thru very exhaustive tests votes for the Sears "Diehard" P4, as the BEST all around and DEKA was second, while Optima ranked third-
Now I still have my original ('08JKUR) battery/ with no signs of fatigue, but-
My next battery(if I don't use the bluetop Optima) will be a sears "Diehard" P4--it also comes with a 4 yr replacement warranty (did)--
This journal tests everything we use, tents/recovery gear/winchs/tires/wheels/coolers/gas/water cans--including the jeep JKU for overlanding--I've hada subscription for over 6 years and will keep it in the future, it's quite a mag. with unbelieveable photos, of off-road vehicles in some impassable spots--then they show how to improvise and MAKEIT (McGyver)---:rofl:
I'm a fan of OJ but some of their test methodology is sometimes, errrr, flawed. They only have one real science guy (and he's brilliant).
But anyhoo, Optimas are great batteries but not the only battery. Different methods of building them make them better suited for different tasks.
I happen to think the Yellowtop is about the best for a Jeep battery. From what I've read, some branches of the US military agree with me.
If you join Powerpack Nation you can order the batteries directly from the factory to your door and get them at a discount.
I got my pair from the factory so that they'd be matched by build date.
I'm a fan of OJ but some of their test methodology is sometimes, errrr, flawed. They only have one real science guy (and he's brilliant).
But anyhoo, Optimas are great batteries but not the only battery. Different methods of building them make them better suited for different tasks.
I happen to think the Yellowtop is about the best for a Jeep battery. From what I've read, some branches of the US military agree with me.
If you join Powerpack Nation you can order the batteries directly from the factory to your door and get them at a discount.
I got my pair from the factory so that they'd be matched by build date.
"if it's an auto, try putting in neutral or taking out of park and firmly putting back into park. some the 07s and 08s sometimes don't make the switch that indicates park position. if it's a manual, then battery, starter, connections, switch. may even be the way you hold your mouth. it's a JK, problem solving is anybodies guess."
I would say an Odyssey battery as Optima's have been declining in quality. The Die Hard Platinum that Jimbo mentioned is made by Odyssey but branded for Sears.
Yeah DM, the OJ mentioned that a couple years ago, I wonder if it's still the case-?
A good practice for lead-acid battery longivity, is to always maintain the DISTILLED water level and use a battery maintener when the jeep isn't being used--course if you driveit every day--moot point !
I went with an optima yellow top as I couldn't leave the autoparts shop for the price! Other top names for batteries: Oddessy or Diehard Platinum and Northstar.
.. if the Wolfman, Jimbo and HD (the Lightman) keep posting great info, I am going to have to upgrade my laptop memory to a few Tetrabite :thumb::rofl:
.. if the Wolfman, Jimbo and HD (the Lightman) keep posting great info, I am going to have to upgrade my laptop memory to a few Tetrabite :thumb::rofl:
That reminds me, I just gotta "HEART" royal flush in one of my little town Casinos--$800 bucks and this is the first Royal in Heart, I've ever gotten (28 royals)--
A mere $800 bucks--I should probably donateit to a worthy cause !
alternator, belt, parasitic draw. Those are a few.
Parasitic draw is analogous to leaving your dome light on. If it stays on, it will kill the battery. A vanity mirror light that stays on because of a broken visor hinge (happened to me) will cause a parasitic draw.
As will an aftermarket radio, a TIPM that won't go to sleep, etc.
You can google and test this with a multimeter or a snap-on MT500, etc. A tiny draw is normal, but 0.1 amps or greater signals a draw. In the old days you could pull fuses until you found the circuit, a bit harder on a TIPM equipped vehicle.
The alternator can be (reasonably) tested by Autozone.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!