Support 

No one anywhere on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook, Offerup or other similar sites is authorized to sell new OPTIMA batteries. If you buy a battery from a seller on one of those sites, it is considered used and carries only the warranty coverage that specific seller is willing to personally offer to you.

Did you know OPTIMA® Batteries are the most-widely available AGM aftermarket battery in the world? With such widespread availability, not to mention so many people selling things online, we are often asked the question of who is actually authorized to sell new OPTIMA batteries. The list is far too long for us to post here and we'd probably get in trouble if we forgot a few hundred retailers, but the short answer is a lot of retailers are authorized to sell and service our products.

If you would like to find the nearest authorized brick & mortar OPTIMA retailer to you, just use our retail finder and enter your zip code to get plenty of options. Does this mean that anyone else selling our products, who isn't in our retail finder, isn't an authorized retailer of OPTIMA products? Absolutely not!

There are thousands more retailers, both online and in brick mortar locations, who are also authorized retailers of our products. So how can you tell if the seller you are looking at is authorized to sell our products? Authorized retailers will confirm to you before making a purchase, that they will adhere to & honor the OPTIMA warranty on all products they sell. If you can't find someone to talk to about warranty coverage before you purchase a product, chances are you won't be able to find anyone after you purchase a product either. 

All OPTIMA battery, charger and maintainer resellers on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook, Offerup, Amazon or Wal-Mart 3rd parties (unless it is SHIPPED & SOLD by Amazon or Wal-Mart) and any other online marketplace platforms ARE NOT authorized resellers of the OPTIMA family of products, including an individual in Hawaii, named "Tommy," whose phone number ends in 5959. Customers who decide to purchase OPTIMA products from any such marketplace/website would be purchasing from unauthorized resellers. Unauthorized resellers have not been approved by OPTIMA Batteries and therefore do not conform to our strict product handling & customer service requirements.

This means that such marketplace resellers may be selling aged inventory, damaged or used products and/or may be using unapproved packing for shipping. It also means that should you have a service need or warranty claim, they will not provide adequate support. Receipts from marketplaces that have sales dates outside of 180 days of the date of manufacture will not be acknowledged as proof of purchase of a new battery. All OPTIMA Authorized resellers are required to honor the entire warranty period of whatever product is purchased from them. Marketplace resellers who are not authorized retailers, will refer your service needs to someone else. OPTIMA values one on one communication via phone and email and a phone option is a requirement of all authorized resellers. Buyers beware, resellers on Craigslist, eBay & other such sites do not promote this type of communication.

If you'd rather not take a chance on an unknown internet retailer, you can always order factory-direct.

A battery is just a battery. Right?

Wrong!

The sophistication and number of automotive electronics are drastically increasing. Whether it's original equipment or the accessories you've added, you're drawing more power from your battery than ever before. Choosing the right OPTIMA battery will help you keep the tunes playing, the lights on and the engine starting.

OPTIMA batteries are the choice among performance enthusiasts who want to add more power to their adventures. Thanks to proprietary SPIRALCELL & PUREFLOW TECHNOLOGY®, these batteries are up to 15 times more vibration-resistant, which means they can take a lot of abuse both on and off the road, and provide up to three times the life of a traditional flooded battery.

OPTIMA's AGM battery grids are constructed of 99.99% pure lead. The purity of the lead provides lower internal resistance for additional power and quicker recharging, corrosion resistance for longer life and reduced self-discharge when stored on the shelf.

The case straps that connect the cells are far more robust than the tombstone welds commonly found in most other batteries. Those robust connections allow for better transfer of energy, both when you're charging your battery and when you need it to deliver power.

OPTIMA's Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) separators hold electrolyte like a sponge to eliminate acid spilling. Each maintenance-free battery is also completely sealed, preventing corrosion and acid spills.

When it comes to lithium batteries, OPTIMA is one of the most-respected and established names in the battery industry. Since we are a battery manufacturer, as well as a brand, that means we have a deep, first-hand understanding of what goes into manufacturing a great battery. We employ engineers who work full-time on making sure all of our batteries are the best possible products on the market. We also make sure our lithium batteries offer features we know you want, even if you didn't realize you needed them, including an integrated BMS (Battery Management System) and IP67-rated protection from dust and water intrusion.

When selecting a battery, engine starting performance or cold-cranking amps (CCA), and size obviously matter, but there are other considerations. Where and how you use your vehicle and the electronic load that your battery supports should be considered. Energy recovery and cycling performance are also quickly becoming important considerations. In some applications, they are even more important than CCA.

The OPTIMA SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® provides many features not available in ordinary batteries, such as:

• More plate surface, closer plate spacing and the use of high-purity lead. RESULTING IN: Low internal resistance. This low resistance gives you more power in a smaller box, the ability to recharge much faster, and higher and cleaner voltage characteristics during discharge.
• Immobilized plates under compression (locked in place). RESULTING IN: Improved vibration resistance, no shedding of active paste material, reduced gradual loss of power and capacity as the battery ages. This gives you a battery that lasts longer and performs better throughout its life.
•  OPTIMA's SPIRALCELL design results in about 30 internal components, where traditional flat-plate batteries can have more than 120 internal parts. One of OPTIMA's internal components is a continuous cast strap, which joins adjacent cells & eliminates welds, which add resistance and corrosion points between the cells. A cast strap is unique to OPTIMA, proprietary, more expensive and more difficult to manufacture, but it is a design that offers superior performance. A larger and/or better-designed, manufactured or connected strap will allow better high-current flow, due to lower internal resistance, which can be reflected in the CCA rating.
  
  

 

For technical or warranty support, please call OPTIMA customer service at 1-888-867-8462 (888-8OPTIMA) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday, or via email at info@OPTIMAbatteries.com.

For Amazon.com OPTIMA warranty Support, contact:
E-mail: Amazonwarranty@OPTIMAbatteries.com
Toll Free: 888-8-OPTIMA or 888-867-8462
** Please have the following information ready for faster service:
-Customer Name on the Amazon.com account used to purchase the OPTIMA product
-Customer Email on the Amazon.com accnout used to purchase the OPTIMA product
-Invoice

 

The main reasons the OPTIMA battery has a longer life are:

• There is no shedding of active paste material
• The SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® immobilizes the plates, preventing the active paste from working loose, which can cause plate-to-plate shorting
• It utilizes a high-purity lead grid
• The grid material in OPTIMA batteries is more resistant to grid degradation – a type of internal corrosion that affects the plates inside a battery as it ages
• The completely sealed design prevents loss of water, which can lead to plate dry-out and failure

OPTIMA batteries have increased ability to withstand the high demands being placed on batteries today, including high-heat situations, heavy electronic loads and increased vibration. The SPIRALCELL TECHNOLOGY® in an OPTIMA battery is what keeps it from shedding active material that gives a battery power. This technology also extends an OPTIMA battery’s cycling ability.

Mostly this is due to the purity of the lead in the plates of OPTIMA's AGM SPIRALCELL and PUREFLOW batteries. Some of the alloys in conventional batteries are more prone to electron transfer, resulting in higher self-discharge than is found in an OPTIMA AGM battery.

A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead-acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one-way valves in place of open vents, which help the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing. Generally, gel batteries are less tolerant of high heat and are charged at lower power than traditional or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries. An OPTIMA AGM battery is neither a gel battery nor a regular flooded battery. OPTIMA's AGM batteries are a SPIRALCELL or PUREFLOW battery technology.

When used with a properly regulated constant voltage charging system (such as an alternator), an OPTIMA AGM battery will not emit hydrogen gas. However, gassing can occur when charging at excessive voltage levels or in extreme high-temperature conditions. In automotive applications, this typically will not happen if the alternator/regulator stays below 15 volts.

WHAT DOES DEEP-CYCLE MEAN?

For lead-acid batteries, deep-cycle means using the battery in an application that will typically discharge 60% to 70% or more of the battery capacity. A standard automotive battery is an SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) battery. Its plates are designed to deliver maximum power for a short duration. Starting a car typically discharges an SLI battery less than 5 percent. When an SLI battery is used in a deep-cycle application, or in a vehicle with heavy accessory loads, the battery life will be shortened proportionally to how deeply it is cycled on a regular basis.

 

WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER A DEEP-CYCLE BATTERY?

Anytime you need the battery to supply all the operating power for a vehicle or other device. Additionally, deep-cycle batteries should be used in vehicles that have heavy accessory loads where the alternator cannot maintain the battery in a fully charged condition. Some examples include vehicles with powerful stereo systems, vehicles with increased electronics like GPS, game systems, DVD players and LCD screens, dash cams or boats with onboard chargers, trolling motors, fish-finders, stereos, lights, etc.

 

DOES AN OPTIMA DEEP-CYCLE BATTERY HAVE A “MEMORY?”

Lead-acid and lithium batteries do not suffer from memory effect. That is primarily an issue limited to NiCad batteries. Many people think they have a memory because they experience a reduction in capacity or runtime as the battery ages. The active paste material in a lead-acid battery is a consumable item, similar to tread on a tire. Every time you cycle the battery, some of the paste is used up. As the battery ages, less of the active paste is available to charge and discharge, resulting in a reduced operating time. This situation can be more apparent in the case where a high-power or starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery is used in a deep-cycle application. The plates of an SLI battery are designed for high-current, short-duration discharges. Plates in deep-cycle batteries are better suited to repetitive deep-discharge applications.

 

HOW DOES A GEL CELL COMPARE TO YOUR DEEP-CYCLE?

Most gel batteries have much higher internal resistance, meaning they will not be able to deliver and receive current as efficiently. This is especially apparent at higher amperage levels. For example, most gel batteries will not work successfully in engine-starting applications.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OPTIMA® AGM DEEP-CYCLE AND STARTER BATTERY?

The OPTIMA deep-cycle AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery utilizes different chemistry. This chemistry change allows for a much longer life in cycling applications, with only a slight reduction in starting power.

 

WHEN SHOULD I USE A DEEP-CYCLE OPTIMA AGM BATTERY AS A STARTING BATTERY?

Deep-cycle batteries are designed for applications that require deep, repetitive amperage drain like trolling motors, golf carts and electric wheelchairs or RV house power sources. However, there are other applications called heavy-cycling or high-cycling, when a deep-cycle OPTIMA AGM battery can successfully replace a starting battery to provide longer life and better performance. In heavy-cycling or high-cycling applications, a vehicle will pull unusually high amperage levels from the starting battery due to extra accessories or limited alternator capacity. Public safety professionals such as police, fire and ambulance fleet managers often find that traditional starting batteries cannot provide adequate life and performance due to heavy cycling. Using an OPTIMA AGM deep-cycle battery in this type of application will result in longer life and better performance.

In any vehicle or equipment that will use the battery only for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) requirements and has a properly working alternator, the OPTIMA REDTOP® Starting Battery will perform extremely well, often providing up to three times longer life than conventional batteries. If the vehicle has few or no aftermarket accessories and uses a stock or upgraded alternator, the OPTIMA REDTOP Starting Battery is the appropriate choice.

Remember, it is possible to have a deeply discharged YELLOWTOP® that will not start the engine; the advantages of the YELLOWTOP are that it can accept a rapid recharge and it will recover from discharge many more times.

It is necessary to consider both the application and the charging system before deciding which OPTIMA battery is correct for you. For example, if you have a Ford Expedition with an aftermarket alarm system and you drive the vehicle every day, the OPTIMA REDTOP would be the correct choice since the amperage drain will be nominal and the battery would be recharged daily.

However, if you store the vehicle for long periods with the alarm system engaged without maintaining the battery, you should use an OPTIMA YELLOWTOP since the amperage drain over several weeks would damage a REDTOP and reduce its lifespan.

WHAT ABOUT OPTIMA's LITHIUM MARINE & RV BATTERIES?

OPTIMA's Q31M-DP120 and QH6 are dual-purpose starting and deep-cycle batteries, which can be used in similar starting and/or deep-cycle applications, as you would with an OPTIMA YELLOWTOP or D31M, D27M or D34M BLUETOPs. OPTIMA's Q31M-DC150 is only intended for cycling use and not starting applications. These applications would be relatively-low current draws compared to the loads generated by engine starting and typically take place over longer periods of time- minutes or hours, versus seconds for engine starting. Some examples of these applications could include trolling motor batteries or RV house batteries.

 

• Always wear proper eye, face and hand protection when working with batteries
• Never lean over a battery while boosting, testing or charging
• Exercise caution when working with metallic tools or conductors to prevent short circuits and arcing
• Keep terminals protected to prevent accidental shorting
• Replace any battery that has signs of damage to the terminals, case or cover
• Install a battery in a ventilated area for operation and during charging
• DO NOT ADD WATER TO THE OPTIMA BATTERY
• Always use a voltage-regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately

 

Download the Materials Safety Data Sheet to get information on battery content, safety and handling, and emergency measures.

Acid- Liquid in the electrolyte of a lead-acid battery.

Acid Stratification- When charging a traditional/flooded lead-acid cell, high-density acid is produced in the plates. This heavy acid drops as a result of gravitation to the lower part of the cell while lower density acid rises to the top of the cell. This stratification of acid can cause loss of capacity and/or battery failure. Acid stratification is a much smaller concern in AGM batteries.

Active Material- Chemically active compounds in a cell or battery that convert from one composition to another while producing current (electrical energy) or accepting current from an external circuit.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)- The mat of micro glass fibers, which is used for fixing the sulfuric acid in lead accumulators.

Ampere (Amp)- The unit of measure of the electron flow, or current, through a circuit.

Ampere (Amp) Hours- The unit of measure for a battery’s electrical storage capacity. Multiply the current in amperes by the time in hours of discharge.

Battery- One or more galvanic (electrochemical) cells electrically coupled into a single unit and equipped with attachments for external electrical connections.

Battery Charger- Device supplying electrical energy to a secondary battery.

BMS (Battery Management System)- The system within a lithium battery that is intended to oversee and control battery functionality.

Capacity- The ability of a fully charged battery to deliver a specified quantity of electricity at a given rate over a definite period of time.

Cell- The basic electrochemical current-producing unit in a battery consisting of a set of positive plates, negative plates, electrolyte, separators and casing. There are six cells in a 12-volt lead-acid battery and four LFP cells in a 12-volt lithium battery.

Charge Acceptance- The quantity of current in ampere hours that a battery in a defined charge state can accept at a specified temperature and charge voltage within a defined period.

Circuit- Path followed by a flow of electrons. A closed circuit is a complete path. An open circuit has a broken or disconnected path.

Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA)- Number of amperes a lead-acid battery at 0^oF (-17.8^oC) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell.

Container- The polypropylene or hard rubber case that holds the plates, straps and electrolyte (or cells and BMS in a lithium battery).

Corrosion- Destructive chemical reaction of a liquid electrolyte with a reactive.

Cover- The lid for the container.

Current- Flow of electricity measured in amperes.

Cycle- Charging followed by discharging, repeated at regular intervals.

Deep-Cycle Battery- Battery that provides a steady amount of current over a long period of time. It provides a surge when needed and is designed to be deeply discharged over and over again.

Discharge- Delivering current through the battery.

Deep Discharge- State in which a cell is fully discharged using low current, so that the voltage falls below the final discharging voltage.

Electrolyte- A solution of sulfuric acid and distilled water that conducts current through the movement of ions between positive and negative plates.

Grid- Lead alloy framework that supports the active material of a battery plate and conducts current.

Ground- Reference potential of a circuit. In automobile use, the result of attaching the battery cable to the body frame, which is used as a path for completing a circuit in lieu of a direct wire from a component. Today, over 99 percent of autos use the negative terminal of the battery as the ground.

Lead-Acid Battery- Battery made up of plates, lead and lead oxide (various other elements are used to change density, hardness, porosity, etc.) with a 35 percent sulfuric acid and 65 percent water solution. This solution is called an electrolyte, which causes a chemical reaction that produces electrons.

Lithium Battery- Battery made up of individually sealed lithium cells (4 cells in a 12V battery with lithium iron phosphate cells). Higher-quality lithium batteries will have an integrated battery management system (BMS), which protects from overcharge, over-discharge, over current, short circuit, over/under temperatures for the specific lithium chemistry, as well as ensuring proper cell balancing. Internal cell heaters may also be used to allow for charging in extremely cold temperatures. The processing power of the BMS may also enable additional features, such as power management, CAN, bluetooth or other communication capabilities.

Maintenance-Free Battery- Battery in which you don't have to check or refill the electrolyte levels.

Ohm- Unit for measuring electrical resistance or impedance within an electrical circuit.

OPTIMA CPR- An integrated feature on ORANGETOP powersports batteries that automatically disconnects the battery from external power draws, allowing for one more engine start

Plate - Positive- Cast metallic frame that contains the lead dioxide active material.

Plate - Negative- Cast metallic frame that contains a spongy lead active material.

POWERLINK- An external battery dongle that connects to ORANGETOP Powersports batteries and allows users to monitor state of charge with an LED display, turn the battery off from power draws and make a remote connection for charging.

PHCA (Pulse Hot Cranking Amps)- The number of amperes a lithium battery at 77°F can deliver for five seconds

Reserve Capacity Rating (RC)- Number of minutes a battery at 26.7^o C/80^o F can be discharged at a 25-amp rate until reaching 10.5 volts (for a 12-volt battery) and maintaining 10.5 volts for a 12-volt battery. The higher the rating, the longer your vehicle can operate should your alternator or fan belt malfunction.

Sealed Battery- Battery in which you don't have to check or refill the electrolyte levels. Leak-proof at angles over 45 degrees, also called VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead-Acid).

Separators- Porous dividers between plates that prevent physical contact.

Short Circuit- An unintended current-bypass in an electric device or wiring, generally very low in resistance and thus causing a large amount of current to flow. In a battery, a cell short circuit may be damaging enough to discharge the cell and render the battery useless.

Starting, Lighting, Ignition (SLI) Battery- Rechargeable battery that supplies electric energy to an automobile to power the starter motor, the lights and the ignition system of a vehicle’s engine.

State of Charge (SOC)- The amount of electrical energy stored in a battery at a given time expressed as a percentage of the energy when fully charged.

Terminals- Electrical connection from the battery to the external circuit. Each terminal is connected to either the first (positive) or last (negative) strap in the series connection of cells in a battery.

Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Battery- Battery that is sealed and maintenance-free.

Volt- Unit of measure for electrical potential.

Watt- Unit of measure for electrical power.

If you don't have aftermarket electrical accessories in your vehicle, we recommend the REDTOP® 35. If you do have aftermarket electrical accessories, such as an audio system with amps, we recommend YELLOWTOP® D35. Both of these are top-post-only batteries.

Please note we also make a group 75/25 battery (some retailers will label it 75/35 in their system). This battery has both top and side posts and probably will not work in your vehicle. The positive and negative posts are on the wrong side for your vehicle and your cables may not reach.

OPTIMA YELLOWTOP® CHARGING INFORMATION

The following charging methods are recommended to ensure a long battery life. Always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

YELLOWTOP Type: D51 & D51R - D35 – DS46B24R - D75/25 - D34 – D34/78 - D27F - DH5 - DH6 - DH7

These batteries are dual-purpose. They are designed for engine start and cyclic applications and for use in vehicles with large accessory loads.

Recommended charging information:

• Alternator:
• 13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
  
  
• Battery Charger:
• 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, for approximately six to twelve hours.
  
  
• Cyclic Applications:
• 14.7 volts, no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). When current falls below one amp, finish with two-amp constant current for one hour.
  
  
• Rapid Recharge:
• Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
  
  
• Float Charge:
• 13.2 to 13.8 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
• Strictly adhere to all limits.

OPTIMA COMMERCIAL YELLOWTOP CHARGING INFORMATION

YELLOWTOP Type: D31A & D31T

These batteries are dual-purpose. They are designed for engine start and deep-cycle applications for use in vehicles with large accessory loads.

Recommended charging information:

• Alternator:
  
  
  • 13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
    
    
• Battery Charger:
  
  
  • 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, for approximately six to twelve hours.
    
    
• Cyclic Applications:
  
  
  • 14.7 volts, no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). When current falls below one amp, finish with three-amp constant current for one hour.
    
    
• Rapid Recharge:
  
  
  • Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
    
    
• Float Charge:
  
  
  • 13.2 to 13.8 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
  • Strictly adhere to all limits.

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OPTIMA BLUETOP® CHARGING INFORMATION

The following charging methods are recommended to ensure a long battery life. Always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

BLUETOP Type: 34M

These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep-cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:

• Alternator:
  
  
  • 13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
    
    
• Battery Charger:
  
  
  • 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, for approximately six to twelve hours.
    
    
• Rapid Recharge:
  
  
  • Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
    
    
• Float Charge:
  
  
  • 13.2 to 13.8 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
  • Strictly adhere to all limits.
    
    

BLUETOP Type: D34M / D31M/ D27M

These batteries are dual-purpose. They are designed for engine starting and deep-cycling applications, as well as for use in boats with large accessory loads.

Recommended charging information:

• Alternator:
  
  
  • 13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
    
    
• Battery Charger:
  
  
  • 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, for approximately six to twelve hours.
    
    
• Cyclic Applications:
  
  
  • 14.7 volts, no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). When current falls below one amp, finish with two-amp constant current for one hour for D34M, and three-amp constant current for one hour for D27M and D31M.
    
    
• Rapid Recharge:
  
  
  • Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
    
    
• Float Charge:
  
  
  • 13.2 to 13.8 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
  • Strictly adhere to all limits.
    
    
    

---

OPTIMA REDTOP® CHARGING INFORMATION

The following charging methods are recommended to ensure a long battery life. Always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.

REDTOP Type: 34 & 34R - 34/78 - 78 - 25 & 35 - 75/25

These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep-cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:

• Alternator:
  
  
  • 13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
    
    
• Battery Charger:
  
  
  • 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, for approximately six to twelve hours.
    
    
• Rapid Recharge:
  
  
  • Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
    
    
• Float Charge:
  
  
  • 13.2 to 13.8 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
  • Strictly adhere to all limits.
    
    

REDTOP Type: 6V

These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep-cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:

• Alternator:
  
  
  • 6.65 to 7.5 volts, no amperage limit.
    
    
• Battery Charger:
  
  
  • 6.9 to 7.5 volts, 10 amps maximum, for approximately six to twelve hours.
    
    
• Rapid Recharge:
  
  
  • Maximum 7.8 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below one amp.
    
    
• Float Charge:
  
  
  • 6.6 to 6.9 volts, one amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
  • Strictly adhere to all limits.
    
    
• Safety Information:
  
  
  • Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
    
    
  • Always use a voltage-regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
    
    
  • Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.
    
    
  • These guidelines are intended for typical consumer applications. For military, commercial applications or new equipment design, please contact OPTIMA for additional technical information and assistance

Your ORANGETOP will not be fully charged when received. You must fully-charge the battery to 14.0V before use.
Use only chargers or profiles for 12V lithium iron phosphate (aka LFP or LiFePO4) batteries.

The ORANGETOP battery will automatically wake from Sleep/Storage mode if an OPTIMA® enabled charger (such as Digital 200+) is used. If using a different charger, it may be necessary to manually “wake” the battery using the POWERLINK™ button on Powersports batteries or the on/off button on other ORANGETOP batteries.

Do not use:
-Lead acid battery charging profiles.
-Chargers/ charge profiles for flooded/SLI batteries, AGM or gel batteries.
-Chargers/ profiles with a desulfation/antisulfation/ reconditioning mode or function. Although this can be useful for lead acid and AGM batteries, it may cause a lithium battery to be overcharged.

ORANGETOP Marine/RV and automotive batteries are significantly larger (up to 150Ah) than ORANGETOP Powersports batteries and may require significantly longer charge times at lower amperage rates to reach a full state of charge.

*Depending on temperature and the requirements of your vehicle, as little as 1 hour of charging time may be adequate for starting.

Charge only between temperatures of 23°F (-5°C) and 122°F [50°C]. The battery will only accept charging within this temperature range, except for the Q31M-DC150 ORANGETOP, which has integrated cell heaters and can be charged down to -22°F.  Never charge a battery that is frozen. 

After charging ORANGETOP Powersports batteries via POWERLINK™, re-insert the rubber plug in the POWERLINK™ charging port when not in use to protect from dust and water Intrusion,

• The D200+ charges at a maximum rate of two amps, while the D400+ (and Digital 400) charge at a maximum rate of four amps. The Digital 1200 can charge at a maximum rate of 12 amps and the D1200+ charges at a maximum of 15 amps. All will work fine on all OPTIMA AGM batteries, but the 1200 series chargers can recharge batteries faster than the other 200+ or 400 series chargers.
  
• The Digital 1200 features a USB charging port
  
• The D200+, D400+ and D1200+ can charge 12-volt lead-acid batteries, including flooded and AGM, as well as 12-volt lithium (lithium iron phosphate/LFP/LiFePO4) batteries
  
• The D200+ (6.0" x 5.5" x 2.5") D400+ (8.2" x 3.9" x 2.7") and Digital 400 (7.1" x 3.9" x 2.7") are significantly smaller than the Digital 1200 (10" x 7.5" x 6.5") or D1200+ (10.25” x 8.5” x 7.5”)
  
• The Digital 1200 features an additional auxiliary maintainer port not available on the D200+, Digital 400, D400+ or D1200+
  
• The D200+, D400+ and Digital 400 come with a wall organizer bracket for easy mounting
  
• The Digital 1200 positive clamp has an integrated LED light to illuminate battery terminals for easy hook-ups in the dark
  
• The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400, D1200+ and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers are only designed for charging 12V batteries

The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers are all very user-friendly. The Digital 400, D400+ and Digital 1200 feature a full-text LCD display for charging, maintaining and fault mode indication, while the D200+ offers an integrated LED glow bar that displays charging status at a distance and a dual-function LED battery gauge that assists with pre-charge battery testing and in-progress charging status. The gauge displays on the D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 show battery-charging and fill rate with charger mode and fault messages and is one of the best user interfaces on the market.

Other innovative features include an integrated LED work light (Digital 1200 only) with ergonomically designed DC charging clamps, and quick-set selections that prompt users with a quick and easy selection of charge profiles by battery type or battery maintainer by connection type.

As a division of the world's largest battery manufacturer, OPTIMA is able to leverage significant engineering resources and data to develop a superior battery-charging algorithm. This algorithm allows the OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers to charge batteries faster than most battery chargers of similar size, and to charge faster than chargers with up to twice the current (amps) output. The safety of OPTIMA chargers is also class-leading, with reverse polarity protection, spark-free connections and over-temperature protection.

The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers will safely charge and maintain your battery even during long-term storage with automatic restart in the event of power disruption or temperature-compensated charging. There are several innovative features to prevent overcharge, even in the event of battery failure. The D200+ and D400+ can charge both 12V lead-acid batteries, as well as 12V lithium batteries.

Finally, several unique and innovative features have been included, such as a backlit LCD display, a USB charging port for phones and other devices (on the Digital 1200 only), an integrated power cord and charging clamp storage, and an integrated work light on the charging clamp (on the Digital 1200 only).

The OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer makes other chargers obsolete.

• Charges batteries other chargers cannot
• Charges faster than competitive chargers with up to twice the output
• Won't overcharge your battery
• Maximizes your batteries’ performance
  
  Designed with advanced digital charging technology, the OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer delivers multistage charging, conditioning, automatic battery maintaining and reconditioning modes in addition to quick-set controls and an industry-leading LCD information display center. The OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer is THE ULTIMATE POWER SOURCE™ for all your battery-charging and maintaining needs. The ultra-premium OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer will fully charge and maintain all types of 12-volt lead-acid batteries while significantly extending their lives.

• Microprocessor-controlled charging (Digital 400 & Digital 1200 only). Charges batteries faster than other chargers with similar ratings. Intelligent and efficient technology charges batteries faster than conventional chargers. Charges faster than conventional chargers with much higher ratings
  
  
• Advanced safety features including no spark, reverse polarity, and diagnosis of several battery faults and failures to prevent overcharging
  
  
• Fully automatic, multistage performance charging, conditioning, maintaining and storage reconditioning modes. Makes sure your battery is always ready to use, while enhancing battery performance and life
  
  
• Enhances the performance of OPTIMA and other batteries. In addition to the battery in your car or truck, it will charge and maintain standard automotive starting and deep-cycle batteries in other vehicles including motorcycles, lawn and garden equipment, and boats
  
  
• Recovers deeply discharged batteries and charges batteries other chargers cannot. Did you accidentally leave a light on in your car? Is your battery dead in your car after storage? Your battery may be deeply discharged. These chargers will charge batteries that have been discharged to as low as 1.25 volts.
  
  
• Extends battery life and maintains battery performance by inhibiting and breaking up sulfation in your battery
  
  
• Auxiliary side port-compatible with supplied cable for maintaining common prewired battery maintainer installations. Conveniently charge your battery without even opening the hood of your vehicle (Digital 1200 only)
  
  
• Quick-set, single-touch operation for charging by battery type or storage maintenance modes by connection type. Advanced technology, easy to use
  
  
• LCD display for charging, maintaining and fault mode indication. Easy to understand, full-text communication of charging status (Digital 400 and Digital 1200 only)
  
  
• Integrated LED work light on (+) charging clamp (Digital 1200 only)
  
• The OPTIMA D200+ and D400+ can charge both 12-volt lead-acid and 12-volt lithium batteries
  
• USB port for convenient charging and powering of USB-supported devices and accessories. Charge your phone, MP3 player or other device while charging your vehicle's battery (Digital 1200 only)

Is it mandatory that I use an OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 or Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer to charge my OPTIMA batteries?

No, but most chargers will not take advantage of the superior performance characteristics of OPTIMA batteries. The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 or Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer enhances the performance of OPTIMA and other high-performance AGM batteries and recovers deeply-discharged batteries and extend battery life. While an OPTIMA charger is not required for ORANGETOP batteries, chargers designed specifically for charging 12-volt lithium batteries should be used.

The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers can charge all types of traditional and AGM, 12-volt lead-acid batteries used in automotive, motorcycle, marine, tractor, power sports, RVs and more, since it will maximize the charging profile for each application, while giving every battery the ability to perform at the ultimate level. The D200+ and D400+ can also charge and maintain 12-volt lithium batteries in a variety of applications, although the D200+ is best-suited for maintaining powersports batteries.

 The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers are all optimized when used with high-performance AGM batteries, but have enhanced charging capabilities that can also be used with all traditional types of 12-volt lead-acid batteries.

 CAN I CHARGE NON-OPTIMA BATTERIES WITH THE OPTIMA CHARGERS D200+, D400+, DIGITAL 400 OR DIGITAL 1200 12V PERFORMANCE BATTERY CHARGERs AND MAINTAINERs?

Yes, the OPTIMA Chargers D200+, D400+, Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers can be used for charging 12-volt flooded and AGM lead-acid batteries, used in automotive, motorcycle, marine, tractor, power sport, RV and more applications, as it will maximize the charging profile for each application, while giving every battery the ability to perform at the ultimate level. The D200+ and D400+ can also charge and maintain other brands of 12-volt lithium batteries, although the D200+ is best-suited for maintaining powersports batteries.

Yes, the USB/maintenance port allows consumers to charge tablets, smartphones and other devices that require a USB port, such as cameras. The USB port is compatible with demanding charging devices like the iPad®.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when maintaining your absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery, including an OPTIMA® battery.

• Many newer battery chargers, like the OPTIMA Chargers Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer, have microprocessors that collect information from the battery and adjust the current and voltage accordingly. Some have different settings for charging flooded, gel and AGM batteries.
• All lead-acid batteries can experience sulfation—the formation of lead sulfate crystals upon discharge. Look for a charger with a desulfation mode to help condition your battery and keep it performing at its best.
  
• Low and slow is best. A low-amp charger (one to 12 amps) is generally the best choice for charging any lead-acid battery. It's quicker to charge at higher amperage, but it also can generate a lot of heat, which reduces the life of a battery, just like the heat of summer.
•  Alternators are NOT chargers. Don't rely on your alternator to do the work of a charger. If your battery is discharged to the point where it cannot start your vehicle, use a charger as soon as possible to make sure your battery gets fully charged.
• An alternator is meant to maintain a battery, not recharge a deeply-discharged battery.
• Batteries eventually die. Batteries are a consumable product. No battery will last forever. The goal is to consistently maintain your battery to get the most life out of it.
• Different chargers. Different capabilities. Under normal conditions, most 12-volt automatic battery chargers will work on an AGM battery. Many newer battery chargers have settings specifically for AGM batteries; some even have separate settings for OPTIMA REDTOP and YELLOWTOP batteries, like the OPTIMA Chargers Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer.
  
• AGM and gel technology differ. Remember that the technology of an AGM battery is not the same as a gel battery, which has its own charging requirements. If your charger offers different modes, select the correct one for your battery. If you use the gel setting to charge an AGM battery, it won't fully charge and, over time, it could actually damage your AGM battery.
• Under normal starting conditions, an OPTIMA battery should never experience at-rest voltages below 12 volts. Most 12-volt chargers and alternators have no problem recharging an OPTIMA if it has an at-rest voltage of 10.5 or greater.
•  The magic threshold – 10.5 volts. The charging scenario for a deeply discharged AGM battery, one that's dipped below 10.5 volts, may be slightly different. The OPTIMA Digital 1200 can recover batteries that have been discharged as low as 1.25 volts.  Other charger tips for recovering a deeply discharged AGM battery can be found in OPTIMA's tech tip, How to Resuscitate a Deeply Discharged AGM Battery.

In time, AGM batteries, including OPTIMA® batteries, may fail. Failures are often caused when a starting battery is used in a cycling application, for which a deep-cycle battery is the better choice.

OK, so you have a seemingly bad AGM battery, you attach it to your charger and…CLICK. The charger won't even charge it or it begins charging, but shuts off after a short period of time and displays a fault code. "It must be a bad battery!" you exclaim, or is it? In many cases, OPTIMA batteries that are assumed to be bad may actually be perfectly fine, just deeply discharged.

The great thing about AGM batteries, including OPTIMA REDTOP® BLUETOP® and YELLOWTOP® batteries, is that they have very low internal resistance. This allows very high amperage output so that the battery can power your accessories longer and deeper than a traditional battery, but at the same time deeply discharging it.

An AGM battery with its low internal resistance may stump car guys because sometimes it doesn't work like a traditional flooded lead-acid battery.

Here's the problem: Most battery chargers have built-in safety features that may prevent chargers from recharging deeply discharged batteries. A traditional battery that's at 10.5 volts or less is seen as defective, having either a short, a bad cell or some other defect. Most analog chargers are binary and are either on or off. If they don’t come on, it may be because the charger thinks the battery is “bad.” Turning on to charge a “bad” battery could create an unsafe scenario. But the fact is that the AGM battery may be just fine; it has simply slipped below the minimum voltage threshold of the charger to turn on, and the charger doesn't know what to do with the battery, so it does nothing or charges briefly and then shuts off.

Here are three options for bringing that deeply discharged AGM battery back to peak operational performance.

RECOVERY OPTION #1: THE BEST SOLUTION – AGM-SPECIFIC CHARGERS

The best method for recharging a deeply discharged AGM battery is to purchase a modern charger that has kept up with battery technology. Many chargers now have AGM-specific settings and desulfation steps that help recondition and recover deeply discharged AGM batteries. These are becoming more common, and they work well for all lead-acid batteries. They have the additional capability of doubling as a battery "maintainer" for batteries in storage. Some come with additional ring terminals to permanently attach to your battery leads so you can charge the battery externally with an accessible charger or maintainer. This makes it easy to hook up when you store your car, truck, boat or RV.

The OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer enhances the performance of OPTIMA and other AGM batteries, recovers deeply discharged batteries and extends battery life. The OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer is optimized when used with high-performance AGM batteries, but has enhanced charging capabilities that can also be used with all traditional types of automotive batteries.

This is the preferred method of charging a deeply discharged battery.

 

RECOVERY OPTION #2: THE DIY SOLUTION FOR CHARGING A DEEPLY DISCHARGED BATTERY

This is a recovery method for the do-it-yourselfer using the equipment you've got in the garage. With this option, you're going to trick your traditional charger into charging the deeply discharged AGM battery.

Here's what you need:

 

• Battery charger (under 15 amps)
• Jumper cables
• A good battery, preferably above 12.2 volts. (It can be an AGM or flooded battery - it doesn't matter.)
• The seemingly dead, deeply discharged AGM battery
• A voltage meter
• A watch or timer

Now, here's what you do:

Hook up the good battery and deeply discharged AGM battery in parallel – positive to positive and negative to negative. Do not have the charger connected to the battery or turned on at this stage.

Now, hook up the deeply discharged battery to the charger. Turn on the charger. The charger will "see" the voltage of the good battery (hooked up in parallel), and start providing a charge.

After the batteries have been hooked up for about an hour, check to see if the deeply discharged battery is slightly warm or hot to the touch. Batteries naturally become warm during charging, but excessive heat may be an indication that there really is something wrong with the battery. Discontinue charging immediately if the battery is hot to the touch. Also discontinue the process if you hear the battery "gassing" — a hissing sound coming from the safety valves. If it's hot or gassing, STOP CHARGING IMMEDIATELY!

With your voltage meter, check back often to see if the AGM battery has charged to 10.5 volts or above. This generally takes less than two hours with a 10-amp charger. If it has, disconnect the charger from the wall outlet and remove the good battery from the deeply discharged battery. Now, only the deeply discharged AGM battery should be connected to the charger. Turn on the charger and continue until the AGM battery reaches a full charge, or until the automatic charger completes the charge process. In most cases, the AGM battery will be recovered.

 

RECOVERY OPTION #3: ENLIST THE PROFESSIONALS

If you don't own a battery charger, you don't want to make the investment or you're not the do-it-yourself kind of person, this is the option for you.

Take the battery to a professional battery specialist who knows AGM technology. Most specialists are willing to provide "charge and check" procedures free or for a small fee. Auto parts stores are typically not capable of accurately determining an AGM battery's condition and many use conductance testers that don't provide correct readings. Battery specialists (such as Interstate Batteries and other independent battery distributors) are experts who can help determine if your battery is recoverable or not.

Fully charged, engine not running, starting batteries (all REDTOP® or BLUETOP® 34M) should measure about 12.6 volts to 12.8 volts. Deep-cycle batteries, including all YELLOWTOP® and dual-purpose BLUETOP batteries, should measure approximately 13.0 to13.2 volts. ORANGETOP® batteries should measure about 14.0 volts. Voltage measurements of the battery when the engine is running are the output of your alternator. This measurement should be about 13.3 to 15.0 volts, which may differ due to temperature. At average operating temperatures of 50° to 80°F, your alternator output voltage should be about 14 volts to 14.8 volts.

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can test the output of your alternator by starting the car and turning on the headlights. If they are dim, it indicates the lights are running off the battery and that little or no power is being produced by the alternator. If the lights get brighter as you rev the engine, it means the alternator is producing some current, but may not be producing enough at idle to keep the battery properly charged. If the lights have normal brightness and don't change intensity as the engine is revved, your charging system is probably functioning normally.

If this checks out, you should determine whether or not the battery is holding a charge, or if something on the vehicle is discharging the battery.

 

THERE ARE THREE LIKELY SCENARIOS TO EXPLAIN THE PROBLEMS YOU'RE HAVING:

1. A high parasitic draw (key-off load). This can quickly discharge a battery and decrease its service life. This may be caused by a trunk light, cigarette lighter, clock/radio, alarm system or any other electrical device. Current drain on the battery can be checked with an ammeter. With the ignition off, disconnect one of the battery cables. Connect one ammeter lead to the battery and the other to the cable. The normal current drain on most vehicles should be about 25 milliamps or less. If the key-off drain exceeds 100 milliamps, there's an electrical problem that requires further diagnosis. If you don’t want to take your car to a mechanic, the easiest way to isolate the problem is to pull one fuse at a time from the fuse panel until the ammeter reading drops.
2. A problem with your battery is causing it to not hold a charge. To check this, remove the battery from the vehicle, charge it to the full voltage, wait 12 to 24 hours, then measure its voltage. Another faster, but less-preferable way to do this is to turn on the high-beam headlights for 15 seconds, turn them off, wait five to 10 minutes, then check the voltage. If you measure the voltage of the battery the next day, week or even a month later, the voltage should be close to the max voltages listed above. If the voltage holds when it is not installed in your vehicle but drops when it is in your vehicle, see #1 above.
3. The battery was somehow discharged, and your maintenance charger is not able to properly charge your deeply discharged battery. Please see the directions for charging a deeply discharged battery.

The OPTIMA Chargers D200+, Digital 400, D400+ and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers enhance the performance of OPTIMA and other AGM batteries, recover deeply discharged batteries and extend battery life. However, under normal vehicle-starting applications, most regular automatic lead-acid battery chargers will properly charge an OPTIMA REDTOP, YELLOWTOP or BLUETOP battery. However, since OPTIMA batteries are frequently used in high-performance applications or nonstandard vehicle-starting applications, there are certain instances that must be given special considerations.

OPTIMA ORANGETOP batteries should only be charged with battery chargers specifically designed to charge 12-volt lithium batteries, like the OPTIMA Chargers D200+ or D400+, but other brands of 12V lithium chargers can be used as well. A REDTOP, YELLOWTOP or BLUETOP OPTIMA battery is an AGM battery, not a gel battery or regular flooded battery. A deeply discharged OPTIMA battery (less than 10.5 volts) will not test or recharge properly if treated as a gel battery or regular flooded battery. A handheld electronic battery tester will most likely provide inaccurate results.

An OPTIMA battery has the benefit of very low internal resistance, which allows high-amperage output as well as efficient charge acceptance. This benefit also allows an OPTIMA battery to run longer than its specified ratings and run at a lower voltage than typical flooded batteries. All of this can lead to confusion when it comes to recharging a deeply discharged OPTIMA. Most basic battery chargers have a built-in function to prevent charging a battery with less than 10.5 volts. If your OPTIMA battery is discharged below that, the battery charger may not start up.

Most high-quality, modern battery chargers now have built-in features to charge AGM batteries like OPTIMA batteries. Some have specific AGM settings, which should be used to charge an OPTIMA battery. Do not use gel or gel/AGM settings, as they will not fully charge an OPTIMA battery and could damage it over time. However, even some AGM-compatible chargers will not recharge deeply discharged (less than 10.5 volts) OPTIMA batteries. In those instances, it may be necessary to follow the parallel charging instructions.

For regular charging, we recommend a maximum of 10 amps, 13.8 to 15.0 volts. For float charging, we recommend one amp maximum, 13.2 to 13.8 volts.

Under normal (engine-starting) conditions, an OPTIMA battery should never experience “at-rest” voltages below 10.5 volts. In these applications, most 12-volt chargers (old or new) or alternators will sufficiently recharge an OPTIMA battery with at least 10.5 volts. Typically, we only see issues with charging when it relates to stand-alone deep-cycling applications or severely discharged OPTIMA batteries.

These guidelines are intended for typical consumer applications. For military, commercial applications or new equipment design, please contact OPTIMA for additional technical information and assistance.

CAN YOU TRICKLE-CHARGE AN OPTIMA REDTOP, BLUETOP or YELLOWTOP BATTERY AND WHAT TYPE OF CHARGER CAN I USE?

Yes, and you can use any charger on any of those OPTIMA batteries as long as the voltage is regulated properly. If your charger will remain on indefinitely, the voltage should be at 13.8 volts maximum with a one-amp maximum current.

 

WILL MY HIGH-OUTPUT ALTERNATOR DAMAGE THE OPTIMA BLUETOP, YELLOWTOP, ORANGETOP or REDTOP BATTERY?

No, as long as the voltage is properly regulated. Because OPTIMA AGM batteries have very low internal resistance, they will accept high current more efficiently than conventional batteries. OPTIMA ORANGETOP batteries also have an integrated BMS (Battery Management System) that controls the flow of current into and out of the battery.

The OPTIMA® Chargers Digital 400 and Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Chargers and Maintainers employ the latest in digital, multistage charging. With up to six fully automatic modes, your OPTIMA Digital 400 or Digital 1200 Performance Chargers will follow in sequence stages 1 through 6 listed below:

 

Stage 1: Analyze your battery's condition, state of charge and quality of connections before charging.

Stage 2: Soft-ramp charging control for deeply discharged batteries when necessary.

Stage 3: Fast-charge bulk mode for moderately discharged batteries, also known as normal battery charging.

Stage 4: Conditioning mode for conditioning your battery with a finish/complete charge.

Stage 5: Auto maintain, float mode for keeping your battery fully charged.

Stage 6: Automatic storage recondition mode – desulfates your battery when in storage and being maintained.

REDTOP, YELLOWTOP & BLUETOP STORAGE
Because of the high-purity lead grid in the OPTIMA REDTOP, YELLOWTOP and BLUETOP battery, it has a self-discharge rate much lower than conventional flat-plate batteries. This means those OPTIMA batteries can sit for longer periods while retaining enough charge to start your vehicle when stored and maintained properly. Depending on storage temperature and the state of charge when put into storage, it can usually sit for eight to 12 months and still start most vehicles.

When possible, store your battery in a cool, dry location. Check the battery voltage every six months and charge if it falls below 12.4 volts.

Remember, newer vehicles with onboard electronics such as computers, LCD screens, game systems, GPS units, clocks, etc., require battery power to retain system memory while the vehicle is parked. If the vehicle is to be stored for long periods, you should use a maintenance charger to compensate for this drain. During maintenance, the voltage should be regulated between 13.2 and 13.8 volts, one amp maximum. On older vehicles without electronics, disconnect the battery cables when the vehicle is not being used for extended periods.

ORANGETOP STORAGE
To maximize storage time and battery lifespan, put the ORANGETOP Powersports battery into Sleep/Storage mode by holding the POWERLINK button for three (3) seconds or turning other ORANGETOP batteries off by using the on/off button on the battery. Disconnect the battery from the vehicle to eliminate any vehicle system impact. Use an appropriate lithium charger or maintainer, such as OPTIMA's lithium-enabled chargers. If none of the above are a viable option, disable constantly-powered devices or systems such as alarms.

If stored while not connected to a charger or maintainer, check your battery at least every three (3) months to ensure the voltage is at or above 13 volts. If your battery is discharged below 6 volts, the cells will be damaged and the BMS will permanently disable the battery. Neglectful or abusive over-discharge is not covered under the warranty.

All batteries gradually lose their charge when stored over long periods of time. However, AGM batteries, including high-performance OPTIMA® batteries, lose their charge much more slowly. This helps to prevent the battery from becoming deeply discharged during storage, but it won't completely protect it from damage.

Even when your vehicle is turned off, there still may be a drain on the battery. This is especially true of newer vehicles equipped with computers, alarm systems and clocks that continue to run even when the vehicle is off. Over time, these will drain a battery to voltages too low to start the vehicle. It could even continue to drain to the point of damaging the battery.

If you have an ORANGETOP battery in your vehicle and you do not have electrical access to keep connected to a maintenance device, consider fully-charging the battery (to about 14.0 volts) and turning the battery off when putting the vehicle into storage.

REDTOP, YELLOWTOP & BLUETOP Storage Recommendations
The most important consideration when storing any battery is to make sure the voltage never drops below 12.4 volts for lead-acid batteries, including flooded and AGM batteries, like the OPTIMA YELLOWTOP, REDTOP or BLUETOP. We recommend using a type of battery maintainer – a device that will monitor your battery and keep it at a full state of charge during storage.

 

There are two types of maintenance chargers:

1. Preferred – Fully automatic multistage or multistep chargers, which monitor the battery and charge it as necessary. Multistage maintainers will charge at varying voltages and varying amperage (rarely exceeding two amps). Some of these multistep chargers are also capable of being regular battery chargers (seven amps or more).
   
   
2. OK, but not preferred – Traditional float chargers provide constant voltage with tapering amperage to the battery even when it is fully charged. For float charging, we recommend one amp max, 13.2-13.8 volts.

 

If it is not possible to use a maintenance charger, disconnect the battery from the vehicle during storage to prevent small electrical drains from discharging the battery. Always provide a full charge with a battery charger prior to storage, and then check the battery voltage every three to six months. Charge the battery if it falls below 12.4 volts.

ORANGETOP Storage Recommendations
Over-discharge or unexpected battery discharge is the number one complaint for seasonal-use vehicles. Depending on battery size & capacity, storage temperature and initial charge, even the smallest OPTIMA ORANGETOP battery can be stored up to three (3) years, if put into Sleep/Storage mode using the POWERLINK on Powersports batteries or the on/off button on other ORANGETOP batteries. If the battery is discharging at a high rate, it is likely due to power drawn from the vehicle, even when the key is off by components like alarm systems, vehicle control modules or other aftermarket accessories.

Please connect and use the POWERLINK on Powersports batteries, which is intended to provide a convenient means to communicate if the battery needs to be charged and to connect your OPTIMA lithium-enabled charger to your battery. Other ORANGETOP batteries have Bluetooth connectivity that can help communicate battery state of charge.

 

OPTIMA Charger Storage Recommendations
Store your OPTIMA Chargers D200+, Digital 400, D400+ or Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer in a cool, dry, safe location, and inspect all cables before use. Should the AC power cord, plug or the DC cables be damaged in any way, do not attempt to service. Follow the return instructions in the customer service and warranty section of the manual.

You could take the battery out of your vehicle during storage, but sometimes access can be a challenge. So it may be easier to leave it in. That's OK, but you should fully disconnect it to prevent parasitic drains.

First, check the voltage to ensure the battery has a full charge (about 12.6 to 12.8 volts for REDTOP® models and the 34M BLUETOP® and about 13.0 to13.2 volts for all other BLUETOP and YELLOWTOP® models and about 14.0 volts for ORANGETOP® models). If it's not fully charged, give it a full charge prior to storage. Then, loosen the negative cable and disconnect it from the battery. All electrical draws on the battery will cease and your battery will be protected.

Batteries will lose some voltage while in storage for extended periods of time, but will typically have enough power to start your vehicle. Don't leave it up to the alternator to fully recharge the battery, as most alternators are designed to maintain batteries that are near a full state of charge, not recover deeply discharged batteries. Instead, use a battery charger to make sure your battery is fully charged. You'll extend the life of the battery and probably the alternator by doing this.

 

WILL THE BATTERY DISCHARGE IF LEFT SITTING ON CONCRETE?

No, today's batteries use polypropylene plastic for the case material. They will not be affected. When possible, always store a battery in a cool, dry location.

You may want to consider using a good-quality battery maintenance device to keep the battery properly maintained during storage, preferably units that are microprocessor-controlled and have specific settings for AGM batteries. This is the method that OPTIMA® Batteries recommends:

• When your vehicle goes into storage, connect the maintainer – with the battery either in or out of the vehicle. This will ensure a full charge when you're ready to use your battery again. (Always remember to follow manufacturer instructions.)

• Some battery maintainers, like the OPTIMA Chargers D200+, Digital 400, D400+ or Digital 1200 12V Performance Battery Charger and Maintainer, also include ring terminal leads. These will offer easier access to maintain the battery both during storage and in between uses. Hook up the leads to the battery connections and extend them so they're safely accessible from under a bumper or wheel well. The leads can remain there indefinitely, so you'll never have to open the hood to keep the battery fully charged.

• You'll extend the life of your battery and ensure your vehicle is ready to use with these simple battery storage tips. Just remember – check the battery's voltage before your first drive no matter which storage method you use.

The OPTIMA® battery is truly carefree. When it's maintained properly you won't have to worry about leaking, corrosion or gassing. Inspect your battery terminal connections every now and then to ensure they are clean, snug and protected from the elements.

 

Open circuit voltage (OCV) and storage:

34 / 34R / 34/78 / 34M / 75/25 / 78 / 35 / 25

(about 12.6-12.8 volts for a new, fully charged battery)

 

DH5 / DH6 / DH7 / D34 / D34/78 / D27M / D31M / D27F / D75/25 / D35 / D31T / D31A / D51 / D51R / DS46B24R / D34M

(about 13.0-13.2 volts for a new, fully charged battery)

QUAD7 / QUAD12 / QUAD14 / QUAD16 / QUAD20 / Q31M-DP120 / Q31M-DC150 / QH6

(about 14.0 volts for a new, fully charged battery)

These guidelines are for typical consumer applications. For military, commercial applications, or new equipment design, please contact OPTIMA for additional technical information and assistance.

With batteries as durable as ours, you might wonder why we offer warranties in the first place. Well, at OPTIMA Batteries you could say we’re just used to going the extra mile.

Warranty Guide Manual

OPTIMA YELLOWTOP® WARRANTY INFORMATION

H5, H6, H7, D34/78, D75/25, D34, D35, D27F, D51, D51R Automotive, LTV, DS46B24R, Car Audio (noncommercial)	36 months free replacement
Series String Applications With Battery Management System or CV/CC Charge Method	12 months free replacement
Series String Applications Without Battery Management System	1 month free replacement

COMMERCIAL YELLOWTOP WARRANTY INFORMATION

D31A, D31T Commercial	24 months free replacement
H5, H6, H7, D27F, D34/78, D75/25, D34, D35, D51, D51R, DS46B24R, Commercial	12 months free replacement
Series String Applications With Battery Management System or CV/CC Charge Method Above	12 months free replacement
Series String Applications Without Battery Management System	1 month free replacement

OPTIMA REDTOP® WARRANTY INFORMATION

6V, 12V Passenger Vehicle / Light Truck (noncommercial)	36 months free replacement
Commercial	12 Months free replacement
Abusive service / Deep-cycle Applications / Car Audio	Not covered

OPTIMA BLUETOP® WARRANTY INFORMATION

BLUETOP Starting and Dual-Purpose Batteries (noncommercial)	24 months free replacement
Commercial	12 months free replacement
Series String Applications with battery management system or CV/CC Charge Method Above (deep-cycle only)	12 months free replacement
Series String Applications Without Battery Management System (Deep-Cycle Only)	1 month free replacement

OPTIMA ORANGETOP® WARRANTY INFORMATION

ORANGETOP Batteries (noncommercial)	24 months free replacement
Commercial	12 months free replacement
Automotive Use	Not covered

OPTIMA Chargers enhance the performance of OPTIMA batteries and other flooded lead-acid, high-performance AGM and lithium batteries, plus we’ve included a limited three-year warranty. For additional information, click below to read the full product warranty.

D200+ Warranty Manual

DIGITAL 400 Warranty Manual

DIGITAL 1200 Warranty Manual

The OPTIMA factory warranty policy requires a receipt from the original purchaser. Your purchase receipt:

1. Establishes the beginning date of service.
2. Identifies you as the original purchaser.
3. Identifies that the battery is used in a consumer (not commercial) application.
4. Identifies the sale as a retail purchase of a new and unused OPTIMA Battery.

An OPTIMA battery does not have a lifetime warranty. Your initial purchase of an OPTIMA battery carries a warranty based on the model and type of usage. If your OPTIMA battery is replaced under the warranty policy, your replacement battery carries a warranty period from the original OPTIMA purchase date. Warranty replacement batteries do not carry a new warranty. The only way for us to determine your original battery purchase date is to have the original receipt.

The same OPTIMA battery model that you purchased is used in many demanding commercial applications. Those applications carry a much different warranty than our consumer warranty. In addition, some OPTIMA batteries are provided to customers for testing or sponsorships. These batteries may not carry a warranty. Lastly, even though OPTIMA discourages this practice, some battery specialists may recondition OPTIMA products that have been returned for warranty replacement. These batteries could be resold and they would have absolutely no factory warranty coverage. Though we pride ourselves in the relationships we have with our distributors, and we have numerous programs and incentives to have defective batteries returned to us, we cannot have complete control over what happens with every returned battery.

The first step in diagnosing a battery issue is measuring voltage. This helps identify how much energy is in the electrical fuel tank. ORANGETOPs will measure about 14.0V when fully-charged. REDTOPs (and the 34M BLUETOP) will measure about 12.6-12.8V when fully-charged (6.3-6.4 for a 6V battery). All other YELLOWTOP & BLUETOP batteries will measure about 13.0-13.2V when fully-charged. If the battery is not fully-charged, it's a good idea to attempt to fully-charge the battery with a battery charger. Learn more about charging your battery here.

When you buy an OPTIMA® REDTOP, YELLOWTOP or BLUETOP battery AND an OPTIMA® Chargers Digital 1200 at the same time from optimabatteries.com, you'll get a one-year extension on your OPTIMA battery warranty directly from OPTIMA. OPTIMA understands the value of proper battery charging and maintenance, so much so that at OPTIMA we have expanded our product offering beyond high-performance AGM batteries into high-performance chargers. The OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 offers best-in-class charging performance and will extend the life of your batteries when used properly. We're so confident that the Digital 1200 will increase battery life that we'll extend the consumer battery warranty by a full year when you buy a charger and battery at the same time. Now that's a winning combination.

Promotion Details

• Purchase an OPTIMA Digital 1200 battery charger and any 12V OPTIMA AGM battery within the same transaction and receive a one-year extension of your battery warranty.
• Consumer must register both their battery and charger within 45 days of purchase here
• Offer not valid without proof of purchase. Consumer is responsible for maintaining all proof and documentation of the purchase for any future warranty claims
• Offer only valid for manufacturer direct purchases from www.optimabatteries.com
• Promotion is only for consumer use and purchases. Standard warranty terms apply for inappropriate applications (e.g. Starting battery used in deep-cycle application), commercial, dealer or distributor use or applications
• Must purchase battery and charger within the same transaction
• Promotion subject to change and/or cancellation without notice
• Warranty is nontransferable

No more flipping through pages and pages of user manuals. We've got everything you need right here in digital form.

Battery User Guide

AGM Material Safety Data Sheet - English

AGM Material Safety Data Sheet - French

Lithium Material Safety Data Sheet

OPTIMA Chargers D200+ Manual

OPTIMA Chargers Digital 400 Manual
OPTIMA Chargers Digital 400+ Manual

OPTIMA Chargers Digital 1200 Manual
OPTIMA Chargers D1200+  Owners Manual

Warranty AGM Battery Manual

Hold Down and Adapter Sheet

QUAD7 User Manual

QUAD12 User Manual

QUAD14 User Manual

QUAD16 User Manual

QUAD20 User Manual

QUAD30 User Manual

OPTIMA ORANGETOP Marine/RV User Manual
OPTIMA Q31M DP-120 User Manual
OPTIMA Q31M DC-150 User Manual