Battery overcharged?

[Bad Karma]

So I have a red top Optima and my car rarely gets driven. So I put her on 2 amp charge for the last 4 days. Go to drive her today. Had to put on "start assist" mode on the charger to get her going.

Went down to put some gas in her and she wouldn't restart.

Got a jump, on my way.

As I drove her home, I notice that I have good power (around 12-16 volts) according to the gauge. Get home, park her in the garage.

Try to restart. Nada.

Is it possible that I killed the battery by charging it that long?

Gonna go out, start her and disconnect battery to eliminate the alternater....at least for peace of mind.

Suggestions??

Thanks,
Ivan :cool:

[Chris]

If I recall you can, with a normal battery it will start to look like the sides are bowing, But I am not sure about the optimas

[Nasty93]

How old is the battery? mine did the same thing after about 5 years

[Fastbird]

Check the voltage drop across the batter when cranking. If the battery has a full charge (12.4-12.6 volts) and drops below about 10.5 volts when cranking, it's a dud. Also, make sure your alternator is putting out enough charging amperage to keep the battery charged.

You didn't hurt the battery trickle charging it for four days.

[LT1RUNNER]

You didn't hurt the battery trickle charging it for four days.

The optima's are pretty durable. I once left my battery charger on my optima for about a day and a half on regular charge. I parked my car in the garage put the charger on it went inside and totally forgot about it. Came home the next day after work and walked into the garage and I heard my battery going sssssssssssssss... I freaked and thought I killed it but after 2 years it's still going strong. A regular battery would have blown up.

[Bad Karma]

Check the voltage drop across the batter when cranking. If the battery has a full charge (12.4-12.6 volts) and drops below about 10.5 volts when cranking, it's a dud. Also, make sure your alternator is putting out enough charging amperage to keep the battery charged.

You didn't hurt the battery trickle charging it for four days.


Sean, I'll check that out as soon as I get home.

I can say it ain't bulged and I've overcharged a reg battery dirty. Left it on all day, went to bed, woke at like 3 am to the smell of fierce sulfer.

Battery was falling apart!! lol....

Added water to it...let it vent and it still worked awesome...then I sold the car...lol..

I'll let you know and thanks guys,
Ivan