Battery Help

HillbillyPlumber · Jul 2, 2006

I drove to Renton and back the other day.Little over an hour each way.When I got home the Optima in my Dodge smelled real strong like sulfer.It was also making a hissing sound and was very hot to the touch.This is the only time this has happened, but I rarely drive it farther than half that distance.What do you think it could be?

NotMatt · Jul 2, 2006

What kind of voltage #'s is your alternator putting out? Anything out of the normal range?

HillbillyPlumber · Jul 2, 2006

Topped out at 14.3 at high RPM's

KarlVP · Jul 5, 2006

Is it leaking at all? There is a little black disk with a blowoff valve on top. If you have it mounted sideways or that valve has gone on you, it may leak a little bit.

What do the posts look like? Are they corroded at all?

Hip · Jul 5, 2006

sounds like an overcharge situation, do you have dual batteries with an electric isolator?

JACKED944RUNNER · Jul 5, 2006

I think it was over charged.

HillbillyPlumber · Jul 5, 2006

the posts look fine no corrosion,but there is quite a bit of acid splashed around looks like its coming out thru the crack where the top (blue)meets bottom(grey)the top is also a little wavy like it was starting to melt.I wonder if one of the cells inside is broken maybe? prolly just take it back to costco,I love their return policy.

KarlVP · Jul 5, 2006

Could be cracked.

Most places have a 3 year warranty for optimas. Even if they arent dead, you can always slam them with a winch and take them back for a fresh one.