Smart battery chargers with reconditioning modes

[def38]

Can you repair charge an AGM Optima battery? It's lead-acid so I think you can but there is no reference to this in any of the owner's manual or on-line info from the website. DOn't want to do it unless I'm sure.

Not familiar with your Optima but here is the recovery procedure for Odyssey AGM batteries.

http://www.odysseybattery.com/documents/ProceduretorecoverdeeplydischargedODYSSEY.pdf

They may be similar. I would contact Optima for details.

 

[sixdogs]

Not familiar with your Optima but here is the recovery procedure for Odyssey AGM batteries.

http://www.odysseybattery.com/documents/ProceduretorecoverdeeplydischargedODYSSEY.pdf

They may be similar. I would contact Optima for details.

Thanks, good advice and complex enough to contact Optima. Nothing in their paperwork that I could find.
You would think they would spell it out somewhere.

 

[def38]

Thanks, good advice and complex enough to contact Optima. Nothing in their paperwork that I could find.
You would think they would spell it out somewhere.

....the reason I prefer Odyssey AGM batteries. My Odyssey PC680 is 10 year old and has never failed to provide full capacity.

Next time you have your engine running and a DVM nearby, check the voltage at the battery. You'll likely see 14.4 VDC, the industry standard, controlled by the voltage regulator in the alternator. AGMs prefer somewhat higher charging voltages than either SLA or FLA batteries. The dedicated Odyssey battery charger supplies 14.7 VDC to charge the AGM to full capacity, another reason I do not use small battery tenders. I prefer the Schumacher chargers with an AGM and standard charge rate selection to satisfy various battery types.

 

[Garandman]

We have both Optima Red Top And Odyssey AGM batteries. The Optima is in my WRX because it weighs 31 lbs versus 45 for the Optima. Not an issue in trucks or tractors and they are excellent.

Yes, the process is the same. Many battery chargers will not recognize a deeply discharged battery (under 10 or 10.5V), so you have to connect a second battery in parallel to increase the initial voltage. Tried rescucitating an AGM motorcycle battery showing 5.5 volts, connected to another AGM MC Battery and it was a no go.

Resuscitate a Deeply Discharged AGM Battery | Support | OPTIMA(R) Batteries

Just bought a second NOCO Genius charger because it has standard, AGM, repair, and LiFe modes.

 

[sixdogs]

Thank you Garandman. I'm on it.
Love the Genius charger and never going back to the old style. What amp Genius did you buy?

 

[crazyal]

I put each battery I own on my BatteryMindr once a year. Being cold up here the worst thing you can have happen is a battery die and then freeze. Riding mower batteries are easy to put in the basement for winter but vehicles (car, truck, UTV, tractor, etc.) can't simply be removed for winter.

 

[sixdogs]

I put each battery I own on my BatteryMindr once a year. Being cold up here the worst thing you can have happen is a battery die and then freeze. Riding mower batteries are easy to put in the basement for winter but vehicles (car, truck, UTV, tractor, etc.) can't simply be removed for winter.

I got three years out of a one year mower battery by charging and desulfating late every fall. Perhaps more than that since I sold the tractor this summer. Never removed it from tractor.

 

[Garandman]

Thank you Garandman. I'm on it.
Love the Genius charger and never going back to the old style. What amp Genius did you buy?

7.5 for motorcycle/Car, 15 for Car/tractor.

 

[sixdogs]

7.5 for motorcycle/Car, 15 for Car/tractor.

I've debated getting a second one--7.5 amp-- to go with my 3.5 amp. Do you think the slower charge of the 3.5 is a "better" charge for the battery? I think I've heard and read that slower is better but wasn't paying full attention.

 

[daugen]

I asked about is slower charge better and if someone answered, sorry, but still don't know. I have choices of 2, 4 and 8 amps.
If one is not in a rush, my real question is do I gain anything by putting it on 2 amps vs 8?