Battery needing a jump start?

N

NViejeP

New member
After leaving my car power on with the engine off listening to music today while waiting for my sister, the startup took longer than usual. I just changed to an Optima Red top about a month ago. I know Optimas are good batteries, but has anyone ever had experience of having to jump start when listening to the radio with the engine off?

Right now I dont have any amplifers or naything, just a aftermarket head unit.

In addition, does anyone ever have trouble starting up with additional amplifers as I plan on getting?

Thing is, I plan on turning the engine off and listening to music every once in a while and I don't want to be bothered with jump starting everytime.
 
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How long were you listening to music with the engine off? You can check how many amps are being drawn when using the system by hooking up an amp probe or amp meter. Sounds like you should have used a YELLOW top (deep cycle), the red top is the same as OEM.

Koz
 
Koz said:
How long were you listening to music with the engine off? You can check how many amps are being drawn when using the system by hooking up an amp probe or amp meter. Sounds like you should have used a YELLOW top (deep cycle), the red top is the same as OEM.

Koz
Click to expand...
Well if it's the same as OEM, you should still easily get a couple hours of music listening out of it.....
 
Your head lights or other lights werent on were they. A friend of mine and I were listening to music in his car for about 7 minutes with his lights on by accident and it took about 3-5 seconds to start the engine and the dash lights were dimming as it started. But also hes running about 1800watts in his car.
 
It never died on me. I was just wondering casue maybe I should carry a jump starter on hand just in case. It was like 10 minutes.
 
NViejeP said:
It never died on me. I was just wondering casue maybe I should carry a jump starter on hand just in case. It was like 10 minutes.
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I always carry a jumper battery -- has been handy when the odd battery problem occurs, and it's helpful when you see someone else with a problem. They are only about $60 so it's a great investment, IMHO.
 
I've listened to my stock radio for hours with an OEM battery, and never had a problem. The only time that I had a hard time (couldn't even start it), was when I left my lights on for a couple of hours while listening. I guess that this just shows that I really need a dual battery setup. :bigok:
 
Actually you are lucky because you have discovered that your battery is most likely on its way south. Ten minutes is nothing. I am in a school parking lot waiting for my son to get out of track practice almost every week day. I listen to my stereo around 5 to 45 minutes five days a week, with the engine off.

Here is a static test that works well for me. With a cold engine measure the battery voltage. It should be around 12.5 volts. Now turn on the head lights for 15 seconds. Turn off and wait fifteen minutes. The battery voltage should now be much higher (13.5 volts) If it does not go up them it is nfg.

Or measure the battery voltage while starting the engine. It should drop no more than around 9.5 volts, then instantly jump to 14.5 volts.

Measuring the battery voltage while the engine is running tells you nothing other than the alternator is working.
 
Sorry if I was unclear.

I was able to start my car and everything, I'm just wondering if anyone has had experience specifically with a optima red top.

I was wondering if I hsould be concerned about my battery going dead. It has not as of yet, but I'm just concerned.
 
You need to have your battery load tested. Some auto parts stores will do this for nothing.

Koz
 
Yah, I'm worried BECAUSE I will be getting 1 high powered amp or two amps soon enough with a subwoofer and all. This might casue problems because I like to listen to the stereo with the engine off.
 
NViejeP said:
Yah, I'm worried BECAUSE I will be getting 1 high powered amp or two amps soon enough with a subwoofer and all. This might casue problems because I like to listen to the stereo with the engine off.
Click to expand...

Yellow top!

Koz
 
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