Good Battery Keeps Dying

[Sal-XK]

One thing comes to mind not sure if it makes a difference or not. Traditional batteries leak there fluid when tilted past a certain degree like while were off roading. I know mine has done it on the trails. That's why I like the optima batteries there suppose to be sealed. Not sure if that could cause this or what just a thought.

[strokeZ]

@Matt - yeah 15 mA @Sal - well I am going to bring it to where I purchased it to have them put the battery under a 45 min load. That should be the tell tale (I hope). Curious - what Optima did you get? I asked for one but was told there was none made for our vehicles. After checking it I am almost certain its a bad battery - for whatever reason.

[cico7]

Have you checked fluid level in the battery?
Looking at Sal's comments and yours,
it would be worth looking at.

[Sal-XK]

Jon has one in his XK and made a thread on it. I would find it but I'm on my phone if you don't have by the time I get to a computer I'll look for it.

[Matt]

I think its in the "how to" section. (Also on phone)

[lekmedm]

Curious - what Optima did you get? I asked for one but was told there was none made for our vehicles.

I think you could put a D35 size battery in there. The poles are out on the edges, so reaching for them should be easier. I have a D34/78 and had to bend the connectors to make them reach.

I think the OEM battery is a Mercedes battery. It's really mostly a question of size, and since the Mercedes battery is so large, it's not a big deal to put in an Optima that's generally smaller.

[strokeZ]

Thanks all for the comments - I know its usually a simple thing, but for some reason this did not make sense. I will check the fluid level today and if low refil with demin water. If not low I am taking it back for (hopefully) a replacement.

[strokeZ]

Well each cell was about 1/4 low - but none of the core was exposed. Problem now is that the cap does not want to stay on - So -I am faced with either trying to get the cap to seal and hope it stays that way or suck it up and buy a new battery. Anyone have thoughts on that?

[cico7]

Well each cell was about 1/4 low - but none of the core was exposed. Problem now is that the cap does not want to stay on - So -I am faced with either trying to get the cap to seal and hope it stays that way or suck it up and buy a new battery. Anyone have thoughts on that?

hammatime?

[Matt]

Could be the water pump.......

But i'd probably just get a new battery first. I put a Bosch S5 in mine.