I might be buying an Optima red/yellow(not sure yet)top battery. I think I have to change all of the battery cables and clamps because they are kind of dull/worn out. Does the Optima battery has any kind of accessories that go with it such as battery cables, clamps, battery tie down, etc.? And is it hard to change the battery cables? I have yet to take the battery out, so I can't really tell. And this will my first time replacing the battery myself. Last time, I just brought it to someone to replace it. Thus, I'm a newbie DIY kind of guy. I just want to make sure I get everything right. I wonder should I also replace the battery tray? It's very dirty, it's filled with greases; just a total mess. Someone told me that the Optima battery is going to come cheap. At least $100 and up? And that not including any accessories they have that I need to buy also.

 

I would reuse the existing battery cables unless there is something wrong with them. However, some owners are willing to replace functional parts for esthetic reasons. It's your money.

This is how I would go about replacing the cables.

1) Make a written record of the radio station pre-sets because disconnecting the battery will cause the radio and clock to have "amnesia".

2) Remove the negative battery post clamp.

3) Remove the positive battery post clamp.

4) Remove the battery.

5) Remove the battery tray. Wash it. Inspect it. You may decide it is suitable for reuse.

6) The other end of the positive cable is fastened to the starter motor. With good dexterity you may be able to reach it and disconnect it. If so, do this because it will save time. Otherwise you have to remove the air filter housing and all the black ductwork up to the Throttle Body. This is not difficult, but is time consuming. Use masking tape to label any hoses and electrical connectors you remove. Remove the old positive cable. Install the new positive cable.

7) The other end of the negative cable is fastened to a bracket on the corner of the engine. Remove the old negative cable. Install the new negative cable.

8) Re-install the air ductwork if you found it necessary to remove it in step 6.

9) Install the battery tray. Install the new battery. Fasten the new cables to it, positive and then negative connections.

10) Smoke test. Verify that the engine starts and runs.

11) Reset the radio station presets and set the clock.

 

Well in my max i have th eYellow top battery and x2 chrome phoenix gold battery terminals. They were a ***** to change, but look good when your done. When i changed out the terminals i actually pried off the stock ones to leave me with the most amount of wire possible. I still had to cut back some of the rubber to get more copper exposed. The hardest part in changing the terminals is taking the old ones off. Also, i cleaned out my battery tray. It was kinda dirty with sand and whatever.

If your looking just for a solid replacement battery go with the RED top cause that one is a starting battery.
The YELLOW (what i have) is really ment for supplying extra juice for systems and high wattage bulbs. Not a direct replacement for the stock battery. The YELLOW last about 2 years and the red at least 3 or more. So thats the big difference between the two.

I sent you pics of my battery with the new terminals on it as a reference for you. In the pics i have the RED top,but you get the idea.




[Edited by ny96maxse on 12-28-2000 at 06:37 PM]

 

Thanks Daniel B. Martin for the informative post. And thanks ny96maxse for the pics.

What is the price difference between the yellow and red top battery? If what you are saying is true, the best bet for me is get the red top one, since you say the yellow top one doesn't last as long. I just hope that the red top one is good enough to handle my stereo system, and future interior lightings I might do.

 

be fine on it. I cut my wires when I changed terminals and as a result, the optima was a pain to fit in there, but I managed to do it with some patience, and a wooden raiser pad. If you're running over 1000 watts of juice I'd go with the yellow top. Otherwise the red top should be fine (I'm running 2k watts and the yellow still dims )

 

You can pick up some 8" J-Hooks battery hold down kit at Trak auto. They are the same length as the stock ones, but the thread goes down further. You know what I mean =) This way you don't have to raise it up with wood. I'll post some before and after pictures.