I STFA and I came up with pretty much zip for useful information.

I heard that some people reported using the Optima Red Top battery with no modification and no problems at all. But, they make 4 different sizes and no one listed a part number.

I bought a Group 34 battery, the only size they carry at Sam's Club, and tried installing it tonight. The battery fits REALLY well EXCEPT the posts aren't recessed like they are on the OEM fitment battery, so the posts stick up at least another 1"...

Those posts seem to be keeping me from mouting it properly under the back seat.

Unless someone can explain how exactly this fits with the back seat installed... Looks like I'll be returning the Optima tomorrow and getting a Die Hard (OEM fitment, Group 48).

Too bad, because I think it will be a great battery. But, if it don't fit, it don't fit. I'm not really interested in custom fabrication... Just thought I'd give it a try since I couldn't find anything conclusive by searching the forums.

with the Crispy ChickAAN syndrome.

See how far up the terminal posts stick up??
I can't get the seat bottom to "click" back into place like it's supposed to.


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/114659/img_7434.jpg">


They aren't recessed like they are on the OEM one... See below.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/114659/img_7436.jpg">

Unfortunately, I think I'm off to take this one back and pick up a Die Hard in the morning.

Interstate makes one that fits....wait, that's
an interstate in your pic...

It's actually well over 5 years old, and the car sat around a lot with the previous owner...

It actually still works fine, but has shown signs of getting weak and I have a weak start condition, so..

I'm replacing it before it leaves me stranded somewhere. I've owned enough cars to know most batteries last exactly 5 years. This one's beatten the odds and lasted a good bit longer.

Well, I got myself all excited for about 1 minute. I got it to fit perfectly (no rubbing, and not even putting pressure under the rear seat AND even had the factory mounting bracket holding it in...

So, I quickly hooked up the battery terminals WITHOUT BOTHERING TO LOOK AT THE ORIENTATION ON THE OPTIMA... Flash... Sparks!!!

Quickly take terminal away from post... Huh??

Then I notice that the orientation on this battery is exactly opposite of the factory one. Postitive on the other side, negative closest to the door. Ooops. Good thing it only touched for a milisecond.

Ah... screw it... Optima goes back to Sams Club and I'll go over to Sears in the morning for a new Die Hard.

discharge your electrical system.

How does that work??

There a few diodes in a vehicles electrical system that you can reverse the polarity or reverse charge it. (i'm going on memory of my college auto teacher so it might be a little of)

Basically by touching the two of terminals together (with no battery in the car ofcoarse) you are deminishing the reverse charge.

I've seen this work. Once on a v10 touareg and a jetta vr6 that had been boosted backwards.