[Teneck83]

Took my 5 week old new optima out of the car and had it tested at auto zone. They claimed the battery was dead and will replace.

Does anyone have a clear cut answer to the cause of this problem?

[avalonandl]

You have a battery drain somewhere.....

[17rsvert]

Originally Posted by Teneck83

Does anyone have a clear cut answer to the cause of this problem?

Sorry, no one can possibly have a definitive answer for you without more information. I tried to help by asking questions, but you didn't answer.

[Teneck83]

Originally Posted by 17rsvert

So I guess that means you did not try a full size battery charger.

Did you verify the new battery was fully charged yourself, or assume it's fully charged because it's new?

Did you check the battery voltage (with the motor off) after the battery has been disconnected from the tender for several hours?

Regardless, a battery tender alone is not going to fully charge it unless you wait a really long time.

Sometimes we make assumptions that make troubleshooting harder.

I assumed it was fully charged when purchased new. My exchange arrives tomorr and will report back. The car is 100% stock , without modifications. It’s definitely an electrical draw, can’t pinpoint where. If others have had a similar issue, it would help with troubleshooting

[17rsvert]

Originally Posted by Teneck83

I assumed it was fully charged when purchased new. My exchange arrives tomorr and will report back. The car is 100% stock , without modifications. It’s definitely an electrical draw, can’t pinpoint where. If others have had a similar issue, it would help with troubleshooting

Do you have a voltmeter to check the new battery? To get a meaningful reading, the battery needs to rested, meaning the engine has not run and the charger has not been connected for about 6 hours or more.

[Teneck83]

Before I install it I’ll check with a voltmeter.

[17rsvert]

Originally Posted by Teneck83

Before I install it I’ll check with a voltmeter.

Are you over 36k miles? You have an '18 so the original battery should have been covered by the 3 year bumper to bumper.

[Teneck83]

Originally Posted by 17rsvert

Are you over 36k miles? You have an '18 so the original battery should have been covered by the 3 year bumper to bumper.

1,300 miles, purchased in March 2019. After hearing dealerships mishaps, I developed fear to bring a car that isn’t a Chevrolet Cavalier to the service dept