dpsq Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Optima has no model for battery replacement for 99 STS. I have read that some members have successfully installed them. Could you please tell me what model was bought and if you were able to fit it under the metal structure that partially covers the area where the existing battery is placed. I still have the original AC Delco, but it is getting old and winter is coming on. I would like to replace it with an Optima if I can. Thanks for any help you can give me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfreezn Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Optima has no model for battery replacement for 99 STS. I have read that some members have successfully installed them. Could you please tell me what model was bought and if you were able to fit it under the metal structure that partially covers the area where the existing battery is placed. I still have the original AC Delco, but it is getting old and winter is coming on. I would like to replace it with an Optima if I can. Thanks for any help you can give me. Get the Red Top which comes with both top and side posts. You will need to lay it on it's side but this is not a problem with Optima. AVailable at Costco for $105 I highly endorse the Optima line which I have been using in Phoenix for 10 years or so. You would not believe the trouble we have here with conventional liquid acid batteries. They die early and without warning, most side posts leak, all of them cause corrosion due to liquid and vapors being released. Good luck, Jim in Phoenix Jim in Phoenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Jim, I WISH I bought an Optima, I had to replace mine recently and it was a rushed deal. Next time.. By the way, Phoenix is my favorite place in the world. I love it there, and had the opportunity to come there in 1991 to work but my wife would not move :-( I was there about 50 times on business between 84 and 91, OMG, I love it. I have stayed in the Biltmore, Wyndham Paridise Valley hotel, The Phoenician, the Marriotts, the Pointes. I love the restaurant "A different Point of View" at the Point at Tapatio.. Amazing... I hope to die there someday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 I just replaced an AC Delco with another AC Delco, but the price of Optimas was uncommonly high in my area I think. Most were in the $120-130 range. However, the next time I was at Sam's, I saw them there for barely over a hundred. If I had known that, I probably would have gone for it. Whenever I replace the battery in the Caravan, it'll definitely be an Optima. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_99_sts Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 So which group/size red top Optima will fit the '99 STS on its side, with no vehicle modifications? The Optima web site says there is NOTHING to fit the '99 STS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 So which group/size red top Optima will fit the '99 STS on its side, with no vehicle modifications? The Optima web site says there is NOTHING to fit the '99 STS. I was not able to find a battery other than OEM ACDelco that would meet the CCA specification and also mount under the seat without modifying the seat, or the floor pan, or both. But that was 11 months ago. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfreezn Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 <<So which group/size red top Optima will fit the '99 STS on its side, with no vehicle modifications? The Optima web site says there is NOTHING to fit the '99 STS. >> Sorry, Didn't mean to mislead.. The redtop will not fit without a little effort. You have to change the ground cable to the ring type and hammer down a piece of sheetmetal as I recall. My friend did all the work on his 96 deville and I just looked it over. The redtop comes in only one physical size and is rated about 800 CCA, plenty for any Caddy. Jim in Phoenix Jim in Phoenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EldoGuy Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 The Optima with the red top is a perfect fit for my '92 Touring Coupe My opinion : the best battery on the market ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpsq Posted October 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 I really appreciate the info. that will help me decide what to do. I may chance the old one through the winter as it really is showing no signs of weakness...I know they can fail with no warning. I really would like to replace with an optima...just how much banging on the frame was necessary? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhead007 Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 iv had nothing but bad luck with the optima in my camaro and would not put one in the caddie they go bad very easy iv replaced u nder waranty mine twice this is in a car that is only driven here and there i charge it regularlly i just have no faith in them lasting as long as claimed there is even a cut off and they still go low junk will never buy another one just mt story with em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 The battery under the rear seat must be vented to keep gases from entering the passanger compartment! Are the optima batteries vented???? This can be a serious situation if not vented. That is reason I stayed with OEM on wifes 1999 SLS. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpsq Posted October 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 Apparently the Optima batteries are sealed and venting is not necessary...can someone verify this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 It is not listed for the 1999 Seville because they do not make one that is properly vented. Just because it fits does not mean it is safe. I Contacted Optima about installing under the rear seat and they advised against it. Be very careful about permitting battery fumes into the passanger compartment. all batteries must breath. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpsq Posted October 25, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 thanks Charlie. sounds like maybe the Optima is not the best choice after all...don't want to be breathin' battery fumes!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob D Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 Charlie,dpsq, et all. Optima batteries are a hermetically sealed unit, they do not "breath", by design. They are the safest battery on the market. They passed Mil Specs, and are used in the Presidential Cadillac. In fact, under testing, the Optima battery took a direct hit from a M-16 burst and continued to crank the Presidential Cadillac over and run. I've retrofitted them to all of my cars. '93 STS.. opened, dropped, wide...fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 You can reach Optima Hot line at 1-888-867-8462. THEY DO HAVE VENTS! It is called a pressure release valve and will open if the battery is overcharged! They let out dangerous gases. TO each their own.. but I do not want anything vented into my passanger compartment. Feel free to call theit Tech Dept. Not customer service GRANTED THEY ONLY OPEN IF ACCIDENTLY OVERCHARGED BUT I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE.. NO REASON TO DO THAT! Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob D Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 Granted, the hermetcally sealed Optima 'gel' battery will vent if overcharged to the extreme, the probabilities of which are low. They will also operate safely rotated on any axis. In case of an accident and cracked case, the gel remains intact and will not flow...Compared to a liquid filled conventional battey that will continually vent even with minimal charging in the most benign environments, (and will drain if tipped) which would you really rather have under your seat, given that's the only location available? '93 STS.. opened, dropped, wide...fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 PROBABILITY LOW! As Info their were a large number og 1999 Seville's that were recalled because of defective alternators. MY wife's was one of them. The battery was cooked. As I said TO EACH THEIR OWN. My preference is to have the battery vented away from the passanger compartment..JUST IN CASE. I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT EVERYONE WITH A 1999 SEVILLE HAVE THE DEALER RUN THE VIN.. FOR ALTERNATOR RECALL. OR CHECK ALLDATA. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 Alternator recall on '99's? Hmm, didn't know that. I'll have to look into that as my daughter has one. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 The recall was issued june 1999 and is bulletin 99013a applies to certain 1998 and 1999 seville's 1998 sevilles mfg. in hamtrack plant vin wu 934377 to wu 934516 1999 sevilles mfg in hamtrack plant vin xu 900001 to xu 934524 . Trust me this is a serious recall HAVE YOUR DEALER RUN THE VIN. Alternator replacement on these cars is over $1000.00 Water cooled Alternator. No way I would want a OPTIMA bomb under the rear seat with a overcharging alternator. Hope this helps. Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 5, 2005 Report Share Posted November 5, 2005 My daughters '99 falls within the above listed numbers so I checked with the dealer today and they said there is no recall listed for her car. Could you be talking about a TSB by chance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted November 5, 2005 Report Share Posted November 5, 2005 DEFINATELY A SAFETY RECALL. Letters were mailed out April 24th 1999. To be sure you may want to call Cadillac 1-800-458-8006 or NHTSA 1-888-327-4236 Reference the Safety Recall number I Posted. If your car was used it may have been previously fixed. Should be a sticker under the hood. Even if you do not have a subscription you can go into Alldata and see the SAFETY RECALLS Good Luck Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 Right you are Mr. Boyle. I did a search on the NHTSA site and located it. There are two numbers. One is the number you listed which did not produce any info. The recall number for anyone with a '98 or '99 is 99V070000. Guess I am going to have to educate the dealer again. BTW, Where do you live? I used to know a Charlie Boyle. Maybe we're old friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBOYLE15 Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 Really glad you found it! This was a very serious recall. Their were problems with cars catching fire and burning peoples garages. This could occur when the car was parked in the garage. As I understand it their was a short in the alternator. In our case it stuck and cooked the battery. The work is extensive to replace the water cooled alternator in these cars. The shop manual says to discharge the air conditioner so the condenser can be removed. Their are some tricks that a good Cadillac tech can use to do it without blowing the AC charge. Chances are if you bought your car used it was done! If you would like a printed copy send me a E mail with your home address and I would be happy to print it off of AllData and send to you via US mail. I live in Yardley PA. Own a 1989 Riviera 2001 DTS 1999 SLS my E mail is CFB11@PRODIGY.NET Good Luck Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 Thanks Charlie. I guess you are not the Charlie Boyle I knew unless you used to live in the Chicago area and worked for UAL. I have the recall downloaded and should be able to print it. I thought that it may have been done but I checked my daughters car this morning and there is no Campaign sticker on it so I guess I'll have to convince the dealer that it is for real. From previous expirince I suspect I'll have to go to Cadillac and have them call the dealer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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