I replaced my factory Motorcraft Batt for an optima (red), everything seemed to be OK, the optima was a little low so I charged it per instructions. Now when starting truck, it cranks hard and slow until it fires, then the dash cluster goes blank the gauges sweep to side to side the shut off for 2-5 seconds then return to normal. It also is erasing the radio presets during startup.... Could this be a bad battery or a more serious issue.

2001 Ford Lighting
34,000 miles
no additional electronics except for E-fan

 

That is a prime sign of a dead battery. Maybe you got a dud?

 

Could be a bad connection as well.

 

I've read so many of these posts, and another dead optima rears it's ugly head.

 

double checked the connections and recleaned them as well, I too was thinking a faulty battery; but wasn't sure.

 

That's funny, I installed an Optima 4 years ago and have run my e-fan between runs at the strip hundreds of times without a single problem. Gee, I must have got one of the "few" good ones.

 

Johnny, No real dis intended on Optima red or yellow many haven't had any issues my point is many have, you've been around the boards. How many posts have been writen about tanked optimas or voltage issues when people do a battery location kits, do a quick search and enjoy the reading.

 

my optima blue top has been great for years

 

Put in a new one and everything seems to be back to normal.... must have been a dud!