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Mini Battery and cold weather.....DEAD

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Old Jan 10, 2010, 12:49 PM
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Mini Battery and cold weather.....DEAD

I got a mini battery last year in Febuary and had no issues during the winter here in Jersey. Ever since a week ago everytime I go out in the morning and start my evo the battery is dead. I charged it and it was fine for a little bit but If I leave it overnight it will be dead in the morning. I'll post voltages through out today and let everyone know how the cold weather effects the mini batterys.

3:45pm now 12.5 volts
Old Jan 10, 2010, 12:58 PM
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Did you add any electronics since then? Maybe you have something drawing the battery down
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:16 PM
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Some people say that the mini batteries will not last long due to the extreme cold up north
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:17 PM
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My mini battery has not died yet....but it does seem to crank over much slower. I went ahead and bought a Jump Starter from Advance auto for winter time use for worst case senario.
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:20 PM
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Im in elpaso,tx and my car wont start under 25-30 degrees give or take...
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:28 PM
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If I dont start my car every other day it will Die on me to in this cold weather. It did it last year a few times when I first got my car then was fine all summer long. I guess you just have to deal with it and drive your car all the time..lol
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:31 PM
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In for voltage updates.
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:31 PM
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I have heard this about the mini batteries and that is why I stuck with the stock setup. If you really want to save space, relocate the battery to the trunk where you have lots of room and stick with the big battery. More cold cranking amps and more reliable in the wintertime.

Hope you solve your issues
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by buchnerj
I have heard this about the mini batteries and that is why I stuck with the stock setup. If you really want to save space, relocate the battery to the trunk where you have lots of room and stick with the big battery. More cold cranking amps and more reliable in the wintertime.

Hope you solve your issues
Heh, on the Evo X they already relocated the battery to the trunk from the factory but I also did that on my Evo 8 and used a full sized battery that was fine in the winter.

I'm running an STM Mini-battery and while it does crank a little slower when left outside overnight in the cold, making sure nothing is drawing on the battery while it's parked can make a difference. I do garage mine 90% of the time so it's likely not going to be a problem. I've still got my original battery hanging around which I charge up every 3 months just in case though.
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:44 PM
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In the colder weather up here in NY, I try to start my car at least once a week, and drive it when I can. If that fails I use my Deltran battery tender to keep the battery juiced up.
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:57 PM
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I live in Minneapolis, MN where it can get pretty cold. So I decided to go the Honda battery route (Group 51R). I have not had any issues starting so far.

With the 51R, I am able to run the short route ETS upper intercooler pipes. You should be able to pick up the 51R in any auto store, Wallmart, etc. I got mine at Sams for $65 out the door.

Good Luck!
Old Jan 10, 2010, 02:59 PM
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Forgot to mention that you will have to fab a customized battery tray for the 51R.
Old Jan 10, 2010, 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Taiman
I live in Minneapolis, MN where it can get pretty cold. So I decided to go the Honda battery route (Group 51R). I have not had any issues starting so far.

With the 51R, I am able to run the short route ETS upper intercooler pipes. You should be able to pick up the 51R in any auto store, Wallmart, etc. I got mine at Sams for $65 out the door.

Good Luck!
What is the cca rating?
Old Jan 10, 2010, 03:11 PM
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Mini battery sucks. Just stick with the stock one.
Old Jan 10, 2010, 03:21 PM
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I've seen a billet alum tray for the Optima 51R (Yellow Top, 500 CCA according to the website). Not too expensive either (maybe $80).

I'm considering this route.


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