S2000 Battery

wolfie · 12-19-2006, 09:50 AM

The battery in my '02 S2000 will no longer hold a charge. Any recommendations on an upgraded version or is the stock Honda replacement
my best bet?

Scott · 12-19-2006, 11:05 AM

Some people have switched over to the Optima Yellow Top, but it's debateable that it's any better than an OEM replacement.

MattG · 12-19-2006, 10:58 PM

If your battery is not dead, the problem might be your car alternator.
Unless you have some big ICE (in car entertainment), you probably won't need to upgrade to some expensive sort of battery.

If all else fails, you can always push-start your car

Java Junky · 12-20-2006, 09:12 PM

A battery's mostly a battery wolf. 'S'long's it's got the amps to match up to what mother Honda installed at the factory it should be able to do the job.
I'm not up-to-date on it, but if a replacement Honda battery's much more expensive than a name you trust that's readily available locally, I'd go with cheaper brand, but again, as long as it's up to the amps of the OEM unit.
Be well.
Java

philiam · 10-04-2007, 11:01 PM

You will want to get as many amps as will fit in. The s2000 has very high compression and will put more strain on the battery. Higher amps will make things easier on all the electrics the battery will last a little longer. I can let my Civic stand for months and it will fire up at the turn of a key. They last me 7 years. It's an 89.

I have an Optima red top in my Diesel motor home and it holds up well. Could use a few more amps, though, Really high compression. It is a sealed unit and you never have to add water. They have gotten rather pricey though. But they have a 3 year replacement warranty. Not pro rated.

Java Junky · 10-05-2007, 09:07 AM

Phil, the higher compression has the battery needin' max amps at start up, but is there call for the extra amps other than that?
(I ain't bustin' chops, I'm takin' notes.)
Thanks.
Java

s2000isu · 10-05-2007, 09:36 AM

Dont take notes on that java and I am bustin chops lol. Sure its 11 ta 1 but its also 2 or 2.2 liters lol. My buddies nova with a 383 stroker motor running either 12 or 12.5 ta 1 started up with a garbage little battery no problem. I would be willing to bet a tractor battery would have enough to start our cars.

I run a optima red top in my one car and I can not say enough good things about it. Works great plus it looks pretty.

Java Junky · 10-05-2007, 10:16 AM

I hear ya isu, but, outside'a longevity n' its keepin' on, keepin' on . . how else do ya actually judge one battery as better'n another.
Aaaay! I'm dyin' here isu!
When'a we gonna get an "in-depth" on the Vortech?????
Stop polishin' long enough to fill us in why don'cha.
Be well.
Java

s2000isu · 10-05-2007, 10:43 AM

Alright I like the red top because you never have to worry about the posts corroding. It has plenty of cranking amps and it holds a charge forever. I left my other car sit for 8 months when I did the motor and it started right up. My buddy has a gto that sat for a year and he has a air bag suspension that he always plays with and that battery took it really well. I have had my red top for 3 years now and I just like it. I am sure when the batter goes in the s I will buy a optima for it too.

jagg · 10-05-2007, 10:50 AM

batteries? most of 'em are pretty good nowadays. just don't get some brand NOBODY ever heard of........

nuff said on that.
need details on how the hop-up-job feels on your wheels isu!!!!

gomarlins3 · 10-05-2007, 11:41 AM

Some people have actually gone to a smaller battery to save weight. Personally, I would go with another OEM. Mine has lasted almost 6 years.

Vezna31 · 10-05-2007, 12:15 PM

I'm trying to remember if I've ever changed my battery.

As far as a battery to handle high compression, I would tend to disagree since the only thing the battery does is start the car. The alternator takes over after that.

philiam · 10-06-2007, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Java Junky

Phil, the higher compression has the battery needin' max amps at start up, but is there call for the extra amps other than that?
(I ain't bustin' chops, I'm takin' notes.)
Thanks.
Java

Probably just my paranoia. You might not feel the difference at first but a few years down the line you might buying a new one. A larger battery has an easier time starting and therefore should last longer. For a few bucks more, amortized over 6 or 7 yrs, I prefer a little overkill. If allowed to get too low a battery will die a slow death. Especially if they are not desulfated.

My stukay sure doesn't turn near as fast as my 90 Civic. I don't know if the battery has been replaced or not. The car is a very well maintained 2002.

There are only about 3 companies that make all the batteries under different labels. But they are made to different specs.

dr. feinstone · 10-09-2007, 11:47 PM

wolfie.
you have a 2002 ap1 model, this is 2007. It is a 5 years old battery, thus it is possible your battery need a replacement. Go to an autoparts store and look for a replacement. Make sure to get a correct size for your car. It should be about 28 pounds in weight. Or you can experiment lighter weight battery like oddysey, spoon sport and buddy club. Also check your alternator by looking at the battery and brake warning lights, if they both appear at the same time. Have a shop inspect for alternator failure.

philiam · 10-10-2007, 12:54 AM

If you're gonna pull you battery for some reason hook a battery charger or 9 volt battery to the cables before disconnecting and the radio will keep its code. Be sure to reconnect before taking the back up off.

desmo4 · 10-10-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

Some people have switched over to the Optima Yellow Top, but it's debateable that it's any better than an OEM replacement.

Optima no longer sells a battery which will fit or cars. They built a D51 and I had one for slightly under a yr when it failed (open circuit) Optima gave a 100% refund and told me that the battery was defective and it was a manufacturing flaw due to the small size. And when I contacted them recently, they said they have no plans to build another D51. I also tried an Odyssey PC925 the favorite Civic model. It needs special handling and without it, it will fail in short order. It can't deal with alarm systems or big loads that leave the battery below full charge when the car is parked. So no matter where you are it needs to be on a charger when it is stopped or it will sulphanate and loose capacity. I tried the Odyssey for weight loss but I ended up with the standard flooded electrolyte sealed antique. You can put a bigger Optima in the truck but weight distribution and cargo capacity will suffer.

Jonathan

MattG · 10-10-2007, 05:54 PM

BTW - wrong forum. This is as the title suggests for posting about the actual website (eg coding/bugs etc).

Rick006 · 02-20-2008, 02:49 AM

If you are looking down the road to better performance one way to start is to buy a lighter battery that will do the job, there are several out there that will. when you add everything up it really makes a difference, It did in my car anyway.

dmdiebold · 10-10-2008, 01:44 PM

I bought my S2000 new, a little more than 7 years ago. I dont drive it a lot. It often sits for one or two months. It still has the origional battery. Although its starting to get weak, it always starts the car with ease.

That's VERY GOOD performance for an OEM battery.

I know its time to replace it so I compared prices and performance specks of other batterys and found that most top of the line brands cost considerably more than a Honda OEM battery. Even Odyssey only rates their reccomended PC925LMJT at 3 to 7 years of life, with only a 2-year warranty.

You can find great prices on Honda batterys on line.

But beware, they can't ship batterys. They are considered Haz-Mat. You will have to buy locally and there goes the great discount prices.

I say stick with the Honda OEM and buy it at your local Honda dealer. It might cost a little more than a Wal-Mart special, but the quality is worth it. Use a quality battery charger that can desulfide the battery.
I got more than seven (7) years out of mine.

desmo4 · 10-10-2008, 02:41 PM

Optima recently came out with a new D51 which is the size that fits our cars. And is different information than the last time I spoke to them. It is a yellow top and is superior in every way to standard flooded electrolyte batteries. When I need a new battery that will be my choice. And you don't need any more amps than it supplies. And it's lighter than the stock one

Jonathan

desmo4 · 10-10-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmdiebold

I bought my S2000 new, a little more than 7 years ago. I dont drive it a lot. It often sits for one or two months. It still has the origional battery. Although its starting to get weak, it always starts the car with ease.

That's VERY GOOD performance for an OEM battery.

I know its time to replace it so I compared prices and performance specks of other batterys and found that most top of the line brands cost considerably more than a Honda OEM battery. Even Odyssey only rates their reccomended PC925LMJT at 3 to 7 years of life, with only a 2-year warranty.

You can find great prices on Honda batterys on line.

But beware, they can't ship batterys. They are considered Haz-Mat. You will have to buy locally and there goes the great discount prices.

I say stick with the Honda OEM and buy it at your local Honda dealer. It might cost a little more than a Wal-Mart special, but the quality is worth it. Use a quality battery charger that can desulfide the battery.
I got more than seven (7) years out of mine.

You are incorrect, they can ship batteries. And don't try to run an Odyssey in our cars, it requires a higher charge voltage and will fail prematurely.

Jonathan

bobby2002S2K · 10-10-2008, 04:47 PM

Battery is a battery (if you are just using it for cranking a S2000),if you get OEM or anything close to it, it will be fine.

Neil · 10-10-2008, 06:10 PM

Dozens of times I've started a car with a flat battery by bumping it. If its gotta clutch them you can "bump" to start if you can't turn the car over !

philiam · 10-10-2008, 07:34 PM

Its a Honda. They start so quickly the battery doesn't have to work hard. My 89 Civic OEM lasted 7 years. Replaced it with a Kirkland (Costco) and that lasted 7 years. On my 2nd Kirkland and it still starts quickly after sitting for a month or more.

My 2002 S has the original battery and it still fires right up.

songzunhuang · 10-23-2008, 10:10 AM

In a recent service, the Honda folks told me that my battery was only putting out 250 cca. It's supposed to be in the 400-470 range when performing like new. Here's the weird thing, my car turns over and starts just fine. I've never had an issue. I got my S2000 when they first came out as a 2000 model. It still has the original battery!

So I read with great interest the opinions of all the folks regarding the longevity of their OEM batteries. I think it really has more to do with the quality of the electrical system. I once had an older Ferrari that I put an Optima Red Top into. On several occasions it was DEAD and I had to jump the car. I had this start happening when the battery was less than a year old. So I think that the Italians just can't do electrical correctly. Honda has got that nailed.

As for my S2000, I got one of those emergency booster packs and keep it in the trunk. I am determined to see how long and OEM battery will really last. When my car will no longer start, I'll use to booster pack to get me going to the nearest Honda dealer, when I will get another OEM battery!

philiam · 10-23-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by songzunhuang

In a recent service, the Honda folks told me that my battery was only putting out 250 cca. It's supposed to be in the 400-470 range when performing like new. Here's the weird thing, my car turns over and starts just fine. I've never had an issue. I got my S2000 when they first came out as a 2000 model. It still has the original battery!

So I read with great interest the opinions of all the folks regarding the longevity of their OEM batteries. I think it really has more to do with the quality of the electrical system. I once had an older Ferrari that I put an Optima Red Top into. On several occasions it was DEAD and I had to jump the car. I had this start happening when the battery was less than a year old. So I think that the Italians just can't do electrical correctly. Honda has got that nailed.

As for my S2000, I got one of those emergency booster packs and keep it in the trunk. I am determined to see how long and OEM battery will really last. When my car will no longer start, I'll use to booster pack to get me going to the nearest Honda dealer, when I will get another OEM battery!

Make sure to charge the booster periodically. Often, they are dead when you need them. Italian Marreli electrics weren't too good. Brit Lucas are terrible. Honda got it right.

12-19-2006, 09:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
wolfie Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7	S2000 Battery The battery in my '02 S2000 will no longer hold a charge. Any recommendations on an upgraded version or is the stock Honda replacement my best bet?

12-19-2006, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Scott Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 249	Some people have switched over to the Optima Yellow Top, but it's debateable that it's any better than an OEM replacement. __________________ 1966 Ford Mustang 2003 Land Rover Freelander SOLD: 2002 Honda S2000 - Spa Yellow

12-20-2006, 09:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,433	A battery's mostly a battery wolf. 'S'long's it's got the amps to match up to what mother Honda installed at the factory it should be able to do the job. I'm not up-to-date on it, but if a replacement Honda battery's much more expensive than a name you trust that's readily available locally, I'd go with cheaper brand, but again, as long as it's up to the amps of the OEM unit. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

10-04-2007, 11:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,639	Battery You will want to get as many amps as will fit in. The s2000 has very high compression and will put more strain on the battery. Higher amps will make things easier on all the electrics the battery will last a little longer. I can let my Civic stand for months and it will fire up at the turn of a key. They last me 7 years. It's an 89. I have an Optima red top in my Diesel motor home and it holds up well. Could use a few more amps, though, Really high compression. It is a sealed unit and you never have to add water. They have gotten rather pricey though. But they have a 3 year replacement warranty. Not pro rated. __________________

10-05-2007, 09:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,433	Phil, the higher compression has the battery needin' max amps at start up, but is there call for the extra amps other than that? (I ain't bustin' chops, I'm takin' notes.) Thanks. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

12-19-2006, 10:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
MattG Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 360	If your battery is not dead, the problem might be your car alternator. Unless you have some big ICE (in car entertainment), you probably won't need to upgrade to some expensive sort of battery. If all else fails, you can always push-start your car

10-05-2007, 09:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
s2000isu Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: pa Posts: 1,178	Dont take notes on that java and I am bustin chops lol. Sure its 11 ta 1 but its also 2 or 2.2 liters lol. My buddies nova with a 383 stroker motor running either 12 or 12.5 ta 1 started up with a garbage little battery no problem. I would be willing to bet a tractor battery would have enough to start our cars. I run a optima red top in my one car and I can not say enough good things about it. Works great plus it looks pretty. __________________ S2kx2: "paint it pink! Or better yet buy a Miata" 2001 Vortech SC 12.8 at 111 miles per hour

10-05-2007, 10:16 AM	#8 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,433	I hear ya isu, but, outside'a longevity n' its keepin' on, keepin' on . . how else do ya actually judge one battery as better'n another. Aaaay! I'm *dyin'* here isu! When'a we gonna get an "in-depth" on the Vortech????? Stop polishin' long enough to fill us in why don'cha. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

10-05-2007, 10:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
s2000isu Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: pa Posts: 1,178	Alright I like the red top because you never have to worry about the posts corroding. It has plenty of cranking amps and it holds a charge forever. I left my other car sit for 8 months when I did the motor and it started right up. My buddy has a gto that sat for a year and he has a air bag suspension that he always plays with and that battery took it really well. I have had my red top for 3 years now and I just like it. I am sure when the batter goes in the s I will buy a optima for it too. __________________ S2kx2: "paint it pink! Or better yet buy a Miata" 2001 Vortech SC 12.8 at 111 miles per hour

10-05-2007, 10:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,526	batteries? most of 'em are pretty good nowadays. just don't get some brand NOBODY ever heard of........ nuff said on that. need details on how the hop-up-job feels on your wheels isu!!!!

10-05-2007, 11:41 AM	#11 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,808	Some people have actually gone to a smaller battery to save weight. Personally, I would go with another OEM. Mine has lasted almost 6 years. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

10-05-2007, 12:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,281	I'm trying to remember if I've ever changed my battery. As far as a battery to handle high compression, I would tend to disagree since the only thing the battery does is start the car. The alternator takes over after that. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

10-09-2007, 11:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
dr. feinstone Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6	wolfie. you have a 2002 ap1 model, this is 2007. It is a 5 years old battery, thus it is possible your battery need a replacement. Go to an autoparts store and look for a replacement. Make sure to get a correct size for your car. It should be about 28 pounds in weight. Or you can experiment lighter weight battery like oddysey, spoon sport and buddy club. Also check your alternator by looking at the battery and brake warning lights, if they both appear at the same time. Have a shop inspect for alternator failure.

10-10-2007, 12:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,639	If you're gonna pull you battery for some reason hook a battery charger or 9 volt battery to the cables before disconnecting and the radio will keep its code. Be sure to reconnect before taking the back up off. __________________

10-10-2007, 05:54 PM	#17 (permalink)
MattG Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 360	BTW - wrong forum. This is as the title suggests for posting about the actual website (eg coding/bugs etc).

02-20-2008, 02:49 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rick006 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 29	If you are looking down the road to better performance one way to start is to buy a lighter battery that will do the job, there are several out there that will. when you add everything up it really makes a difference, It did in my car anyway.

10-10-2008, 01:44 PM	#19 (permalink)
dmdiebold Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1	S2000 battery I bought my S2000 new, a little more than 7 years ago. I dont drive it a lot. It often sits for one or two months. It still has the origional battery. Although its starting to get weak, it always starts the car with ease. That's VERY GOOD performance for an OEM battery. I know its time to replace it so I compared prices and performance specks of other batterys and found that most top of the line brands cost considerably more than a Honda OEM battery. Even Odyssey only rates their reccomended PC925LMJT at 3 to 7 years of life, with only a 2-year warranty. You can find great prices on Honda batterys on line. But beware, they can't ship batterys. They are considered Haz-Mat. You will have to buy locally and there goes the great discount prices. I say stick with the Honda OEM and buy it at your local Honda dealer. It might cost a little more than a Wal-Mart special, but the quality is worth it. Use a quality battery charger that can desulfide the battery. I got more than seven (7) years out of mine.

10-10-2008, 02:41 PM	#20 (permalink)
desmo4 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 543	Optima recently came out with a new D51 which is the size that fits our cars. And is different information than the last time I spoke to them. It is a yellow top and is superior in every way to standard flooded electrolyte batteries. When I need a new battery that will be my choice. And you don't need any more amps than it supplies. And it's lighter than the stock one Jonathan __________________ MY 2000 Mugen Air box, Headers, Exhaust, ECU, Pressure Plate,LSD, Radiator cap NZ Dampers, Thermo SW and Thermostat. Sampco intake pipe and radiator hoses, Swift sway bars, Stillen rotors w/ M-tech extreme pads. BBS JDM Forged Wheels.w/ Potensa Re=01R's Nextgear Intake manifold gasket, SPA gauges, Alpine IDA-X001,KCE-300Bt BT Adapter, Focal 165 K2P speakers, Phoenix Gold ZX475Ti, Recaro Profi SPG w/Sparco 6 pt

10-10-2008, 04:47 PM	#22 (permalink)
bobby2002S2K Wisdom begins in wonder. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lorton,VA Posts: 526	Battery is a battery (if you are just using it for cranking a S2000),if you get OEM or anything close to it, it will be fine. __________________ I still cant get my foot off the floor and its been over a 2yrs now

10-10-2008, 06:10 PM	#23 (permalink)
Neil Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,026	Dozens of times I've started a car with a flat battery by bumping it. If its gotta clutch them you can "bump" to start if you can't turn the car over !

10-10-2008, 07:34 PM	#24 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,639	Its a Honda. They start so quickly the battery doesn't have to work hard. My 89 Civic OEM lasted 7 years. Replaced it with a Kirkland (Costco) and that lasted 7 years. On my 2nd Kirkland and it still starts quickly after sitting for a month or more. My 2002 S has the original battery and it still fires right up. __________________

10-23-2008, 10:10 AM	#25 (permalink)
songzunhuang Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1	8 years and stil alive! In a recent service, the Honda folks told me that my battery was only putting out 250 cca. It's supposed to be in the 400-470 range when performing like new. Here's the weird thing, my car turns over and starts just fine. I've never had an issue. I got my S2000 when they first came out as a 2000 model. It still has the original battery! So I read with great interest the opinions of all the folks regarding the longevity of their OEM batteries. I think it really has more to do with the quality of the electrical system. I once had an older Ferrari that I put an Optima Red Top into. On several occasions it was DEAD and I had to jump the car. I had this start happening when the battery was less than a year old. So I think that the Italians just can't do electrical correctly. Honda has got that nailed. As for my S2000, I got one of those emergency booster packs and keep it in the trunk. I am determined to see how long and OEM battery will really last. When my car will no longer start, I'll use to booster pack to get me going to the nearest Honda dealer, when I will get another OEM battery!