[15Hybrid]

Dealer says my regular 12V battery needs to be replaced.

They want 500 for it. I think they are nutz.. Does anyone know what the deal is , and is there an acceptable aftermarket battery.

 

[clemsonwebdesign]

Had same issue with our 2012 before the engine blew @ 100,104 miles.. We went to walmart and just got a regular battery. The post have to be reversed I believe. Worked great for years..

 

[JasonS]

Walmart is a life saver for batteries. Usually have them in stock. Make sure you get the correct type though!

 

[Dean76GP]

Kia has not released the design of the 12v batteries to the aftermarket, probably so that they can overcharge us for replacements. They use an AGM battery, not a lead-acid type. DO NOT use a parts store battery! I tried to outsmart them and less than a month later it blew a $180 fuse in my electrical system. The reason for this is that the AGM battery takes and holds a charge differently than a lead-acid battery and the alternator and electrical system are designed to properly charge an AGM battery. It will overcharge a standard battery, which will eventually blow a fuse or cause other destruction somewhere else. Remember, it's the stingy man that pays the most!

 

[tonester]

...The reason for this is that the AGM battery takes and holds a charge differently than a lead-acid battery and the alternator and electrical system are designed to properly charge an AGM battery. It will overcharge a standard battery, which will eventually blow a fuse or cause other destruction somewhere else.

Interesting but at the same time not surprised that Kia apparently implements this; BMW does something similar as well--Google "BMW battery registration" to see what I mean. Note however that with BMW you can use either lead-acid or AGM but you need to tell the system which type of battery is in use.

 

[Jammer]

Dealer says my regular 12V battery needs to be replaced.

They want 500 for it. I think they are nutz.. Does anyone know what the deal is , and is there an acceptable aftermarket battery.

Carquest now Advance Auto Parts carry in stock the battery for the Optima hybrid Part# Battery, Group Size H6R, 600 CCA
cost is about $160.00 + tax

 

[Jackass12345]

Had same issue with our 2012 before the engine blew @ 100,104 miles.. We went to walmart and just got a regular battery. The post have to be reversed I believe. Worked great for years..

To remove the 12v battery do you just have to remove the 2 screws holding the metal piece thats in between the battery? Or is there more to it

 

[chrisw0529]

Kia has not released the design of the 12v batteries to the aftermarket, probably so that they can overcharge us for replacements. They use an AGM battery, not a lead-acid type. DO NOT use a parts store battery! I tried to outsmart them and less than a month later it blew a $180 fuse in my electrical system. The reason for this is that the AGM battery takes and holds a charge differently than a lead-acid battery and the alternator and electrical system are designed to properly charge an AGM battery. It will overcharge a standard battery, which will eventually blow a fuse or cause other destruction somewhere else. Remember, it's the stingy man that pays the most!

You can get a AGM battery at the parts store. I got one at O'Reilley's yesterday

 

[Jammer]

You can get this battery at O'Reilly Auto Parts.
I have had this one for 2 years now. Super Start Extreme Battery Group Size 48R or Super Start Premium Battery H6R...They fit right in. Take care...

 

[thearborbarber]

I agree with the above. We've had the same battery for a year and a half and works.

 

[Jammer]

I notice were your name is you have a 2018 Optima LX. Is this the car you had to replace the battery for? If so the battery Kia is using are junk, mine lasted a little over 3 years. I have a 2015 Optima EX Hybrid.

 

[thearborbarber]

We have 2018s Kia and Hyundau both batteries died in about a year and a half.

 

[Jammer]

Wow