Odyssey Batteries and BatteriesPlus - Bad JuJu

[Matt_E]

I have had two broken Odyssey batteries in one year (PC625). I consider that to be bad performance.
What I consider much worse is the horrible customer service.
I had the first one replaced by a Batteriesplus store in Spokane. They did it - grudgingly.
The second time they just flat out lied to my wife (I wasn't there). They told her the battery was fine, it just needed charging. Bull********.
I have sent letters to both the BatteriesPlus headquarters and Odyssey. I have yet to get a reply.

I guess I'll have to find some outfit I can ship the battery to and get a replacement.

I am done with Odyssey. If the questionable quality didn't put me over the edge, the non-customer-service did.

[WaveDemon]

I have had two broken Odyssey batteries in one year (PC625). I consider that to be bad performance.
What I consider much worse is the horrible customer service.
I had the first one replaced by a Batteriesplus store in Spokane. They did it - grudgingly.
The second time they just flat out lied to my wife (I wasn't there). They told her the battery was fine, it just needed charging. Bull********.
I have sent letters to both the BatteriesPlus headquarters and Odyssey. I have yet to get a reply.

I guess I'll have to find some outfit I can ship the battery to and get a replacement.

I am done with Odyssey. If the questionable quality didn't put me over the edge, the non-customer-service did.Call Odyssey. they were great to me on the phone. The batteries plus in tampa is a joke too.

[Matt_E]

Okay, I'll give that a try.

[WaveDemon]

Okay, I'll give that a try.
when I talked to them, they were disapointed with my local distributors. Batteris plus said they couldn't replace mine. the Odyssey rep told me where the numbers were to prove the age of the battery and gave me their direct number so that she could talk to the people at batteries plus. She also told me that they would replace the battery through the mail if the store wouldn't do it.

I'll give Odyssey an A+ for customer service.

[Matt_E]

Okay. I will call them and update this thread afterwards.

[kingnothing3]

i have had very good luck with my odyssey batteries as well

[Matt_E]

Here is an update. A confirmed THUMBS DOWN for Odyssey (EnerSys). I called them up directly and was told that I would have to take it back to whomever I bought it from - this in direct contradiction to what their warranty statement says.
I asked them if I could deal with them directly and was told no. Furthermore, they said to not buy on the Internet because it's shady. W T F ? ? ?

I just wrote an email to Odyssey World, an Ebay retailer where I purchased the battery originally.
We'll see what happens.

Summary: So far, this company sucks ass. I am well within the warranty period, but no one is willing to help me obtain a replacement. Based on that, I wouldn't recommend an Odyssey battery to anyone. In fact, I'll be actively discouraging people from buying it.

[WaveDemon]

that sucks:frown:

[hangtime]

Aren't you running TL .If you are I would say your battery warranty is void .
I've had my odyssey for 2 years and going strong with only the occasional trickle charge for maintenance :Banane01:

[Matt_E]

Why do you think running TL would void the warranty? It's not described in their warranty papers. In fact, just the fact that you run it in a Powersports application reduces the warranty from 3 to 2 years.

But total loss? I wouldn't consider that abuse, would you?

[gorilla]

matt, wtf.
you must have a current draining issue with your ski.
i left my ski down in calif for the whole winter.
i just got back home and hooked up the odessey, and it started right up, like a new battery.
you must have a freaky boat ???

have you had it blessed ???

i got all kinds of stock sj ignition stuff that i will start listing + need to sell.

keep watching.

good luck

gorilla

[Matt_E]

No drain that I know of. Besides, I charged it after every ride (so every other day) with a recommended charger, per the manual.

[hangtime]

I couldn't tell if you were being sarcastic about running TL but that is not how a battery is maintained .TL destroys batteries I would think .:bad3:


It's weird how I just said I've had mine for 2 years with no issues and today ..............click, click .

I tried charging and it apperas my Odyssey is dead after almost 2 years of awesome service .

When I was in NJ I let Pancaker use my battery to try to start his boat after it sunk and then Paul charged it for me but I'm think his battery tender isnt the right kind of charger for it .

[Matt_E]

Well - the manual doesn't mention you cannot charge the battery on a daily basis, or that you cannot run total loss. Think about it - running TL and recharging after riding is in effect no different than a regular charging system.

Total Loss does not destroy batteries - good batteries that is.

As for the battery tender - I think Odyssey specifically mentions that charger as being okay. I may be wrong.

[hangtime]

I think running TL puts a lot more strain on the battery .Your draining it down untill it's almost dead and then recharging it .It uses the battery to perform every task on your ski.

While a regular charging system maintains the battery at all times and never drains it .The battery is used for starting purposes only .

Completely different uses of the battery and the TL is without a doubt tougher on the battery .

[Matt_E]

Yes, Total Loss is tougher on the battery, I agree.
However, I never let the battery discharge all the way. I would ride for 2-4 hours and then recharge. Typically, a battery should give about 8 hours with TL.
My charger always indicated no less than 50% charge left.
Besides, the Odyssey manual specifically mentions that deep cycling (discharging/charging) is okay.

Regardless, I have moved on to a Jetworks battery, which was highly recommended to me. Time will tell.

[Mouthfulloflake]

actually its quite a bit different than the batteries normal life.

it goes way beyond the typical depth of discharge that makes a battery live long.

they list the number of potential cycles that you can discharge those batteries, its alot more when you never go below a 80% state of charge.

when you take it down to 50% its not very many cycles.





Well - the manual doesn't mention you cannot charge the battery on a daily basis, or that you cannot run total loss. Think about it - running TL and recharging after riding is in effect no different than a regular charging system.

Total Loss does not destroy batteries - good batteries that is.

As for the battery tender - I think Odyssey specifically mentions that charger as being okay. I may be wrong.

[SUPERJET-113]

I just bought a new Odyssey for my SJ off Ebay about a month ago. Its been great so far, but I dont have TL.
I also have a Jetworks going on 4 years in my XP with no problems and its a Seadoo that slowly drains the battery down through the MPEM after a few weeks on a regular acid type battery. I never disconnect a cable on it like i used to have to do when i didnt ride it for a few weeks.

You'll like that Jetworks. What did you pay for that if I may ask?

[michael950]

I too have an Odyssey and have been happy with the battery. I purchased it April of '05 and needed to charge it once (left bilge on), and I watched it very carefully with my standard Die Hard battery charger careful not to charge it too long.

I disconnect it off season, and in season it starts every time.

It disappoints me to hear of the warranty problems you are experiencing, so I may switch to jetworks when it or my Yusa dies.

[Matt_E]

I paid retail for it - whatever that was. 89 bucks perhaps?

[feartheride]

Only thing I don,t like about the jetworks is the way the terminal mounts.
Last week I so did not want to dissconect the battery while changing c.d.i.
End result a ground wire fell against the solonoid and,coil wires caught fire and coil burst

[kid4now]

I give Odyssey a big thumbs DOWN also. I went through the exact same thing. Batteries plus cried and whined we lose money if we replace it odyssey doesnt pay us back ... Its ok all it needs is a charge bla bla bla...

I spoke directly to Odyssey also and quoted thier warrenty to them ( take it to any authorized dealer for a replacement battery ) and the guy tells me " ya I know but we cant force the retailer to replace it for you. You need to take it back to the place you bought it, BS.

The first odyseey I had was great after that I had 2 that suck _SS.

I`m done with odyssey also. They lie and thier warrenty is false !

[Matt_E]

I am glad I am not the only one getting ********ed.

[douglee25]

I give Odyssey a big thumbs DOWN also. I went through the exact same thing. Batteries plus cried and whined we lose money if we replace it odyssey doesnt pay us back ... Its ok all it needs is a charge bla bla bla...

I spoke directly to Odyssey also and quoted thier warrenty to them ( take it to any authorized dealer for a replacement battery ) and the guy tells me " ya I know but we cant force the retailer to replace it for you. You need to take it back to the place you bought it, BS.

The first odyseey I had was great after that I had 2 that suck _SS.

I`m done with odyssey also. They lie and thier warrenty is false !

If their warranty says exactly that and they aren't following through, report them to the better business bureau. www.bbb.com and file a complaint. It's a start anyway.

Doug

[Matt_E]

Thank you. I will do that.

[Gainera2582]

Getting my replacement this week or next(brand new), I will see how long it lasts!!!!!!!!

[Matt_E]

Who did you get the replacement from?

[Gainera2582]

batteries4everything.com

[2nd nature]

im glad i got a jetworks battery. my friend has 4 going on 5 years of use no problems and doesnt charge them over the winter.

[Matt_E]

I checked into using an Odyssey battery for Total Loss ignitions.
Here's what Odyssey's website has to say:


There are two types of chargers for powersports applications, depending on the way the battery is used. The first type is the cyclic use charger, required in situations where the battery will be deeply discharged each time and must be recharged relatively quickly. All recommended chargers can be connected and operated indefinitely.

That seems to indicate that Odyssey powersports batteries (Including the PC625) are designed to be deeply discharged and recharged - i.e., total loss ignition use.

some more:

Racing Vehicles using total loss (no alternator) - standard automotive type chargers are not
designed to return 105-108% of the energy removed. They normally boost charge to 80-95%
and expect the alternator to complete the charge. Chargers listed on our website at
www.odysseyfactory.com/odycharg_c.htm are specifically designed for ODYSSEY batteries
that are routinely deeply discharged. They provide the 105-108% recharge and then switch to
storage charge.

So...clearly, Odyssey powersports batteries are intended to be used with Total Loss ignitions!!!

Guess what else? The first charger I used, a Schumacher speedcharger (Linky (http://www.batteryweb.com/schumacher-charger-detail.cfm?Model=SC-2500A)) is on the list of recommended chargers!!! That means I never charged the battery wrong the first time!
Well, according to the manual I did, but it's number one on the list of recommended chargers!

some more charging info:

It is imperative not to exceed 15.0V as this will cause the
pressure valves to open and out-gas hydrogen, oxygen and water from inside the battery.
This will shorten the life of the battery and cause premature failure. Some portable chargers
exceed 15.0V, especially two-wheel garage chargers, so charging voltages should be verified
by measuring the charging voltage during the time when the charging amperage is reducing
from full output. The deep cycle charging voltage must be within 14.1V minimum to 14.7V
maximum.

I know for a fact that the recommended Schumacher charger does go above 15Volts.
I also know for a fact that my second charger is within the recommended range.


Make your own conclusions.

[Mouthfulloflake]

the shumaker charger they recommend is the model above the one I havem, it has the 40 amp boost or whatever as well.

I assume its powerful enough to charge the battery and get it above 14.2 volts.

whats the model number on your charger?

ive got the SC-1200A

its the $45 one from Wal Mart.

the 2500 A is closer to $100, and has a 25 amp setting.

( the 2500 A is the one odyssey recommends)

[Matt_E]

That's the one I had. Walmart had'em on sale for 69 when I bought it.

[Matt_E]

I just spoke with Odyssey again. Some girl named Shelly? (1-800-964-2837)
I explained to her my situation. She plainly told me that something would have to be seriously wrong with my electrical system to have two failures, because they get less than 1% failure rate. She told me I would not get my battery replaced.
I asked why.
Her: Because your electrical system has to have something wrong with it.
Me: Wouldn't you have to determine the cause of failure first, before sticking me with it?
Her: Yes, but you would have to pay for it, and it more than likely is your fault.
Me: ???

I told her my boat doesn't have a charging system, that it has a total loss ignition. Total disbelief on her part. My external charger must be the problem. I try to explain to her that the charger meets their specs.
She says she'd have to talk to tech support, but it's more than likely my fault, and I won't get a replacement.
I was also informed that no Odyssey dealer is required to honor the warranty.
I asked her why the warranty statement doesn't tell me this. (In fact, the warranty states to take it to any Odyssey dealer for replacement and that it will be replaced if it's defective due to workmanship/quality, etc)
I specifically asked if the warranty statement is untrue then. I was told the same thing over.
She said she will call the BatteriesPlus store and talk to them (only to get them to do an autopsy on the battery at my expense).
Oh, by the way: She told me that before any warranty replacement, the battery has to be tested, and that the customer gets charged for that!

I am done and through with Odyssey. I will include a link to this thread in my signature from now on.
Don't just stay away from them, RUN from them.

[tom21]

this is interesting becaus e I have one I got with my ski and its going on three years old no prob. yet I have some that I left in skis for a time and can't getthem charged up. was told that I did not maintain the charge and that they won't come back and it s not covered. Ive had others still good after a few years and other not.????? let us know how the new bat works.

[Mouthfulloflake]

That really does bring the SUCK MattE.

have you contacted the sponsor on the other board that sells the batteries?

he might have some pull, or might give a shove where needed to get the right thing done.

To be honest, thats why I bought locally, from a mom and pop battery store ive dealt with alot.

it was a few $$ more ( like $4), but I know if I have problems they will return them.

He also told me they have never had to replace on in years of selling them.

I hope mine hold up better, or I will for sure change the 1% failure rate, as I now have 5 in service, and about to ad another.

[douglee25]

I just spoke with Odyssey again. Some girl named Shelly? (1-800-964-2837)
I explained to her my situation. She plainly told me that something would have to be seriously wrong with my electrical system to have two failures, because they get less than 1% failure rate. She told me I would not get my battery replaced.
I asked why.
Her: Because your electrical system has to have something wrong with it.
Me: Wouldn't you have to determine the cause of failure first, before sticking me with it?
Her: Yes, but you would have to pay for it, and it more than likely is your fault.
Me: ???

I told her my boat doesn't have a charging system, that it has a total loss ignition. Total disbelief on her part. My external charger must be the problem. I try to explain to her that the charger meets their specs.
She says she'd have to talk to tech support, but it's more than likely my fault, and I won't get a replacement.
I was also informed that no Odyssey dealer is required to honor the warranty.
I asked her why the warranty statement doesn't tell me this. (In fact, the warranty states to take it to any Odyssey dealer for replacement and that it will be replaced if it's defective due to workmanship/quality, etc)
I specifically asked if the warranty statement is untrue then. I was told the same thing over.
She said she will call the BatteriesPlus store and talk to them (only to get them to do an autopsy on the battery at my expense).
Oh, by the way: She told me that before any warranty replacement, the battery has to be tested, and that the customer gets charged for that!

I am done and through with Odyssey. I will include a link to this thread in my signature from now on.
Don't just stay away from them, RUN from them.

BS:bs2: :bs2: I'd be curious if they modify their warranty statement any time soon.

Doug

[Idok]

damn, and i just bought 2

[butti]

damn, and i just bought 2




dont worry ,bill has no problem waranteeing them.they replaced mine and it wasnt even bad.it was my starter:27: and i got to keep the old one:biggrin: all they wanted was the cover off the top that has the sn# on it

[Mouthfulloflake]

who was that dealer Butti?

MattE needs to talk to that guy!

:biggthumpup:





dont worry ,bill has no problem waranteeing them.they replaced mine and it wasnt even bad.it was my starter:27: and i got to keep the old one:biggrin: all they wanted was the cover off the top that has the sn# on it

[hangtime]

I talked to the guys at Jetworks yesterday and ordered a battery and tender for my ski .
really nice guys and very knowledgable about batteries and jet ski's too .

They paid for the ground shipping and I only had to pay the difference on 3 day select so they saved me $14 in shipping right there .


It's the way Odyseey builds the grid that causes their failures cause the grid breaks .over charging of course is very common because the batteries gas off when they are overcharged and because they are sealed no more moisture can be added and then the plates can't wick up moisture .and stay wet to keep their charge .

[Matt_E]

To be clear...my issue is with EverSys (Odyssey) and BatteriesPlus. I am sure that if you buy from the right retailer, you will have no problems obtaining a warranty replacement.

[Mouthfulloflake]

technically they arent sealed, they are auto venting or some such something. internal gas recycling.. yadda yadda..

they call themselves everything under the sun, drycell, sealed lead acid, internal venting..

confusing terminology.

but the point is the same, if you ever over charge one, you can not replenish the fluid.





I talked to the guys at Jetworks yesterday and ordered a battery and tender for my ski .
really nice guys and very knowledgable about batteries and jet ski's too .

They paid for the ground shipping and I only had to pay the difference on 3 day select so they saved me $14 in shipping right there .


It's the way Odyseey builds the grid that causes their failures cause the grid breaks .over charging of course is very common because the batteries gas off when they are overcharged and because they are sealed no more moisture can be added and then the plates can't wick up moisture .and stay wet to keep their charge .

[Matt_E]

Wow – this experience has just been turned 180 Degrees around by Wayne from our site sponsor, The Battery Store. I emailed him my story, with a link to this thread.
30 seconds later, I got a reply with his phone number. Another 10 minutes later, I find out that the BatteriesPlus store I’ve dealt with on the first warranty replacement gave me a battery that was older than the one I was replacing – the warranty on that one was up 7 days ago.
Wayne called me back and informed me that he’d warranty the battery from his inventory, and he’s sending it out tomorrow.

I am simply flabbergasted. All my thumbs up to the Battery Store. You cannot ask for better service than that.
I’ll have that be a lesson to me to buy from reputable sources, even if it involves spending a bit more money.
Folks – this is a site sponsor that is truly deserving of YOUR support.

[Matt_E]

A little update to this....Phill just had his Odyssey PC625 take a dump (it appears).
It has been used in a regular 61x electrical system, for about 8 months.
Will not hold a charge now.

[romack991]

geez, is there something in your water??? :261:

still havent had a problem with any of mine.

[Matt_E]

I think I touched that battery once.

[douglee25]

I think I touched that battery once.

Maybe it's you:smile: jk

Doug

[Mouthfulloflake]

no kidding...

I dont think you guys would have any worse luck with some $29 lawn mower batteries from wally mart.

Did Phil order his online too?
at least you know where to get good warranty service now.

[Matt_E]

Got the new Odyssey PC625 today. thanks again to The Battery Store!!!

It'll be my total loss backup. We'll see how it does.

[2002zxi]

okay, I'm confused... so are odyssey batteries good or bad?

[Matt_E]

I have had nothing but bad experience with the Product (the battery itself), as have quite a few others.
Additionally, I have had even worse experience with Odyssey's customer service.

I have had nothing but very very good experiences with The Battery Store, as they agreed to replace my battery. Pretty damn nice.
Essentially, Odyssey doesn't warranty the battery - the dealer does;.

[AZ SX-R]

I have one word "Deka"
I bought a odyssey on my way out of town for the weekendand when
I put in the next day it was dead so I put it back in the box .When I went to return it on Mon the lady a BatteriesPlus told me that it was not the same batt i bought on fri and it was out of warranty,I told her she was wrong it was the same one I just bought and than she said I was trying to pull one over on her bla bla bla. I Called odyssey and got the same run around as you
than I called BatteriesPlus HQ and was told the same BS.
I started calling around asking about batt's and found Deka,these are the best and I only paid $50 @ the local Deka dist.

Jim

[Mouthfulloflake]

they obviously sold you an old/used battery initially.

thats the worst of the bad.



I have one word "Deka"
I bought a odyssey on my way out of town for the weekendand when
I put in the next day it was dead so I put it back in the box .When I went to return it on Mon the lady a BatteriesPlus told me that it was not the same batt i bought on fri and it was out of warranty,I told her she was wrong it was the same one I just bought and than she said I was trying to pull one over on her bla bla bla. I Called odyssey and got the same run around as you
than I called BatteriesPlus HQ and was told the same BS.
I started calling around asking about batt's and found Deka,these are the best and I only paid $50 @ the local Deka dist.

Jim

[blaster800]

i have had an odyssey for 3 months now , you guys are scaring me ! ill just hold my breath !

[Mouthfulloflake]

i have had an odyssey for 3 months now , you guys are scaring me ! ill just hold my breath !

no kidding.

I bought 5 of them this spring!

[Phill]

Lots of people have run them with very good luck.

Dont forget that this is matt having bad luck with it........His luck really isnt that good....he has already been through two top ends this year....and that just for starts...:biggrin:

[jpilot98]

dont forget that bendix issue he was having as well lol

[Water Worx]

I use one in my HX hasnt given me any trouble,dealing with battery warrantys is the pitts.

[keefer]

I have one word "Deka"
I bought a odyssey on my way out of town for the weekendand when
I put in the next day it was dead so I put it back in the box .When I went to return it on Mon the lady a BatteriesPlus told me that it was not the same batt i bought on fri and it was out of warranty,I told her she was wrong it was the same one I just bought and than she said I was trying to pull one over on her bla bla bla. I Called odyssey and got the same run around as you
than I called BatteriesPlus HQ and was told the same BS.
I started calling around asking about batt's and found Deka,these are the best and I only paid $50 @ the local Deka dist.

Jim

I also have a Deka which is also marketed under the Magna Power brand if you see one for sale. Myself and several friends have been running them for over a year now and so far they have been the best batteries we have owned. $50 is a good deal for an AGM. Our local Deka wants $80 but I scammed mine for $45 from a wholesaler I know.

[SUPERJET-113]

My newest Odyssey is going on 6 months now and I even had a bilge pump switch do a "straight short" out and it just killed the battery down to nothing(had no inline fuse, doh). I was lucky. I have a fuse now..
Recharged its still working great. Lots o cranking power!