Temp gauge climbs to the max as I try starting the car. Car won't run.

You sound angry I can relate. These new batteries are junk. Someone on here said the green tops are better as they were at their factory and seen the difference. What I found is to keep a battery tender on them and they will last. I use the Battery Tender brand I really like them. And I purchased 2 new batteries from Costco for my diesel and one went to **** 3 or 4 months later. Had my wife take it back and they gave her a bunch of crap but she won in the end. You should also check on the warranty some had 2 or 3 year free replacement.