How to Revive a Car Battery that Won’t Charge?

How to revive a car battery that won’t charge? Car batteries are an essential component of any vehicle, providing the necessary power to start the engine and run electrical systems. Over time, however, even the most well-maintained car battery can experience issues, one of the most common being an inability to hold a charge.

If you find yourself with a battery that won’t charge, it’s not necessarily time to replace it. There are several steps you can take to potentially revive it.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through understanding the causes of battery failure, diagnosing the problem, and various methods to revive a car battery that won’t charge.

Understanding the Causes of Battery Failure

Before diving into the revival methods, it’s crucial to understand why car batteries fail. Several factors can contribute to a battery losing its ability to hold a charge:

1. Age: Car batteries typically last 3-5 years. As they age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes.
2. Corrosion: Build-up on the battery terminals can impede electrical flow.
3. Deep Discharges: Frequently allowing the battery to discharge completely can shorten its lifespan.
4. Temperature Extremes: Excessive heat or cold can affect battery performance and lifespan.
5. Parasitic Drains: Electrical components left on, such as lights or aftermarket accessories, can drain the battery.
6. Alternator Issues: A faulty alternator can prevent the battery from charging properly.

Diagnosing the Problem

Before attempting to revive a car battery, it’s essential to diagnose the problem accurately. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visual Inspection:

• Corrosion: Check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. Clean the terminals if necessary.
• Physical Damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks.
• Fluid Levels: If you have a non-sealed battery, check the electrolyte levels. Low levels may indicate a problem.

2. Battery Voltage Test:

• Multimeter: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage of the battery. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts or higher. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery may be deeply discharged or faulty.

3. Load Test:

• Load Tester: A load tester can help determine the battery’s ability to hold a charge under a load. This test simulates the battery’s performance under real-world conditions.

4. Alternator Test:

• Charging System Check: Ensure that the alternator is working correctly by measuring the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running. It should read between 13.7 and 14.7 volts.

Methods to Revive a Car Battery

If your battery is showing signs of life but won’t hold a charge, here are several methods to attempt to revive it:

1. Cleaning the Terminals:

• Materials Needed: Protective gloves, baking soda, water, a wire brush, and a wrench.
• Procedure:
  1. Disconnect the battery terminals using a wrench.
  2. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste.
  3. Apply the paste to the terminals and scrub with a wire brush.
  4. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
  5. Reconnect the battery terminals and ensure they are tight.

2. Battery Reconditioning:

• Materials Needed: Distilled water, a battery reconditioning charger.
• Procedure:
  1. Remove the battery from the car.
  2. Open the battery caps and check the electrolyte levels.
  3. If low, add distilled water to the cells.
  4. Connect the battery to a battery reconditioning charger and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Allow the charger to run through its full reconditioning cycle, which can take several hours.

3. Desulfation:

• Understanding Sulfation: Over time, lead-acid batteries can develop sulfate crystals on the plates, which can hinder the battery’s ability to hold a charge.
• Materials Needed: A desulfation charger or pulse charger.
• Procedure:
  1. Remove the battery from the vehicle.
  2. Connect the battery to a desulfation charger or pulse charger.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to run the desulfation cycle.

4. Jump Starting and Long Drives:

• Jump Start: Use another vehicle to jump-start the dead battery. Once the car is running, drive it for at least 30 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery.
• Long Drives: Regularly take longer drives to ensure the battery gets fully charged by the alternator.

5. Equalization Charging:

• Definition: Equalization is a controlled overcharge to balance the voltage and specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell.
• Materials Needed: An equalization charger.
• Procedure:
  1. Remove the battery from the vehicle.
  2. Connect the battery to the equalization charger.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for performing an equalization charge.

6. Replacing Electrolyte:

• Materials Needed: Safety equipment (gloves, goggles), battery electrolyte solution.
• Procedure:
  1. Remove the battery from the car.
  2. Carefully drain the old electrolyte into a container.
  3. Refill the battery with new electrolyte solution.
  4. Charge the battery using a battery charger.

Preventative Measures

Once you’ve revived your battery, or if you’re looking to avoid future issues, consider these preventative measures:

1. Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean the battery terminals. Check the electrolyte levels and top up with distilled water if necessary.
2. Avoid Deep Discharges: Try to avoid letting your battery discharge completely. Use a trickle charger if you don’t drive your car often.
3. Insulate the Battery: Use a battery insulation kit to protect the battery from extreme temperatures.
4. Drive Regularly: Regular driving helps keep the battery charged. Aim for at least 30-minute drives to allow the alternator to charge the battery fully.
5. Check for Parasitic Drains: Ensure all lights and electrical components are turned off when the car is not in use. If you have aftermarket accessories, check for parasitic drains that could be depleting your battery.

When to Replace the Battery

Despite your best efforts, there may come a time when a battery simply cannot be revived. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace the battery:

1. Age: If the battery is older than 3-5 years, it’s likely nearing the end of its useful life.
2. Frequent Jump Starts: If you find yourself frequently needing to jump-start your car, the battery may be unable to hold a charge.
3. Slow Cranking: If the engine cranks slowly, especially in cold weather, it may be a sign of a failing battery.
4. Swollen Case: A swollen or bloated battery case indicates a serious problem and the battery should be replaced immediately.
5. Failed Tests: If the battery consistently fails voltage and load tests, it’s time for a replacement. You can read more on what to do after replacing a car battery.

Conclusion

Reviving a car battery that won’t charge is a task that requires patience and the right tools. By understanding the causes of battery failure, accurately diagnosing the problem, and using appropriate revival methods, you can often extend the life of your car battery. However, it’s essential to recognize when a battery is beyond saving and needs to be replaced.

Regular maintenance and preventative measures can go a long way in ensuring your car battery remains reliable and functional. By keeping your battery in good condition, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and enjoy a smooth driving experience. Remember, when in doubt, consult with a professional mechanic to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle’s electrical system.