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How to Recondition a Battery that Won’t Hold Charge?

How to Recondition a Battery that Won’t Hold Charge?

Imagine leaving for work one morning, only to find that your car won’t start. Yes, you can call an app-based car ride or you can just take a cab to work, but why is your battery not working? If this isn’t the first time this has happened to you, it probably means that your battery has exceeded its economic life.

Replacing a battery can cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you’re short on money. Instead of breaking the bank, you can simply recondition your old battery and bring it into working condition. You might wonder how you will recondition a battery that won’t hold charge. Aren’t car-related issues supposed to be complex? You’d be surprised to know that fixing your battery is a very easy process and doesn’t require extensive labor. Let’s have a look at how you can fix your battery by following a few simple steps.

Reconditioning a Battery: Things You Will Need

Before we start our how-to guide, let us list down the things that you’d need to fix a battery that won’t hold charge.

  1. Plastic funnel
  2. Battery load tester
  3. 6/12-volt battery charger/starter
  4. Battery hydrometer
  5. Screwdriver
  6. Voltmeter with probes
  7. Protective eyewear
  8. Battery post/terminal cleaner

How to Recondition the Battery that Won’t Hold Charge

Step 1: Prepare the Battery

Wear protective glasses and gloves. Now, clean the battery posts by using a battery post cleaner and keep cleaning them until they become clean and bright.

Step 2: Perform the Load Test

The second thing that you need to do is to perform a load test. This can be done by connecting the load tester to the battery’s positive terminal and then to the negative post. (If this is the first time that you are examining the battery, an easy tip to identify the positive terminal is by looking at the larger post which has a ‘+’ mark on it.) Be careful to connect the tester to the positive terminal only as this step will prevent sparking. Now, turn on the tester to see that the load isn’t less than 12 volts. If the reading is below 12 volts, it means that the battery cannot be revived and ought to be replaced. In case the reading doesn’t drop, move on to the next step.

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Step 3: Remove the Cell Covers

Use a screwdriver to remove the cell covers and put them aside.

Step 4: A Hydrometer Test

Use the hydrometer to check the battery solution. If the solution is a dark color, it indicates that the battery cannot be saved. Using this meter, insert the tube into the cell by squeezing the bulb. Notice the color of the fluid. If it changes to green, the battery is in a good condition. Similarly, a white or red color indicates that the battery needs to be charged.

Step 5: Test the Cells

Test all the cells and then add treatment chemicals to recondition the battery and clean the cells. Follow the instructions on the chemical’s packaging and pour it into the cells. Change the cell covers and place the battery on a trickle charger for 24 hours.