As car batteries age, the individual cells inside of them can die. If this happens, your battery will no longer be able to hold a charge, and you’ll have to replace it. In this article, we’ll show you how to fix a dead battery cell. We’ll also discuss the symptoms of a dying battery so that you can identify it before it’s too late. Keep reading for more information.
Summary: If you find that your battery is not holding a charge as well as it used to, there may be a problem with one of the cells. Follow these simple steps to fix a dead battery cell: 1. Remove the battery from the device. 2. Inspect each cell for damage. If any cells appear to be damaged, replace them with new batteries. 3. Reconnect the battery to the device and test it out.
What Causes Battery Cells to Die?
There are a few different things that can cause battery cells to die, including:
Overcharging:
If you charge your battery when it’s already full, the chemicals inside can break down and cause damage. Overcharging can also lead to the buildup of harmful metals. Therefore, it’s important only to charge your battery when it’s low and not to leave it plugged in for extended periods.
Discharging:
Discharging your battery too much can cause damage to the chemicals inside of it. When you discharge your battery, the chemicals inside of it change form. If you do this too often, the chemicals can break down and cause the cells to die.
Heat:
One of the biggest enemies of car batteries is heat. The chemicals inside of your battery can break down more quickly when it’s hot outside. This is why it’s important to not leave your car in direct sunlight or in a hot environment for extended periods.
Sulfation:
This type of corrosion can happen when your battery is left unused for too long. Sulfation can cause the cells in your battery to die. It’s important to keep your battery charged and to use it regularly so that this doesn’t happen. To avoid sulfation, you can use a battery maintainer. This is a device that will keep your battery charged and ready to go. You can also use a desulfating charger, which will help to remove the sulfate from your battery cells.
Age:
Finally, batteries age over time. As they do, the cells inside of them can die. This is why it’s important to check your battery’s health regularly and to replace it when necessary.
Can a Dead Battery Cell Be Revived?
In some cases, reviving a dead battery cell may be possible. However, this is typically only possible if the cell is fairly new and hasn’t been damaged too badly. If you have a dead battery cell, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage that can be done. In some cases, you may be able to revive a dead battery cell. This can be done by using a process called desulfation. Desulfation removes the sulfate crystals that have built up on the cells. This can help to restore the battery’s health and extend its life. If you’re interested in trying this, you can purchase a desulfation kit online.
Step by Step How to Fix a Dead Battery Cell
1. Identify the Problem
The first step is to identify the problem. If your battery is dying quickly or if it won’t hold a charge, there’s a good chance that one of the cells is dead. You can check for this by testing the battery with a voltmeter. If the voltage is low, one of the cells is likely dead.
2. Inspect the Battery
Once you identify the problem, it’s time to take a closer look at the battery. First, look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or bulges. If you find any damage, the battery will likely need to be replaced. It’s also important to check the expiration date, as batteries have a shelf life and will eventually need to be replaced.
3. Remove the Battery
If you’ve determined that the battery needs to be replaced, the next step is to remove it from the car. First, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Next, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. Finally, remove the battery from the car. Use a battery disconnect tool to make this process easier. If you don’t have a battery disconnect tool, you can use a wrench to remove the battery.
4. Test the Battery Cells
Once the battery is removed, it’s time to test the cells. To do this, you’ll need a voltmeter. Set the voltmeter to the “DC Voltage” setting and touch the black lead to the negative terminal of the first cell. Then, touch the red lead to the positive terminal of the cell. The voltmeter should read between 2.0 and 2.2 volts. If it doesn’t, the cell is dead and must be replaced. Repeat this process for each of the remaining cells.
5. Clean the Battery Cells
If all of the cells are dead, the battery is likely sulfated. To remove the sulfate, you’ll need to clean the cells. To clean the cells, you’ll need:
- A bucket
- Distilled water
- Baking soda
- A clean cloth
- A funnel
- Safety goggles
First, put on your safety goggles and mix one tablespoon of baking soda into the bucket of distilled water. Then, use the funnel to pour the mixture into each battery cell. After the cells are full, use the cloth to wipe away any spills. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour so that the baking soda can work its magic.
6. Add Distilled Water to the Battery Cells
Once the cells have been cleaned, you’ll need to add distilled water. This will help to prevent the cells from drying out. To add the water, use a clean syringe or eyedropper to add water to each cell carefully. Make sure that you don’t overfill the cells, as this can cause damage to the battery.
7. Charge the Battery
After the cells have been cleaned and filled with distilled water, it’s time to charge the battery. You can use a standard battery charger or a solar charger. If you’re using a solar charger, make sure it’s placed in an area that gets direct sunlight. Charging the battery will help to restore it to its full capacity. Once the battery is fully charged, you can use it just like any other battery.
8. Install the Battery
Once the battery is charged, it’s time to install it back into the car. First, connect the positive terminal of the battery. Then, connect the negative terminal. Finally, secure the terminals with the retaining bolts. Make sure the battery is secure and not loose. If it is, it could rattle around and damage the terminals. If your car has a battery cover, put it back on.
9. Test the Battery
After the battery is installed, start the car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, turn off the engine and test the battery with a voltmeter. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 12.8 volts. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery is not being charged, and you’ll need to take it back to the mechanic. If the voltage is above 12.8 volts, the battery is overcharging, and you’ll need to have the charging system checked.
10. Check the Specific Gravity
The specific gravity of a battery indicates its state of charge. To check the specific gravity, you’ll need a hydrometer. Remove the cap from the battery and insert the hydrometer’s tube into the cell. Squeeze the rubber bulb to draw up some electrolyte, and then read the hydrometer. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of 1.265, while a dead battery will have a specific gravity of 1.100. If the specific gravity of your battery is low, you’ll need to charge it.
11. Check the Battery’s Temperature
The temperature of a battery can indicate whether it’s overcharging or undercharging. An overcharging battery will be hot to the touch, while a battery that’s undercharging will be cold. To check the battery’s temperature, use a thermometer. If the battery is overcharging, disconnect the charging source and allow the battery to cool down. If the battery is undercharging, connect a charger and allow the battery to warm up.
12. Perform a Load Test
A load test is used to check the battery’s capacity. To perform a load test, you’ll need a load tester. To do this, attach the load tester’s positive lead to the battery’s positive terminal. Attach the load tester’s negative lead to the battery’s negative terminal. If the battery is 12 volts, set the load tester to 12 volts. If the battery is 24 volts, set the load tester to 24 volts. If the battery is 6 volts, set the load tester to 6 volts. Now, please turn on the load tester and let it run for 15 seconds. If the battery voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the battery is bad and needs to be replaced. The battery is good if the battery voltage doesn’t drop below 10.5 volts.
You Can Check It To Fix a Drill Battery That Won’t Charge
Tips and Warnings on How to Fix a Dead Battery Cell:
Tips:
1. Be sure to have the right tools. You’ll need a multimeter and some basic hand tools.
2. Check the battery’s voltage with a multimeter. The cell is likely not dead if it’s 12.6 volts or higher.
3. Disconnect the battery terminals before doing any work on them.
4. Use caution when handling battery acid. It can cause burns.
5. Follow your car’s owner’s manual instructions when reconnecting the battery.
Warnings:
1. Never try to jump-start a dead battery with a live one. This could cause an explosion.
2. Never overcharge a battery. This could cause it to catch fire.
3. Never dispose of a battery in a fire. This could cause an explosion.
4. Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which is corrosive. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with batteries.
5. Lead-acid batteries can give off explosive hydrogen gas when charging. Be sure to charge them in a well-ventilated area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes a Dead Cell in a Battery?
A dead cell is a battery that has stopped working and does not hold a charge. The most common cause of a dead battery is electrolyte fluid loss, which can be caused by improper use, incorrect storage, or accidents. If the level of electrolyte fluid falls below an acceptable point, the cells in the battery will no longer function properly and eventually die.
If you’re experiencing low power levels or difficulty starting your vehicle, it may be best to replace your batteries with new ones. Dead cells often occur when old batteries are replaced with new ones without proper recharging.
Can I Charge a Battery With a Dead Cell?
A dead cell is a battery that has stopped working and does not hold a charge. The most common cause of a dead battery is electrolyte fluid loss, which can be caused by improper use, incorrect storage, or accidents. If the level of electrolyte fluid falls below an acceptable point, the cells in the battery will no longer function properly and eventually die.
If you’re experiencing low power levels or difficulty starting your vehicle, it may be best to replace your batteries with new ones. Dead cells often occur when old batteries are replaced with new ones without proper recharging.
Do You Regenerate a Dead Battery?
Yes, you can regenerate a dead battery. However, before attempting this yourself, it is important to understand the risks involved. By doing so, you could end up causing permanent damage to your device or even electrocution. Instead of trying to fix or regenerate a battery yourself, we recommend that you take your device to an authorized service center for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with a replacement or repair unit as necessary.
Does Shaking a Battery Help?
As the effects of shaking a battery depend on a variety of factors including the make and model of the battery, how long it’s been unused, and how much force is applied when shaking it. In general, though, most batteries should not be shaken hard because doing so can cause damage that may not be detectable until it’s too late. Instead, try gentle shaking or vibration to help distribute the electrolyte fluid and maximize charging efficiency.
Do You Need to Charge a Battery After Filling With Acid?
It will depend on the acid and the battery. However, generally speaking, it is a good practice to charge a battery after filling it with acid in order to make sure that the battery is properly working and lasts as long as possible.
Conclusion
It is important to know how to fix a dead battery cell. By following the simple steps in this blog post, you can ensure that your battery will be fixed and not decrease in charge over time.