7 signs of a damaged car battery and how to fix it
(Baonghean.vn) - A common mistake of users is to think that batteries do not need to be maintained or monitored. When the car is difficult to start, users feel inconvenienced and rush to buy another battery to replace it. Meanwhile, with just a little attention, battery-related problems will be detected immediately.
Below are common types of problems and how to fix them.
1. Electrolyte level is lower than “lower level”
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Reason:Battery overcharged; Insufficient electrolyte; battery fell or spilled.
How to fix:Add distilled water and adjust the electrolyte level in the battery evenly for all cells, then check the charger again and recharge if the battery is low on power.
2. Electrolyte density is lower than standard (all compartments)
Reason:Battery is over discharged; Charger is not charging enough for the battery; Vehicle electrical system is leaking electricity.
How to fix:Add distilled water and adjust the electrolyte level (if necessary), then recharge the battery with the appropriate current and time.
3. Electrolyte density is higher than standard (in all compartments)
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Reason:The electrolyte may be contaminated.
How to fix:Replace the electrolyte (sulfuric acid) with the specified specific gravity and readjust the electrolyte level, recheck the battery voltage and recharge if necessary.
4. The specific gravity of the electrolyte is too low compared to the standard in one or more compartments.
Reason:The battery may have been shorted internally in the cell with too low a specific gravity.
How to fix:Readjust the electrolyte level and recharge, if the voltage and specific gravity are still low then the battery has an internal short and cannot be used.
5. The battery case is deformed (swollen)
Reason:High electrolyte temperature due to overcharging; High ambient temperature around the battery due to heat radiation from the engine…
How to fix:Stop charging the battery (if charging), wait for the electrolyte temperature to decrease, then recharge. Always keep the electrolyte temperature < 45oC.
6. Corroded battery terminals
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Reason:Battery terminal wire clamp is too tight; Electrolyte spills out; Electrolyte leaks along the terminal body through the battery cap.
How to fix:Remove the clamp, clean the battery terminals and tighten the wire clamps; Readjust the electrolyte level inside the battery; Bring the battery for warranty service as this is a manufacturer's defect.
7. Battery terminals are burned and punctured
Reason:The wire clamp connected to the battery is too loose, poor contact creates sparks when the battery discharges; Short circuit at the battery terminal when the user makes a mistake.
How to fix:Remove the clamp, clean the battery terminals, and re-tighten the wire clamps securely, but not too tightly. Handle with care and read the manufacturer's instructions.
