Tech Tip: How to save "bad" batteries

March 1, 2013
In many cases, a 12V lead-acid battery thought to be dead can be recharged by feeding it electrical current.

The demand on 12V lead-acid batteries continues to grow with the number of onboard gadgets drawing down on the power source, literally sapping batteries of power. Premature battery failure has become an assumed cost of business, but it shouldn't be. A large number of batteries thought to be "bad" can be recovered and put back in service saving the expense of purchasing new batteries.

In many cases, a 12V lead-acid battery thought to be "dead" can be recharged by feeding it electrical current—restoring the chemical difference between the plates and returning the battery to full operational power.

When vehicles are brought into the shop, batteries should be tested to ensure they are holding a charge within 0.2 volts of each other. Using one of PulseTech's electronic battery testers this can be done in under a minute. Technicians then can employ a shop charger such as the SC-12 HD Charger or XCR-20 to recover, maintain and return the batteries to a like new state without having to remove the batteries from the vehicle. Once the batteries are charged they are again checked; this time for full serviceability with an advanced battery analyzer. If a battery does not test to standard, it is then replaced.

Information provided by: PulseTech Products Corp.

Sponsored Recommendations

Snap-on Training: Approach to Intermittent Problems

Snap-on's live training sessions can help you develop your own strategy for approaching vehicle repair.

Snap-on Training: ADAS Level 2 - Component Testing

The second video for Snap-on's comprehensive overview of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), covering the fundamental concepts and functionalities essential for automotive...

Snap-on Training: Intro to ADAS

Snap-on's training video provides a comprehensive overview of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), covering the fundamental concepts and functionalities essential for automotive...

Snap-on Training: Guided Component Tests Level 2

The second video for Snap-on's comprehensive overview of Guided Component Tests, covering the fundamental concepts essential for diagnostic procedures.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!