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bob1
User
May 6, 2010, 7:57 PM
Post #1 of 9
(1663 views)
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2002 Ford Taurus 3.0 The battery went dead while stored in the garage for about 2 months, I charged it for about 90 min and wouldn't do anything but click the starter, cable connections were good, checked the water and had to add about 16 oz. Finally had to jump the car and drove about 25 miles shut it off and battery still checks 11.5 volts still won't crank, Question: Is the battery bad or can it be fixed by adding some sulpheric acid to it? Thanks
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 6, 2010, 8:26 PM
Post #2 of 9
(1656 views)
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This battery comes sealed with multiple warnings in multiple languages with little pictures telling you it is a sealed unit and not to pry off those caps. Adding water, acid, or anything else you like will do no good and is very dangerous to do. Your battery has sulfated due to running stone dead and is now trashed. It will need replacing.
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bob1
User
May 7, 2010, 4:12 PM
Post #3 of 9
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I appreciate the info, the main reason for my concern is that I've seen this in several cars after sitting and I hate to see all the waste and expence, at least they are recyclable. I've been adding distilled water to batteries for years and recently found out that autozone sells the acid.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 7, 2010, 4:21 PM
Post #4 of 9
(1653 views)
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Acid is for a new dry shipped batteries only. Never add acid to a used battery. Just sitting around is enough to destroy your battery. You shouldn't be doing all this guessing. Don't assume anything. Have the battery tested.
If the water was below the plates, you can be pretty sure it's junk.
The current batteries we use are not totally maintenance free any more and do consume some water but usually make it through their whole life without needing any unless there is a problem. That totally sealed type only lasted a few years and you are able and sometimes need to add water to most batteries now. It usually takes a few years of use to consume any though. It never happens from just sitting though unless the case has a hole in it.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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bob1
User
May 7, 2010, 5:24 PM
Post #5 of 9
(1649 views)
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I am pretty sure the battery was factory, that makes it about 8 years old so it's definately due for a replacement. Mabe this is a rarity but it was low on water. You can buy the acid at autozone without buying a battery, it runs about $7.
So far as I can tell, you're right about the fact that if the water is below the plates, it's pretty much shot. (there went another $91.00 )
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 7, 2010, 5:52 PM
Post #6 of 9
(1642 views)
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Let me repeat.... That acid is not for adding to a used battery. It's for prepping a brand new dry battery. Use only water in a used battery.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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bob1
User
May 8, 2010, 8:02 AM
Post #7 of 9
(1637 views)
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What I'm trying to understand is: What happens to the battery once the electrolyte drops below the plates and stays like that for several weeks, After filling it back up with distilled water, putting it on a charger for a couple hours and charging the battery It still checked low on voltage and didn't have enough amps to pull in the selonoid but the lights came on good. As I understand it, it causes a situation (as was mentioned earlier in this discussion ) that causes sulfidation. No, I wouldn't add straight acid to a battery, I would completely remove all the old dilute stuff and add a new mix as if I had a new one. Any comments or suggestions?
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 8, 2010, 8:15 AM
Post #8 of 9
(1636 views)
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THe main reason adding acid will not bring a dead battery back to life is this .One of the problems with the plates is that the plates increase in size as the active material absorbs sulfate from the acid during discharge, and decrease as they give up the sulfate during charging. This causes the plates to gradually shed the paste. It is important that there is room underneath the plates to catch this shed material. If it reaches the plates, the cell short-circuits.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
(This post was edited by re-tired on May 8, 2010, 8:30 AM)
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