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Dead Cell in 2 y/o battery
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ChrisMN
New User
Mar 21, 2010, 7:31 PM
Post #1 of 6
(7606 views)
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Dead Cell in 2 y/o battery
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Hey all, new to the forums and haven't found any threads related to my issue so I'm posting a new topic.
I have a small amount knowledge about automotive repair, I can change my oil/filter, flush radiator, flush trans/replace filter&gaskett, etc, etc...
I know that the problem is my battery - car having hard time cranking over but barely makes it, jumping to another battery or a CarStarter will aid only minimally. However the engine does end up starting. The battery voltage display on my radar detector shows the battery at 8.5 V before starting, and 14 V after it finally turns over. However the amperage is significantly lower than the battery should be producing & I know that a dead cell will still produce correct voltage, but the amperage will decrease alot when you have a dead cell.
The battery is only 2 years old, it's an Everstart MAXX 24FS with 875 CCA(cold crank amps). Using a syringe type battery tester, the kind w/ floating balls that indicate level of charge, I checked the water in each of the 6 cells - 5 of the cells are claiming to be fully charged, one of them is registering as completely dead.( zero floating balls, opposed to 4 floating balls in the other cells.)
Now I know that one of the cells on my battery is dead - before I go out and buy a trickle charger I need to ask if a "dead cell" is able to be revived? Or do I need to replace the battery. It is still under "3 Year Free Replacement"
Thanks
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 21, 2010, 7:42 PM
Post #2 of 6
(7601 views)
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Re: Dead Cell in 2 y/o battery
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get a new battery. especially when its under warranty and won't cost a thing. Dead cells stay dead, despite the claims of some chargers. You are doing damage to your alternator and shortening its life drastically by running this battery, as it must full field itself regularly to compensate for this trouble.
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ChrisMN
New User
Mar 21, 2010, 7:53 PM
Post #4 of 6
(7598 views)
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Re: Dead Cell in 2 y/o battery
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Thanks! Thats what I was wondering - Ill go back to walmart tonight, I probly shouldn't have even bought wal mart generic anyways, but Ill take a new one for free ;)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 21, 2010, 9:36 PM
Post #5 of 6
(7592 views)
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Re: Dead Cell in 2 y/o battery
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Wow....Someone actually checking specific gravitiy of a battery........ That's refreshing and as you see it will really tell you more of what's going on than just a voltmeter...
I know I don't have to say it but if you ever have to add water, make sure it's distilled water. Tap water will kill the battery due to the impurities in it.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 22, 2010, 4:38 AM
Post #6 of 6
(7588 views)
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Re: Dead Cell in 2 y/o battery
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Sidom - never mind specific gravity - there was a day you could buy just ONE cell and not toss the whole battery! Electrolyte sold/furnished separately! Ah jeez - what comes first - old age or loss of memory?
Chris - not to be bashing any place but the handling of a battery before you buy it is a factor and some do get mishandled, dropped or gawd knows what. I've quit buying batteries at places that are not automotive specialty outlets because of the defect rate for a while was insanity.
Know this: Battery is dated either clearly with a # and letter or plain like "1-0" which right now would mean it was made in January of 2010. Battery starts aging when it's filled so you want the freshest you can find. If encrypted ask as they are known so they can both rotate stock or warranty them based on that date if no receipt is furnished.
Go get your new battery. A good idea is to charge it before installation. Not all are and just filled may only be about 40-60% of full charge,
T
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