Battery not taking full charge... I'm new to this...

[dyeguy1212]

My new walmart battery is already not taking a full charge. I got it in April, and hasnt been used all that much. If worked perfect a couple weeks ago, and has begun to deteriorate. It runs out much faster, and now it wont even take a full charge (about 11-11.5 volts)

Any advice?

How do I check the water level/could low levels cause this problem?


Thanks

 

[whj812]

What model is it?

 

[Zum]

Wow ,that pretty dead.
Heres percentages for a 12 volt battery.
100% = 12.7 Volts
75% = 12.4 Volts
50% = 12.2 Volts
25% = 12.0 Volts
0% = 11.9 Volts
You shouldn't let your battery get below 70-75% before charging.
You should get a charge into the battery as soon as possible,after use.
Some people charge at 2 amp,others higher.I've read that you should use up to 10% of your amp hours to charge,so it doesn't take over 24 hours to charge.I personally use 10amp,I have a 120Ah battery(from Walmart).

Sure your charger is good?
Walmart has a good return policy.
I could think of more stuff but have to pick the boy up at the bus...bbl.

 

[dyeguy1212]

the reading is according to my varimax TM.

Charger could easily be going...


its one of those maxx 29 series ones.. anyone know what the "free" replacement is going to cost me at wally world?

 

[russ010]

It sounds like it needs to be desulfated.. but to check the water just pop the caps off and make sure the water is up to the bottom of the spout that is inside (not all the way up to the top of the battery, they should be about 1/2-1" below).

I don't know if you have a charger that will desulfate, but the one I have from wal-mart will do it. It's a schumacher brand (https://store.schumachermart.com/ssc-1500a.html) I didn't pay but $50 for it at wally world though..

If it is one of the Everstart Maxx Marine batts, you can take it back and get it replaced.

How are you charging it after use?

I check the fluids of my battery each time before I put the charger on (and I do this as soon as I get home from the lake). I fill them up as needed, then put them on charge in 2amp - regular automotive (maintenance free) and I leave them on them all week, alternating batteries [I have 5 batteries, but only 2 chargers] every other day until it's time to go back out.

When I get ready to go, each battery ranges from 13.2-13.4 depending on how long they have been off the charger. This might help you out some, but make sure you charge them immediately after using them. Some people don't do this thinking they will only charge back up to certain spots, but I've had these same batteries for almost 1 year and they are still going good. I did have to trade out 1 battery though - and that was my fault for not checking the water in it regularly.

Free replacement cost is exactly that - FREE.

 

[dyeguy1212]

I popped off the caps (2 of them) and there are 3 little tubes going straight down. None of them are filled to the top of the tubes (should they be flush?), and the 2 outside tubes (so if it looks like this: [000] [000] )the first and last 0's are lowest. Is that what needs to be filled?


I charge the battery as soon as I get home, on 10 amps until it is fully charged shortly after


I thought I heard theres some fee walmart charges when you exchange batteries...

 

[Quackrstackr]

The cells with low water are what need to be added to but if it has been run like that for any length of time, the battery is probably permanently damaged.

Have you ever run the battery flat or let it sit in a discharged state for any length of time? That makes for a quick death on a deep cycle battery. Overcharging @ 10 amps if your charger doesn't have an automatic shutoff will cook one as well (most likely where all the water has gone in such a short amount of time).

 

[dyeguy1212]

They dont sit dead, but I have run one dead before (beats rowing)

plus the old ass charger has no auto shut off... I'll just replace the stupid thing lol


What do you guys suggest to avoid over charging it other than keeping an eye on it.. I can't afford a new charger right now

 

[Quackrstackr]

Watch it like a hawk and as soon as it tops out, shut it off.

Running it dead and overcharging is what killed your battery. I would pretty much bet on it.

If you run one completely dead, you do permanent damage.

 

[Zum]

Every time you charge you loose some electrolyte(water).
The hotter it is, the more water you will loose so check it more often.
The more the battery is used,the more electrolyte is used.
Use distilled water to top off and be careful.Sulfric acid is corrisive stuff(baking soda and water will neutalize it),plus batteries release flammable hydrogen gas so no smoking or lighters,it would be a big explosion.

 

[cubanredneck]

using a deep cycle bat down all the way should not harm them. It sounds like you got a bad bat it happens I sell around 10,000 bats a month and I get comeback all the time. Im not sure where you are located but in my part of the world Walmart bats are made by exide same as my bats they are good bats. After you get your bat exchanged get yourself a trickle charger and keep it hooked up whenever you are not using it and next time go to a NAPA store I need my 401k to grow(I have 3 small kids). Oh and also if you can have them switch your bat for a group 31 deep cycle their will be a price difference but its worth it. Remember the more led the better the performance.