How to repair dead cell in car battery

Car batteries are an essential component of your vehicle that helps it run efficiently. But over time, the cells in these batteries may wear out and die, reducing the battery’s performance. This can result in fluctuations during the ignition process, causing your car not to start or unexpectedly die while driving.

If your car battery has dead cells, you don’t necessarily have to replace it immediately. Instead, you can try repairing it. In this article, we will be discussing the necessary steps to repair dead cells in a car battery and restore its performance.

How to Repair Dead Cell in Car Battery

Introduction

A dead cell in a car battery can be a frustrating problem for car owners. Not only does it mean you can’t rely on your vehicle starting every time, it also means you’ll have to spend money to replace the battery. However, you don’t always have to replace the entire battery. With some know-how, you can repair a dead cell in your car battery and save yourself some money in the process.

Steps to Repair Dead Cell in Car Battery

Here are the steps you can follow to repair a dead cell in your car battery:

1. Prepare the Battery: Take out the battery from the car and remove the battery cell caps. Drain the battery’s electrolyte (acid) into a container. Dispose of this carefully, as it is hazardous.
2. Locate the Dead Cell: Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of each of the cells. A reading of 1.265 to 1.299 indicates a fully charged cell, while a reading below 1.200 indicates a dead cell.
3. Attempt to Revive the Dead Cell: You can try to revive the dead cell by applying a high voltage pulse to it. You can use a special battery desulfator tool that will do this for you. Follow the instructions carefully and repeat the process several times to increase the chances of success.
4. Add Water to the Battery: Once you’ve attempted to revive the dead cell, you can add distilled water to the battery. This will help dilute the acid and improve the battery’s overall condition.
5. Recharge the Battery: Charge the battery with a good quality battery charger. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and charge the battery fully.
6. Test the Battery: After charging the battery, test it again with the hydrometer. Check the specific gravity of each cell to ensure they are all within the acceptable range.
7. Replace the Cell: If the dead cell hasn’t revived and the specific gravity is still too low, you will need to replace the cell. You can purchase replacement cells at auto parts stores.
8. Reassemble the Battery: Once you’ve replaced the dead cell or revived it successfully, you can reassemble the battery. Add electrolyte (acid) to the cells and replace the cell caps. Charge the battery again before putting it back in the car.

Conclusion

Repairing a dead cell in your car battery can be a time-consuming, but ultimately satisfying process. If you have the know-how, you can save money and extend the life of your battery. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully repair a dead cell in your car battery and get back on the road.

Identifying the Dead Cell

Tools Required:

• Multimeter
• Safety goggles and insulated gloves

Identifying the dead cell in your car battery is an important step in repairing it. To do this, you will need a multimeter. Be sure to wear safety goggles and insulated gloves before handling the battery.

Start by measuring the voltage of each cell using the multimeter. To do this, set the multimeter to voltage mode and touch the positive and negative terminals of the first cell with the multimeter probes. Repeat this process for the remaining cells.

If one of the cells has significantly lower voltage than the others, it is likely the dead cell. A healthy cell should have a voltage of around 2.1 volts.

You can also check for a dead cell by connecting a load tester to the battery. This will apply a load to the battery and measure its output. A healthy battery should maintain a consistent output, while a battery with a dead cell will have a fluctuating output.

Preparing for Repair

Step 1: Protect Yourself

The first step in preparing for a dead cell repair is protecting yourself. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid and can release explosive gases. Therefore, it is important to wear gloves and protective eyewear while removing the battery from the vehicle.

Step 2: Locate the Dead Cell

Next, you need to locate the dead cell in the battery. This can be done by performing a voltage test on each cell with a multimeter. The cell with the lowest voltage reading is the dead cell.

Step 3: Clean the Battery

Before attempting to repair the dead cell, you should clean the battery terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. This will help remove any corrosion or dirt that may be affecting the battery’s performance.

Step 4: Gather Necessary Supplies

It is important to have all the necessary supplies on hand before attempting to repair the dead cell. This includes distilled water, Epsom salt, a battery charger, and a syringe. These supplies can be easily obtained at a local auto parts store or online.

Step 5: Disconnect the Battery

Finally, disconnect the battery from the vehicle before attempting to repair the dead cell. This will prevent any potential damage to the vehicle’s electrical system during the repair process.

Repairing the Dead Cell

Introduction

If you’re experiencing issues with your car battery, there’s a chance that one or more of its cells is dead. In this case, the battery won’t be able to hold a charge, and you may not be able to start your car or use its electrical components. However, it may be possible to repair the dead cell and restore the battery’s functionality.

Steps to Repair a Dead Cell

Here are some steps to follow if you want to attempt to repair a dead cell in your car battery:

1. Remove the battery from your vehicle and place it on a flat surface.
2. Make a solution of distilled water and Epsom salt in a ratio of 1:1.
3. Open the battery’s cells and remove the existing electrolyte solution.
4. Fill each cell with the distilled water and Epsom salt solution.
5. Seal the cells and shake the battery to ensure that the solution is evenly distributed.
6. Connect the battery to a charger and let it charge for at least 24 hours.
7. Disconnect the charger and check the voltage of each cell with a voltmeter. If the voltage is now equal in each cell, the dead cell has been revived.
8. If the voltage is still uneven, repeat the process or consider replacing the battery.

Conclusion

While it’s not always possible to repair a dead cell in a car battery, attempting this process may save you the cost of a replacement battery. However, it’s important to note that this should only be attempted by those with experience and knowledge of how to handle car batteries safely. Otherwise, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional.