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How do I repair a car battery that won't hold a charge?
I’ve jumpstarted my battery, trickle charged it, and tried about every other home remedy I can think of, but my battery still won’t hold a charge. What are some ways to repair my car battery if it won’t hold a charge?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If
jumpstarting your car battery
doesn’t fix your problem, your battery might be dead. If it’s not, you may be able to repair a car battery that won’t hold a charge by performing a few tests, cleaning the cells, and reconditioning the battery.Before you begin: test your battery to ensure it’s not dead. An auto parts store can do this for you free of charge. You should also consider the battery’s age—if it’s more than four years old, it’s probably on its last legs.
Once you’ve confirmed the battery isn’t dead, here’s what you can do to recondition it:
- Clean the terminals of the battery: Make sure to put on protective gear first!
- Connect a load tester to the battery’s terminals: Start with the positive terminal, then connect the negative terminal. If the load drops below 12 volts and stays there, you must replace the battery. If your battery passes the test, remove the cell covers with a screwdriver.
- Use a hydrometer to test the fluid in the cell: If the solution is dark in color, you will need to replace the battery. But if it’s green or white, you should be in the clear.
- Use a voltmeter to test the battery: Attach the voltmeter to the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal. Add battery fluid to any cells with less than a 2-volt reading on the voltmeter.
When you’re done, make sure to replace the cell covers. Then, put the battery a trickle charger for 24 hours.
Pro tip: To better avoid dead batteries in the future, add a battery inspection to your
basic car maintenance schedule
.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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