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Can You Recondition Your Battery?
Yes, reconditioning of an AGM battery is possible. You can revive your batteries when their performance drops. Reconditioning means restoring the battery when it stops functioning. Usually, failure occurs due to a prolonged storage period or when used for the wrong purpose.
In supplying energy, a battery discharge might occur through sulfation. This chemical reaction tends to cause an accumulation of sulfate crystals on the battery plates. The crystal build-up means longer charging time, reduced efficiency, and a drop-in charge capacity. Reconditioning a battery allows the battery to recharge and function like a new one.
Reasons for AGM Battery Failure
AGM batteries lose power and their strengths deteriorate over time, resulting in poor performance. Many people may think it best to get rid of them, but we’re here to provide alternate methods for increasing the performance of your AGM battery.
Considering the batteries are expensive and, when disposed of without being used to their full potential, they have added cost. Moreover, their core materials are acidic and synthetic, meaning they harm the environment when discarded.
AGM battery failure is a common occurrence and is due to;
- When the battery is not correctly fitted into the vehicle.
- Dirty battery cables.
- Damage from over/under charging.
- Battery age.
- Sulfation.
- Wrong adjustment of the battery cables to fit into the terminals.
- When the battery use differs from its designed application.
- The battery is not sized correctly for the application.
- The battery is over-connected with electrical accessories.
When Can You Recondition An AGM Battery?
Knowing when to administer reconditioning procedures is as important as using the battery itself. When a fully charged AGM battery tests more than 20% lower than its fully charged level, it is probably due for a replacement.
One can tell when your battery is in terrible shape through several methods, which include:
1. Visual checks
For safety reasons, a quick visual inspection is paramount to knowing when to recondition your battery. Some of the visible signs include:
- Cracks or ruptures.
- Bulges or bumps.
- Broken pieces of any kind.
- Discoloration.
- Broken terminal.
If the battery is still new to the eyes but there is an occurrence of a bulge in the case, then it is a result of overcharging. Other signs, such as physical damage to the case, are due to mishandling. Cracks and holes may not cause the battery to stop working, but it will be hazardous for normal operations.
2. Take voltage reading
Sulfation is a common cause of battery failure and has several signs. The most typical indication of sulfation is when the battery does not hold a charge very well. Other signs include when the electronic devices do not get enough power and when they go dead long before expected.
- Less than 12.6 volts, then it is a clear indication of an undercharged battery, mainly caused by sulfation.
- Less than 10.5 volts, then the battery possesses a dead cell.
- With a reading of 0 volts, chances are that the battery has experienced a short circuit.
3. Load test the battery
The load test involves connecting a digital voltmeter to the battery terminals. Then, you connect the voltmeter and battery terminals of the vehicle and start the engine. A healthy battery voltage ranges from 9.6-10.5 volts and can keep your car running for at least 30 seconds.
How to recondition an AGM battery?
You can recondition an AGM battery through several methods, as discussed below:
Method 2: Another way to revive dead batteries is by the use of standard home garage equipment. This technique tends to trick the regular charger into providing power to a deeply discharged battery. Items required include:
- A battery charger.
- Cables.
- A good battery of 12.2 volts.
- The damaged battery.
- A digital voltmeter.
- Stopwatch.
The first step is to connect the two batteries in parallel (positive to the positive terminal and negative to the negative terminal) using the cables. Proceed to connect the charger to the 12-volt battery and turn it on; the charger will measure the voltage on the performing battery and start supplying charges. Leave the batteries for about an hour, after which you check whether the deteriorated one is warm simply by touching it. A warm feeling is good, but disconnect from the charger when you feel a hot sensation.
Using the voltmeter, check if the low battery has reached 10.5 volts, and if so, connect it directly to the charger when it is completed; then, the battery is as good as new.
FAQ - AGM Battery Reconditioning
Can a CTEK charger recondition an AGM battery?
Yes, a CTEK charger can recondition an AGM battery. As the charger charges at high voltages, they are better suited to the AGM program; hence possible to use the recond and the AGM programs together.
Can you charge an AGM battery with a regular charger?
Yes, one can use a regular charger to charge an AGM battery provided you follow the instructions provided for the latter. It is essential not to use a wet cell instruction on an AGM battery so as not to destroy it.
Can you add water to an AGM battery?
No, never try to add water to an AGM battery. Not only will this action not recondition the battery, but it will also ruin the unit by exposing the inner parts to oxygen, thus ruining the whole battery.
How long do AGM batteries last?
An AGM battery lasts twice as long as its flooded counterparts do. If a flooded battery lasts three to five years, an AGM battery could last twice the time, i.e., six to ten years.
How regularly should I charge my AGM battery?
Charge your AGM battery once you fill the acid and the wet life has started, thus preventing further damage to the battery.
Final Thoughts
Batteries are revolutionary. In addition, they are costly to buy. So, before you can plan your next purchase, try reconditioning your battery in a few simple steps. AGM battery reconditioning is simple, but you should avoid chemical burns, explosions, and fires. Most importantly, don’t short out the battery terminals, or you might ruin your chances of being able to recondition the AGM battery.
James is an engineer and a professional blogger. He has gained extensive experience over the years, handling all types of power projects. He loves to share his experiences with all things related to batteries, generators, and other power-related topics.
