How to tell if your battery is dead: Difference between revisions

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== Diagnosis ==

To confirm the condition of your battery, you'll need a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter multimeter]. Follow [[How to read a multimeter|these instructions]] if you don't already know how to use a multimeter~~, and check the following values:~~

To confirm the condition of your battery, you'll need a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter multimeter]. Follow [[How to read a multimeter|these instructions]] if you don't already know how to use a multimeter. Check the voltage at the battery terminals, and make sure to record the voltage down to the tenths: 12.6v vs. 12v. Check the following values:

(Check the voltage at the battery terminals, and make sure to record the voltage down to the tenths: 12.6v vs. 12v)

* After the bike has been sitting for days, key off: No lower than 12.2v, and even that's pretty low. You really want more like 12.6-12.8.

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If the "normal rpm range" voltage reads higher than 13.8v, your voltage regulator may be failing. This will boil the battery dry from overcharging, and eventually start popping lights and causing other damage. This should be fixed as soon as possible.

'''Note''': ~~Older~~ bikes, and the occasional new battery, are not of the sealed variety. They will periodically require water to be added. Make sure the electrolyte level is full, and if it isn't, top it up with ''distilled'' water. A battery with low electrolyte will mimic the symptoms of a dying battery, but can be fully revived by adding distilled water and charging. You can tell if your battery is sealed by looking for a row of six caps (or some kind of removable strip) across the top of the battery casing.

'''Note''': Batteries on older bikes, and the occasional new battery, are not of the sealed variety. They will periodically require water to be added. Make sure the electrolyte level is full, and if it isn't, top it up with ''distilled'' water. A battery with low electrolyte will mimic the symptoms of a dying battery, but can be fully revived by adding distilled water and charging. You can tell if your battery is sealed by looking for a row of six caps (or some kind of removable strip) across the top of the battery casing.

== Further Reading ==

If you'd like to know more about lead-acid batteries and their care and feeding, Yuasa produces a very comprehensive [http://www.yuasabatteries.com/pdfs/TechMan.pdf technical manual] (PDF) that explains all this in detail. Yuasa batteries have a deserved reputation for excellence, which is usually reflected in their price.

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 == Diagnosis ==
-To confirm the condition of your battery, you'll need a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter multimeter].  Follow [[How to read a multimeter|these instructions]] if you don't already know how to use a multimeter, and check the following values:
+To confirm the condition of your battery, you'll need a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter multimeter].  Follow [[How to read a multimeter|these instructions]] if you don't already know how to use a multimeter. Check the voltage at the battery terminals, and make sure to record the voltage down to the tenths: 12.6v vs. 12v. Check the following values:
-(Check the voltage at the battery terminals, and make sure to record the voltage down to the tenths: 12.6v vs. 12v)
 * After the bike has been sitting for days, key off: No lower than 12.2v, and even that's pretty low. You really want more like 12.6-12.8.
@@ Line 41: / Line 39: @@
 If the "normal rpm range" voltage reads higher than 13.8v, your voltage regulator may be failing.  This will boil the battery dry from overcharging, and eventually start popping lights and causing other damage. This should be fixed as soon as possible.
-'''Note''': Older bikes, and the occasional new battery, are not of the sealed variety.  They will periodically require water to be added.  Make sure the electrolyte level is full, and if it isn't, top it up with ''distilled'' water.  A battery with low electrolyte will mimic the symptoms of a dying battery, but can be fully revived by adding distilled water and charging.  You can tell if your battery is sealed by looking for a row of six caps (or some kind of removable strip) across the top of the battery casing.
+'''Note''': Batteries on older bikes, and the occasional new battery, are not of the sealed variety.  They will periodically require water to be added.  Make sure the electrolyte level is full, and if it isn't, top it up with ''distilled'' water.  A battery with low electrolyte will mimic the symptoms of a dying battery, but can be fully revived by adding distilled water and charging.  You can tell if your battery is sealed by looking for a row of six caps (or some kind of removable strip) across the top of the battery casing.
 == Further Reading ==
 If you'd like to know more about lead-acid batteries and their care and feeding, Yuasa produces a very comprehensive [http://www.yuasabatteries.com/pdfs/TechMan.pdf technical manual]  (PDF) that explains all this in detail.  Yuasa batteries have a deserved reputation for excellence, which is usually reflected in their price.