How to Fix a Dead Cell in a Car Battery?

Symptoms of a Dead Cell in a Car Battery

• Difficulty Starting the Engine: A dead cell can cause the battery to lose its cranking power, leading to hard starts or no start at all.
• Dim Headlights:Low voltage due to a dead cell may result in dim or flickering headlights.
• Frequent Jump-Starts:If you constantly need to jump-start your car, it may indicate a dead battery cell.
• Low Voltage Readings:Using a multimeter, a healthy battery should show around 12.6 volts. A voltage significantly lower than this suggests a problem with one or more cells.
• Battery Warning Light:any modern cars have a battery warning light on the dashboard that illuminates when there’s an issue with the charging system or battery cells.

Causes of a Dead Cell in a Car Battery

• Sulfation:Over time, lead sulfate crystals can build up on the battery plates, reducing the battery’s ability to hold a charge. This can lead to dead or weakened cells.
• Overcharging or Undercharging:Improper charging can cause the battery cells to wear out faster. Overcharging generates excess heat, which damages the cells, while undercharging leads to sulfation.
• Age:As batteries age, the chemical reactions inside them become less efficient, leading to cell failure
• Lack of Maintenance:: For certain types of batteries, a lack of proper maintenance, such as keeping the electrolyte level topped off, can cause the cells to dry out and die.

Steps to Address a Dead Battery Cell

• Check the Battery Electrolyte Level
• Inspect the Electrolyte: If your car battery is a serviceable lead-acid battery, open the battery caps and check the electrolyte level. If it’s low, the cells may be unable to function properly.
• Refill the Electrolyte:Carefully add distilled water to bring the electrolyte back to the correct level. This may help revive a weak cell.

Test the Battery Voltage:

• Use a Multimeter:Citation Generator Make use of a multimeter to find the battery voltage. About 12.6 volts is what a completely charged battery should read. There can be a dead cell in the battery if the reading is significantly lower.
• Load Test the Battery: Perform a load test using a battery tester to check how well the battery performs under stress. If the voltage drops significantly during the test, it indicates a failing cell.

Attempt to Desulfate the Battery:

• Equalize Charging:Some smart battery chargers have a desulfation or equalizing mode, which applies a high-voltage pulse to break down sulfate crystals on the battery plates. This process may help revive a dead cell.
• Use a Desulfator Device: A battery desulfator is designed to send electrical pulses through the battery to break down sulfate buildup. While not always effective, it can sometimes restore the battery to working order.

Recondition the Battery:

• Battery Reconditioning Kits:Battery reconditioning kits contain chemicals that can be added to the battery to remove sulfation and extend its life. Follow the instructions carefully to attempt this DIY fix.
• Remove Sulfate Buildup: For lead-acid batteries, carefully empty the electrolyte, clean the cells, and refill with a mixture of distilled water and a reconditioning solution. This can sometimes bring a weak battery back to life, though success isn’t guaranteed.

Preventing Dead Battery Cells:

• Regular Battery Maintenance: For serviceable batteries, regularly check and maintain the electrolyte level. Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
• Use a Smart Charger:A smart battery charger can prevent overcharging and undercharging by automatically adjusting the charging process based on the battery’s needs.
• Avoid Deep Discharge: Try not to let your battery discharge completely, as this can damage the cells over time. If you’re not using the vehicle for an extended period, use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged.
• Park in Moderate Temperatures: Extreme hot or cold weather can damage your battery cells, so whenever possible, park your vehicle in a garage or shaded area.

Conclusion

While it’s sometimes possible to fix a dead cell in a car battery through reconditioning, desulfation, or other methods, success isn’t guaranteed, and replacement may be necessary, especially if the battery is old or significantly damaged. For a reliable solution, MyMechanic Malaysia offers professional diagnosis and battery replacement services to keep your car running smoothly.