Forum Discussion

Lenny_K's avatar
Lenny_K
Explorer
Feb 07, 2015

Batteries Will Not Take Charge

I have a friend that has a Chinook Class B with two 12v batteries that will not take a charge over 13.4v even with a 40 amp battery charger attached. Needless to say they wake up in the morning to low battery beeping sounds.
Any ideas why they will not take over 13.3v charge.
  • NinerBikes's avatar
    NinerBikes
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    Lenny K wrote:
    rk911 wrote:
    Dakota98 wrote:
    Are these Lead Acid or AGM ?

    Are "all connections" clean ?


    and if not maintenance free check the cells with a hydrometer. how old are the batteries?


    I don't have a hydrometer with me and the doesn't have one either and I don't know the age of the batteries.
    I've been after to have a load test done on them but he hasn't to date.


    Can't fix lazy. You should take some samples, get a date code, and get back to us.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    Lenny K wrote:
    rk911 wrote:
    Dakota98 wrote:
    Are these Lead Acid or AGM ?

    Are "all connections" clean ?


    and if not maintenance free check the cells with a hydrometer. how old are the batteries?


    I don't have a hydrometer with me and the doesn't have one either and I don't know the age of the batteries.
    I've been after to have a load test done on them but he hasn't to date.


    the next time you're at the hardware store pick one up and put it in your tool box. it's a great tool.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Feb 07, 2015
    What is the maximum output voltage of the charger? If the batteries are old and shot, there's no accounting for their behavior.

    Try a known good battery and see how it charges.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    Assuming you've checked water levels then. Do you have a hydrometer? See what your readings are.

    Even if you do, have them tested.

    Depending on their age & charging profile used in the past, it may be time for new ones.
  • Lenny_K's avatar
    Lenny_K
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    rk911 wrote:
    Dakota98 wrote:
    Are these Lead Acid or AGM ?

    Are "all connections" clean ?


    and if not maintenance free check the cells with a hydrometer. how old are the batteries?


    I don't have a hydrometer with me and the doesn't have one either and I don't know the age of the batteries.
    I've been after to have a load test done on them but he hasn't to date.
  • Lenny_K's avatar
    Lenny_K
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    If they are dead they will bubble vigorously at 13.4 volts. Dead meaning battery recycler time. Time to have them tested...

    I'm thinking they are dead also but why will they not take a higher charge?
  • Lenny_K's avatar
    Lenny_K
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    Dakota98 wrote:
    Are these Lead Acid or AGM ?

    Are "all connections" clean ?


    Lead acid and connections are clean.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    Dakota98 wrote:
    Are these Lead Acid or AGM ?

    Are "all connections" clean ?


    and if not maintenance free check the cells with a hydrometer. how old are the batteries?
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2015
    If they are dead they will bubble vigorously at 13.4 volts. Dead meaning battery recycler time. Time to have them tested...

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