The Interstate group 24 has been pretty faithful for 10 years, but I went to throw the float charger on it and found that it was quickly switching to the "charged" indication. Seems it's got a large internal resistance now. I put the beefy dumb charger on it, and after a half hour it was finally up to 1/2 amp of charging current. Took the dumb charger off and put the float charger back on overnight, but it seems to be back to having a high internal resistance. It's inside now, back on the dumb charger where it's up to 1 amp now. So, is there hope for it, or time to retire it and get a new one?

What was the voltage of the battery before trying to charge? Did it freeze?If it is 10 years old I wouldn't even bother, you got your money's worth.

Battery voltage was 12.7. I saw liquid when I checked the electrolyte, so I'm assuming it didn't freeze. Actually, I was just checking the voltage, forgot to switch the leads, and managed to NOT blow the expensive amps fuse on my Fluke. Might be time to send it on its way.

12.7? It is already fully charged, that is the reason it won't charge.

average age for a battery is 7 years. I had mine in my truck for over 10 years and thought I should get a new one before the cold set in. One thing you can try is if you have a engine start on the charger, set it on engine start for about 10 minutes. not much longer than that, the battery will get too hot. but putting it on engine start will shock the electrolyte in the battery and break up the crud around the plates. it is the crud on the plates that ruins a battery. if you can dissolve some of the crud you may get another year out of it. but then maybe not. I would advise you to start looking for a new battery.

Like a 100 year old man. He won't eat, but how is he otherwise? If he can still tap his foot and whistle maybe it ain't quite time to call the mortician.

Is my battery done? | Good Sam Community

beemerphile1
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Your battery is sulfated/done.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 12, 2014
sparkydave wrote:
Maybe it acts like it's charged, but the moment I put any load on it it drops to about 11 volts, and it's back to charging very slowly. Can't use it for much of anything, since the low voltage alarm on the gas detector sounds off if I turn the porch light on.

Then it's time for a new battery.
Why are you even wondering :H
sparkydave
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Maybe it acts like it's charged, but the moment I put any load on it it drops to about 11 volts, and it's back to charging very slowly. Can't use it for much of anything, since the low voltage alarm on the gas detector sounds off if I turn the porch light on.
mena661
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014
beemerphile1 wrote:
12.7? It is already fully charged, that is the reason it won't charge.
X2, it's fully charged especially with only 1/2 amp going in. Keep using it.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Jan 11, 2014
It's 10 years old...How much longer do you think it should last??? Just blow the dust off the wallet and go get a new one.

B.O.
dan-nickie
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014
At 10 years I would get a new one instead of waiting for it to go out while camping.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 11, 2014
10 years is right close to the max anticipated life of 7-10 years for that line of batteries.. So even if its toast, be happy.. If it recovers (And it may well do that) keep a close eye on it.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014
Ten years is darn good. Hope my new Interstate 24's last that long.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 11, 2014

What does battery voltage do when you put a load on it?
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014
Like a 100 year old man. He won't eat, but how is he otherwise? If he can still tap his foot and whistle maybe it ain't quite time to call the mortician.

Forum Discussion

Is my battery done?

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Paint job done

I think its almost done

Alaska - can it be done?

Well.....we've done it again

What have you done with your tailgate?