How to Troubleshoot Deep Cycle Batteries
Deep cycle batteries are not often the car batteries we see every day, deep cycle batteries are designed to be used to provide constant power for long periods of time and to operate reliably, withstand deep discharges of the total capacity (up to about 80% or even more), and can be recharged over and over again. The main types of deep cycle batteries are: lead-acid (flooded FLA and valve regulated lead-acid VRLA), lithium-ion, and dual-purpose, i.e., hybrid, batteries. Deep cycle batteries can be charged for a variety of applications including golf carts, RVs, home use, and more. Deep cycle batteries can also malfunction, which requires us to troubleshoot, specific deep cycle battery troubleshooting is as follows:
Checking Deep Cycle Batteries
Safety is required when performing deep cycle battery inspections. You need to pull the barrier, bring insulated gloves, wear a safety helmet, etc., and remove metal objects worn on the body, and place the battery in an open area to work. The battery needs to be fully charged before the inspection, or left for one hour after use if the battery is faulty and cannot be recharged. Specific inspections are as follows
1. Appearance Inspection
1.1 Check whether there is damage, corrosion, poor connection at the battery terminals, may be dangerous.
1.2 Check whether the battery shell is broken.
1.3 Check whether the battery has dirt, there is dirt prone to corrosion.
2. Check the voltage
Measure the voltage of the 12-volt battery under the state of fully charged battery is about 12 volts, and other specifications of the battery also have the corresponding voltage.
3. Load test check
3.1 Use the load tester to test the minimum voltage of the battery.
3.2 Refer to the lowest voltage of the load tester to judge the condition of the battery.
3.3 Repair or replace the battery according to the test results.
4. Check the deep discharge level of the battery
If the deep discharge level is regulated too high, it can also lead to malfunctions of the deep cycle battery, such as the vehicle not being able to start.
Analyze the data
After we have tested the data of the deep cycle battery, we can analyze the state of the battery. Comparing the voltage we measured with the state of charge, we can analyze the charge level. If the analysis of our measurements reveals that the battery is about 20% lower than the voltage level when fully charged, the battery needs to be repaired or replaced. If the battery voltage is normal when it is fully charged, and the battery power drops quickly during use, this is likely due to the aging and failure of the battery. Usually, we are directly replace the battery, the cost of repairing the battery is more expensive. There is another situation when the measured data is below 10 volts or even no voltage, which means that the battery has been scrapped and can only be replaced.
To summarize: deep cycle batteries in the event of a failure to contact a professional repairman, we personally do not go to the personal repair when there is no any protective equipment to protect life, health and safety.
How to maintain the deep cycle battery?
1. Deep cycle batteries should be fully charged every day.
2. Deep cycle batteries should be avoided overcharging, as this will affect the battery capacity
3. Regular inspection, maintenance and repair
How to know if a deep cycle battery is faulty?
Generally speaking, deep cycle batteries with faults will show some obvious faults. Generally speaking, the running time of the battery is relatively short, and the battery power will be used up very quickly. If it is more serious, the shell of the battery will be broken, and the battery will be bulging, etc. This requires us to replace the battery to avoid serious harm
