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

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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 ~~electrolyte~~ 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''': 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 39: / 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 electrolyte 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''': 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.