The first step in treating a weak battery is to perform what Optima calls a "conditioning charge". This is a prolonged slow charge that equalizes all the cells and helps eliminate sulfation from the plates.
The conditioning charge is 4 amps for 16 hours. In order to provide that current, I use two small 12V chargers connected in parallel to the battery. Each one is set to the 2 amp ("trickle" charge) setting. The chargers can be purchased at any car parts store, and they cost approximately $20.00 each.
The procedure is:
- Turn the car completely off by pushing Big Red (Button) down.
- Disconnect the weak battery from the rest of the pack. Cover the now-loose cable ends - they are still live with voltage from the other batteries and can spark if they touch metal or another battery terminal. I like to tape a spare rubber boot to the exposed side, but you can also wrap them in a shop towel or electrical tape.
- Put the minus clip of both small chargers onto the minus terminal of the battery. Then install the plus clips to the plus of terminal.
- Plug both small chargers in. They will start above 2 amps, but should settle to that approximate level. Let the setup run for 16 hours.
- Check the battery for heating after one hour. It will be warm. If it is hotter, that indicates a problem that the conditioning charge can't fix. Either the battery has lost too much moisture or electrolyte during gassing ("dryout"), or there is internal damage, such as a shorted cell.
If you experience excessive heating, stop the conditioning charge - it will only make things worse and might result in melting.
Batteries with bumpy tops are not good candidates for the conditioning charge. They have experienced internal pressure build-up and have probably lost too much moisture.
If you have any questions, please call Mark Phelps at 831-635-1033 ext.120.
