How do You Fix a Dead Cell in a Car Battery?

You can fix a dead cell in a car battery, but it’s quite a risky endeavor to do without the help of a professional. Reconditioning a dead cell involves working closely with battery acid, which can leave nasty and painful burns. 

You’ll need chemical-resistant wear, a flathead screwdriver, a voltmeter, charger, buckets, a funnel, steel wool or a brush, and one pound of Epsom salt and baking soda. Some water, about a gallon, is also necessary. 

First, mix the water and baking soda (mostly part baking soda) and suit up with your protective gloves and goggles. Dip the steel wool or brush in the solution and wipe down the corroded battery terminals after taking out the battery from the car. Then, check your voltage with the voltmeter –if it reads lower than 10V, then the battery may not be saved. Carefully remove the battery cover and then the cell caps using the screwdriver. You would then place these cells into the buckets. Baking soda can be used to neutralize the acid that corroded them. 

You’re just about halfway through it! Resemble the battery cover and the cells before pouring the cleaning solution into said cells. From there, shake the battery for about a minute. Empty it into the spare, unused you have in addition to the one you mixed the solution in. Now, combine the salt and water (four ounces and four cups) into a new solution and funnel it into the cells before shaking the battery again for another minute.         

Now comes the part where you actually recondition the battery. You will need to set it up in a safe area and unscrew the cell caps in case the solution overflows from it. Connect the battery charger at 12V/2 Amps for about three days. Your voltmeter should read between 12.4V and 12.6V in order for you to turn on your car’s electronics. Test it again by turning on your car in a few minutes to see if it has been reconditioned. 

Reconditioning a salvageable car battery is a great way to save on the costs of maintaining your car. You can also save big on the cost of car insurance with Insurance Navy. Cheap car insurance is available for every kind of driver regardless of risk or level of needed coverage. Start today on our website with a free basic or full car insurance quote.