Is this battery finaly dead?

Question

I've got an old car battery that I keep stored for emergencies and around once a month give it a charge. Normally when it's charging the voltage slowly increases to around 14.5v and my charger then automatically flicks over to float mode, but on this occasion the battery has been connected for over 2 days and it still hasn't gone into float mode. I connected a DVM and it stays around 14v and won't increase no matter how long I keep it connected. Using a hydrometer I checked each cell which read:

1.26
1.26
1.28
1.29
1.28
1.26

I thought it may be the charger that's faulty but when I connect it to another battery it works normal and goes into float mode. Or when I connect an old bog standard 4amp charger to the battery just to see what happens the voltage does start to increase past 14.5v Does it sound like the battery's finally kaput?

Depresion · Accepted Answer

It's probably well on it's way out. That's not to say it may not be useful some times but it sounds like sulphation may have set in.

Steve B · Answer

Sounds like it's just getting a bit old and knackered rather than being obviously dead. Leave it for a few days and try it at starting up your car, I presume that's all you need it for so that's all that matters really.

Family Jules · Answer

Batteries like to be discharged as well as charged.They don't store too well doing what you are doing.

Chris Whelan · Answer

Lead/acid batteries most definitely don't like to be deep discharged...Chris

Is this battery finaly dead?

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