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--- opinion:frater_secessus:dead_battery [2022/08/04 00:19]
frater_secessus [sources of charging]
+++ opinion:frater_secessus:dead_battery [2022/08/06 23:20] (current)
frater_secessus [replace any damaged components]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+DRAFT
 ====== How to handle a dead house battery ======
-If your house bank ("auxilliary battery") is dead (nothing is working) we have both short-term and long-term problems.  Let's start with the short term issues.
+If your [[electrical:12v:intro#storing_power|house bank]](("auxilliary battery")) is dead and nothing is working we have both short-term and long-term problems.  Let's start with the short term issues.
 ===== first things first =====
@@ Line 26: / Line 28: @@
+===== fix the underlying problem =====
+  - ensure all charging methods are configured to meet your battery manufacturer's [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|charging specs]] - voltages, durations, and min/max current
+  - if charging by solar ensure the panels are [[electrical:solar:shading|completely unshaded]]
+  - ensure all connections are good:  battery connections, solar panel connections, grounds((bad grounds can cause problems with alternator charging in particular since the chassis is often used as the negative return)), etc
+  - get your [[electrical:12v:alt_and_solar|power production]] and [[electrical:solar:rationing|power use]] ratio under control.   Make sure you are making power whenever you can.
+===== replace any damaged components =====
+Yes, your battery may be toast but there is no use replacing it until you get the underlying issues fixed.  If you replace the battery with the same problems [[electrical:batterycide|it will be murdered]], too.
+If you know the battery is "injured" you might choose to [[electrical:severe_battery_use|run it into the ground]] before replacing it, or while sourcing a replacement.
+===== lithium considerations =====
+With lithium banks over-discharge is not the only problem that can cause the battery to stop working.  The BMS can also shut down the party if temperature is too high or low, if current is too high, or if individual cell voltages are out of whack.
+==== resetting the BMS ====
+Some Li batteries have special devices that can be inserted into ports to reset the BMS.  Most, however, use a separate charging source to tell the BMS all is well.  Something like 13v and 3A is typical.  Save the vigorous charging for after the underlying problem is addressed.
+==== addressing the problem ====
+If the BMS shut off because of freezing temperatures it is critical to warm the battery before charging.
+If the BMS shut off because of cell imbalance try charging to a lower Absorption(("boost")) voltage like 13.8v.
+If the BMS shut off because of overcurrent discontinue the load that caused it.
+After the underlying issue is address charge the bank gently to a normal SoC((≥20%)) before charging with full force.
+===== don't beat yourself up =====
+Now that the ship is righted again, take solace in the fact that many before you have made these same mistakes before.  Vanliving is doing, and breaking stuff, and fixing it.

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