What to Do if Your Lawn Mower Battery Won’t Charge
Encountering a lawn mower battery that refuses to charge can be frustrating and disruptive to your lawn care routine. Understanding and addressing the underlying issues is crucial for getting your mower back in working order. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide on the steps to take if your lawn mower battery won’t charge.
1. Check Battery Connections
Inspect Connections: Start by examining the battery connections. Loose or corroded connections can prevent the battery from charging properly. Ensure that the battery terminals are securely attached and free from corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean any build-up of corrosion on the terminals. After cleaning, reconnect the terminals tightly to ensure a good connection.
2. Attempt a Charging Session
Use a Charger: Connect the battery to a lawn mower battery charger set to 12 volts, which is the standard for most lawn mower batteries. Allow the battery to charge for up to 8 hours. If, after this period, the battery still shows signs of a low charge or fails to start the mower, the battery may be damaged and may need replacing.
3. Listen for Sounds During Start-Up
Clicking Noise: When attempting to start the mower, listen for a clicking sound. This noise indicates that the battery may not be providing enough power. A clicking sound generally suggests that the battery is either dead or failing and may need to be replaced.
4. Verify Voltage with a Multimeter
Check Voltage Levels: Use a multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage. A fully charged and healthy battery should read between 12.6 and 12.7 volts. If the multimeter reading falls below 11.5 volts, it suggests that the battery is weak and likely in need of replacement.
5. Examine the Water Reservoir (for Flooded Batteries)
Check Water Levels: For flooded lead-acid batteries, it’s essential to check the water reservoir. Ensure the water level is at the maximum level. Low water levels can impact the battery’s charging ability and overall performance. If necessary, top up the water and attempt to charge the battery again.
6. Assess Battery Age and Condition
Consider Battery Age: Evaluate the age of your battery. Lead-acid batteries generally last between 3 to 5 years. If your battery is older, it may be reaching the end of its usable life. Even if it seems to hold a charge initially, older batteries are more susceptible to failure under load. If you encounter persistent issues, replacing the battery might be the most effective solution.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and address common issues associated with lawn mower batteries that won’t charge. Regular maintenance, such as ensuring secure connections, monitoring voltage, and checking water levels, can help prevent these problems. If these measures don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to consider replacing the battery to ensure your lawn mower operates reliably.