FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions. Got Battery Problems? We can help!

Q: What types of batteries can I charge using the BatteryMINDer?

A: BatteryMINDers can be used on all size / type / brands of Lead-Acid batteries.

Q: What are the different types of Lead-Acid batteries?

A: Lead-Acid batteries include engine starting, deep cycle, sealed, gelled, AGM and maintenance-free varieties. See the KNOWLEDGE section for additional information.

Q: Does the BatteryMINDer extend the life of my battery?

A: Yes, the BatteryMINDer's active desulfation circuitry prevents and eliminates Lead Plate Sulfation, the leading cause of battery failure. See the section on Sulfation in our KNOWLEDGE center for additional information.

Q: When does a BatteryMINDer start and stop charging?

A: BatteryMINDers are "smart" chargers. As soon as they are connected they start charging. They never shut off. Instead they take readings from your battery and increase or decrease output to supply exactly enough power to maintain your battery with no risk of overcharging or undercharging.

Q: How long can I leave the BatteryMINDer connected to my battery?

A: As long as it is plugged in you can leave the BatteryMINDer hooked up to a battery indefinitely. It will never overcharge or damage your battery.

Q: How do I decide which BatteryMINDer model I should use?

A: See our APPLICATIONS SECTION to help pick the right BatteryMINDer for your application.

Q: What happens if I connect my BatteryMINDer incorrectly?

A: Nothing, the Battery Minder's polarity protection will detect the problem and prevent any damage. Simply reconnect the output to the correct terminals.

Q: When should I use a temperature compensated BatteryMINDer?

A: Any time your battery is subject to extreme conditions. See the section on the Temperature Compensation on Batteries in our learning center for additional information.

Q: Can I charge more than one battery at a time with the BatteryMINDer?

A: Yes, you can charge up to four batteries of similar type and condition with many BatteryMINDer models. You can charge up to six batteries of different types and conditions with some BatteryMINDer models. Check indvidual product pages. See the section on Multi Battery Connections in our learning center for additional information and safety guidelines.

Q: How come when I connect a multi-meter to my BatteryMINDer, it does not read any voltage?

A: To prevent short-circuits, BatteryMINDers will only output voltage when connected to a battery. Connect your BatteryMINDer as per instructions and then take a voltage reading.

Q: Do I need to add water to my battery when it is connected and maintained by a BatteryMINDer?

A: Following manufacturer's instructions ensure proper fluid levels prior to charging. BatteryMINDers prevent "boil-off" due to overcharging, the main cause of water loss.

Q: What do I do if my battery's charge is under the 3 volts required for a BatteryMINDer to work properly?

A: If a battery has low voltage from having not been maintained as opposed to a physical problem such as a shorted cell, it can be temporarily hooked up to a "dumb" charger to bring the voltage above the minimum level.

Q: What do the red and green lights mean on the BatteryMINDer models?

A: The red LED comes on when the BatteryMINDer is plugged in an electrical outlet. The green LED comes on when the unit is properly attached to the battery posts. If the green LED is blinking the BatteryMINDer is in the desulfation-maintenance mode.

Q: What does a yellow right center light mean on BatteryMINDer models?

A: If the right center LED is yellow the BatteryMINDer has detected a weak battery, sulfated battery or drop in voltage due to a load. Attempt to charge the battery normally. After the battery has charged reset the BatteryMINDer, if the LED is still yellow charge the battery in Maintenance-Float mode for 72 hours and recheck. Repeat up to 3 times or until LED is green.

Q: What does a solid red upper right LED mean on BatteryMINDer models?

A: If the upper right LED is solid red you might have the polarity of the clips reversed, a short in one of your connections or a battery with under 3-volts.

Q: What does a flashing red upper right LED mean on BatteryMINDer models?

A: If the upper right LED is flashing red the BatteryMINDer has either timed out of Soft Start / Bulk / Absorption mode or has prevented thermal runaway from occurring in the battery.

Q: What does it mean if my BatteryMINDer has timed out?

A: Your BatteryMINDer will time out if it has not reached the voltage necessary to move on to the next stage of charging within 4 to 20 hours depending on the stage. Multiple or large batteries may require a second charge to reach the trip voltage. Restart the charger on its original setting charging separately if possible. This may also be an indication of a badly sulfated battery. If possible allow battery to charge in Maintenance-Float mode for up to 72 hours before attempting to restart charger.

Q: What is thermal runaway?

A: When charging a battery, thermal runaway is a condition involving uncontrolled increases of current and temperature. See the section on Temperature Compensation in our learning center for additional information.

Q: How can I prevent thermal runaway?

A: BatteryMINDer products have an early detection system which automatically prevents thermal runaway from occurring.

Q: Why does my BatteryMINDer go into 2A & GEL mode after I left it on a different setting?

A: You may have an intermittent loose connection between your BatteryMINDer and Battery. Ensure all connections are sound and restart charger. If all connections are sound, your battery may have fallen bellow 12.5-V while in Maintenance-Float mode. This can occur if the battery is connected to a load, if the battery is sulfated or if there is a bad cell. Disconnect from any load, check the battery for a bad cell and restart charger.

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UPDATED 03/02/2016