How to Jumpstart a Dead Lithium LiFePO4 Battery? 5 Ways Guide!

The lithium-ion battery has revolutionized portable power for modern gadgets and electric vehicles, offering high energy density and a long lifespan. When these batteries die, knowing how to jump-start them becomes crucial.

This guide provides practical insights and 5 measures for reviving a dead lithium-ion battery, along with step-by-step instructions and tips to bring your devices back to life.

Understanding Lithium-Ion Batteries

Before delving into the jumpstarting process, it's crucial to understand the basics of lithium-ion batteries. Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries rely on a different chemical reaction to generate electricity. When a lithium-ion battery becomes fully discharged, its voltage drops to a level where it is no longer able to power the device it is intended for. In that case, you can't charge or discharge the battery.  Attempting to recharge a completely dead lithium-ion battery using standard methods might not be effective, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous.

Common Reasons Why Lithium LiFePO4 Batteries Die

LiFePO4 batteries are commonly built- in BMS (battery management system) to protect. It has 85% chances that BMS has shut if off for protection.

1. Over Discharge

Lithium-ion batteries can be damaged when discharged to very low levels. Over discharging can cause the formation of dendrites, which are tiny metal projections that can grow within the battery and potentially short-circuit it. This can lead to a loss of capacity and even render the battery unusable. In addition, over discharging can also cause the battery's voltage to drop below a safe level, triggering safety mechanisms that can render the battery inoperable.

2. Overcharging

Overcharging a lithium-ion battery can lead to the decomposition of the electrolyte, which creates gases and heat. This build-up of pressure within the battery can result in swelling, leakage, or even rupture. The formation of metallic lithium on the anode during overcharging can also cause internal short circuits, which in turn can lead to thermal runaway and potentially result in fire or explosion. Continuous overcharging can lead to a significant reduction in the battery's lifespan and capacity.

3. Aging

Lithium-ion batteries undergo gradual aging due to chemical reactions that occur within the cells, even when they are not in use. This aging process is accelerated by factors such as high temperatures and high charge voltages. Over time, these reactions lead to the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, which increase internal resistance and reduce the capacity of the battery. As a result, the battery's overall performance deteriorates, leading to a gradual decline in its ability to hold a charge and deliver power effectively.

3 Most Convinient Ways to Jump Start a Dead Lithium Battery

1. Leave the Battery Aside

If the BMS has cut off the battery for protection, 2 steps to activate it.

• Step 1：Cut off all the connections from the battery.
• Setp 2: Leave the battery aside for 30 mins.

Then the battery will automatically recover it self to normal voltage and can be used after fully charged.

If the battery is unable to recover itself after the above steps, try the following steps.

2. Utilizing a Charger with 0V Charging Function

In situations where a lithium battery has depleted to 0 volts, traditional charging methods may prove ineffective. One solution is to leverage a charger with a 0V charging function. These specialized chargers are designed to kick-start the recharging process for batteries that have been completely drained, providing a targeted and effective approach to reviving the battery's functionality.

LiTime 12V 20Ah Lithium Battery Charger

By utilizing a charger with 0V charging capabilities, you can bypass the limitations of standard chargers and initiate the recharging process, breathing new life into a seemingly dead lithium battery.

3. Connecting a Controller that Supports Battery Charging

In conjunction with a specialized charger, connecting a MPPT solar charge controller controller that supports battery charging offers an alternative yet effective method for jump-starting a dead lithium battery. These controllers are designed to facilitate the safe and efficient charging of batteries, providing the necessary intelligence and management to ensure optimal recharging, particularly in scenarios where standard charging methods are insufficient.

Can I Jump Start the Lithium Battery with a Jump Starter

Using a battery jump starter is easy.  Just attach the alligator clips or jumper cables by connecting the positive terminal (+) of the dead lithium-ion battery to the positive terminal of the charger or power source.

Next, connect the negative terminal (-) of the dead battery to the negative terminal of the charger or power source. 

However, it's not recommended to use this method to jump start LiFePO4 lithium batteries since the current would be too much and would damage the battery.

A battery jump starter is primarily designed to provide a quick surge of power to start an engine, but using it to jump-start a lithium battery, particularly a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) type, is not advisable. The high current output from a typical jump starter can exceed the safe limits for lithium batteries, potentially causing overheating or permanent damage.

Additionally, this method is only effective for 12V lithium batteries.

Employing Battery Clamps with Another Good Battery

Another way for reviving a dead lithium battery involves using battery clamps in conjunction with another fully operational battery. By connecting the positive and negative terminals of the functional battery to the corresponding terminals of the dead lithium battery, you create a direct power transfer, initiating the recharging process. Just like jump-starting a car, this approach provides a quick and effective means to breathe life back into the depleted battery.

This method offers an immediate solution, particularly when a lithium battery experiences a total power loss, and other means of revival are unavailable. It's a straightforward and practical way to kick-start the battery, leveraging the power of a fully operational unit to expedite the recharging process.

However, it's crucial to be mindful of potential hazards, particularly those associated with the creation of sparks during the connection process.

Safety Precautions:

Ensure Both Batteries are Compatible: Before attempting to jump-start the dead battery, it's critical to verify that both batteries are compatible in terms of voltage and capacity. Using an incompatible or significantly different battery can lead to potential risks such as overcharging or damage to the dead battery.

Minimize Spark Risks: When making the connections, be cautious to minimize the risks of sparking. Ensure that the battery clamps are not in direct contact with each other and are placed and secured in the correct order (positive to positive and negative to negative).

Secure Battery Clamps Properly: Before initiating the jump-start, confirm that the battery clamps are securely fastened onto the terminals of both batteries. Loose connections can not only lead to ineffective jump-start attempts but also increase the likelihood of sparking due to movement or poor contact.

Mindful Placement: Position the batteries in a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials. Additionally, ensure that the cables are clear of any moving parts or hot surfaces in the vicinity to minimize the risk of accidents.

By adhering to these precautions, you can minimize potential safety hazards and carry out the jump-start process effectively and safely.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Depleting Lithium Batteries

Avoid Complete Discharge: Even though lithium batteries can be fully discharged, however is still need to avoid regularly doing this as this can harm the battery's longevity. Try to recharge them before they reach low or critical levels. For example, when 12V Lithium battery's voltage is under 10V, you should charge it. Read the Voltage of Lithium Batteries to know the relationships between voltage and SOC.

Optimal Storage Conditions: Store lithium batteries at room temperature in a dry environment. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan.

Use Original Chargers: Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or a compatible, high-quality charger to prevent overcharging or voltage irregularities that could damage the battery. Related reading: Can I charge LiFePO4 lithium battery with a normal charger?

Protect from Physical Damage: Be cautious with the battery and avoid subjecting it to physical shocks or impacts, as this can damage the internal components.

Regular Use: Even if for extended periods, regular use of lithium batteries can help maintain their overall health and prevent degradation from long periods of inactivity.

Maintenance Tips for Optimal Lithium Battery Performance

Regular Charging: If not in use, make sure to periodically charge the battery to maintain a healthy charge level. This helps prevent deep discharges and maintains overall battery health.

Clean Contacts: Periodically clean the contacts of the battery and device with a dry cotton swab. This helps ensure proper electrical contact and avoids potential issues due to dirt or corrosion.

Temperature Monitoring: Be attentive to temperature concerns. Avoid using lithium batteries in extremely hot or cold environments, as this can affect battery performance.

Capacity Calibration: Some devices benefit from occasional capacity calibration. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper calibration to ensure accurate battery level readings.

Conclusion

Jumpstarting a dead lithium-ion battery requires a careful approach and a focus on safety. Among the various methods discussed in this article, using a LiFePO4 lithium battery charger with a 0V function and MPPT is the most recommended. This method stands out for its convenience and safety.

By understanding the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and following the appropriate steps, it is possible to revive a deeply discharged battery safely. Always prioritize safety, and if you have any doubts about the condition of the battery, seek professional assistance. With the right approach, it's possible to breathe new life into a dead lithium-ion battery and continue enjoying the devices it powers.

FAQs about Jump Start LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries

1. What happens if I use a regular jump starter on a LiFePO4 battery?

Using a regular jump starter can send too much current to the battery, potentially causing overheating, permanent damage, or reduced lifespan.

2. What is the best way to charge a dead LiFePO4 battery?

The best way is to use a dedicated LiFePO4 charger with features like a 0V function and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to safely restore the battery's charge.

3. How can I tell if my LiFePO4 battery is dead?

If the battery shows a significantly low voltage (below the manufacturer's specified cut-off voltage), or if devices powered by it do not function, the battery may be dead.

4. Can I jump-start my vehicle with a dead LiFePO4 battery?

It’s not advisable. Instead, consider using a compatible charger to revive the battery before attempting to start the vehicle.

5. What precautions should I take when jump-starting?

Always follow safety guidelines: ensure connections are secure, use the correct charger, and avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures.

6. How can I prolong the life of my LiFePO4 battery?

Avoid deep discharges, use the appropriate charger, and store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.