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Lithium Battery Not Charging: Troubleshooting and Best Practices

John Marius
John Marius
—
07/07/2023

Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular due to their high energy density and longer lifespan compared to other battery types. However, encountering issues with charging can be frustrating and inconvenient. In this article, we will explore common reasons why lithium batteries may not charge, provide troubleshooting steps, and discuss best practices to avoid charging problems.

Common Reasons for Lithium Battery Not Charging

1. Insufficient voltage from the charger

One of the most common reasons for a lithium battery not charging is insufficient voltage from the charger itself. Chargers provide the necessary voltage to recharge the battery. If the voltage output is too low, the battery won't charge properly. To resolve this issue, ensure that you are using a charger with the correct voltage output for your specific lithium battery.

Please consult the table below for information regarding the voltage specifications of various LiFePO4 battery packs and systems.

lithium battery charging voltage

2. Overheating of the battery or charger

Lithium batteries are sensitive to high temperatures, which can affect the charging process. If the battery or charger becomes too hot during charging, it may prevent the battery from charging effectively. To avoid overheating, make sure to charge your lithium battery in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Overheating can have detrimental effects on LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, potentially leading to damage and reduced performance. LiFePO4 batteries are known for their excellent thermal stability compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, but they are not completely immune to the negative impacts of high temperatures.

That is why most LiFePO4 batteries come equipped with a sophisticated battery management system (BMS) that includes temperature monitoring and protection features is important.

lifepo4 battery management system

3. Faulty or damaged charging cables/ports

Sometimes, faulty or damaged charging cables or ports can prevent a lithium battery from charging. Check the cable and port for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, replace the cable or repair the port to establish a proper connection between the charger and battery.

4. Battery protection mechanisms engaged

Lithium batteries are equipped with built-in protection circuits designed to prevent overcharging or low temperature, as mentioned earlier. Battery with low temperature protection, like LiTime cold weather batteries. When the temperature is below 0°C (32°F), the BMS will cut off the charging. It may be instances where these safeguards are mistakenly activated, leading to difficulties in charging the battery.  However, these protective mechanisms play a crucial role in ensuring the battery's safety and longevity.

How to Fix a Lithium Battery Won't Charge - Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Double-Check the Connections

When your lithium battery won't charge, an important and simple thing to check is the connections. Simply wiggle the wires and see if there are any connections that are loose and need to be tightened. This includes the battery connection and any other connection in the electrical system.

You might be surprised to learn that a slightly loose connection can cause problems, including battery charging issues. Tighten the loose connection and test the system again to see if that fixes the problem.

Step 2: Using a Clamp Meter and Multmeter to Check BMS Under-Voltage Protection

A clamp meter and multimeter are an extremely safe way to test the flow of current in your system. Since you clamp the meter onto the wires, you don't have to worry about connecting and disconnecting any wires. You can measure the amperage going in and out of the battery to pinpoint possible problems with the entire system.

If you have multiple batteries in your battery pack, then there are multiple wiring connections. Each battery must contribute equally when drawing power.

Otherwise, one battery in the pack will be burdened more than the others, which will shorten the life of the battery and cause your lithium battery to not charge. You can also use the meter to test the voltage of the battery and charger. You should measure a voltage higher than the nominal 13.2 volts on the battery to see a charge. If the voltage is not high enough, the charger may not be working properly.

Measure the battery's open-circuit voltage. If it's lower than these values, the battery is in undervoltage protection and won’t charge:

  • 12V battery: below 10V
  • 24V battery: below 20V

Outcomes:

  • Positive: Battery is in undervoltage protection.
    • Ensure the temperature is above 41°F.
    • Disconnect all battery terminal connections.
    • Use a lithium battery activation charger to raise the voltage above 12.4V (for 12V) or 24.8V (for 24V).
  • Negative: Battery is not in undervoltage protection. Move to the next step.

Step 3: Check for Other BMS Protections

 Confirm if any protections (like low temperature or over-current) are triggered, which could block charging. If you are using the battery with bluetooth function, using the LiTime app to review battery information. If the battery doesn't have bluetooth function, consider using the battery monitor to check.

Outcomes:

  • Positive: Battery is under a specific BMS protection. Take necessary actions. (For example, if the temperature is too low, put the battery indoor.)
  • Negative: No BMS protections are active. Proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Verify Charger and Charging Parameters

Inspect the charger’s parameter settings. Refer to the provided image for guidance.

Outcomes:

  • Positive: Charger parameters are incorrect or mismatched. Take appropriate actions.
  • Negative: Charger settings are correct. Continue to the next step.

Step 5: Test for Charger Malfunction

Outcomes:

  • Positive: Charger is faulty. Take necessary actions.
  • Negative: Charger is functioning normally. Move to the next step.

If steps 1 through 4 show no issues, the battery may have a product fault. Next, evaluate if the failure is due to misuse or a quality defect.

Step 6: Assess Human Factors

Avoid deep discharging the battery during use or storage. This can damage the battery and is considered misuse if timely charging isn’t done.

Note: Store the battery with a charge of 50%. It's recommended to recharge the battery every 3 months to keep battery in good condition.

recharge lifepo4 battery each 3 months for long-term storing

Best Practices to Avoid Lithium Battery Charging Problems

1. Use compatible chargers and cables

To avoid potential charging problems, always use chargers and cables specifically designed for your lithium battery. Using incompatible or third-party accessories can lead to suboptimal charging performance or damage to the battery. 

Can I charge my LiFePO4 lithium battery with a normal charger? The answer is not recommended. It will affect the performance and life of lithium iron phosphate batteries.  Read on the article to learn more. 

benefits of using lithium battery charger

2. Store and handle batteries properly

Proper storage and handling of lithium batteries contribute to their longevity and overall performance. Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and moisture. Additionally, avoid exposing them to physical damage or dropping them, as this can affect their charging capabilities.

How to Wake Up a Dead Lithium-ion Battery?

LiFePO4 batteries are commonly built- in BMS (battery management system) to protect. It has 85% chances that BMS has shut if off for protection. Just cut off the connection and leave the battery aside for 30 mins.

If it doesn't work, there are 2 more ways to jump start the battery: using an AC-DC lithium battery charger with 0V function or an MPPT solar charge controller to charge it for 3 to 10 seconds, then the battery can be used normally.

jump start a lithium battery with mppt

FAQs about Charging Lithium Batteries

1. How do I know if my lithium battery is bad?

You can recognize a faulty lithium battery by several indicators, such as noticeably shorter runtime, frequent overheating during charging or discharging, swelling or bulging of the battery casing, or visible electrolyte leakage.

2. How long can a lithium battery sit dead?

Typically, lithium batteries can be stored for up to 6 to 12 months without significant degradation for thier low-self discharge rate. However, it's suggested to keep the battery at 50% SOC for long-term storage and recharge the battery every 3 months to ensure they're still in good condition.

Conclusion

Encountering issues with a lithium battery not charging can be frustrating, but by understanding common reasons and following troubleshooting steps, you can resolve many problems. Additionally, adhering to best practices such as mistakes to avoid when charging, using compatible chargers, proper storage, and keeping devices up to date will help prevent future charging issues. Remember, if all else fails, seek professional assistance to ensure the safety and optimal performance of your lithium batteries.

John Marius
John Marius
John Thompson, an automotive engineer with 15+ years of EV and lithium battery experience, holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. He’s passionate about advancing battery tech and promoting green energy.

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