How to Troubleshoot a Core Lithium Battery If It Is not Charging?

How to Troubleshoot a Core Lithium Battery If It Is not Charging?

By Renogy User Experience Team Feb 8th 2024

Why isn't my Core lithium battery charging? If you're into tech, dealing with a Core lithium battery that won't charge can be a real pain, how to do the battery troubleshooting? Even with a fancy battery bank, you might run into this issue. If you're stuck with a lithium battery that just won't juice up, there are some easy tricks to try. Let's figure out why your power's acting up and what you can do about it.

This troubleshooting guide applies to the following products:

Why Is My Core Battery not Charging?

Unfortunately, when your lithium battery refuses to charge, there could be a variety of reasons behind the problem. The issues might stem from a damaged battery or external factors unrelated to the lithium battery itself. It may require some trial and error as well as battery troubleshooting to uncover the underlying cause.

What Are the Factors Affecting Battery Charging?

1. The battery is over-discharged, and the Battery Management System (BMS) is in undervoltage protection, preventing the battery from charging.

2. The BMS is in protection states such as low-temperature protection and over-current protection, causing the battery to be unable to charge.

3. Mismatch between the parameters of the charging device and the charging parameters of the battery, leading to the inability to charge the battery.

4. Malfunction of the charging equipment, resulting in the inability to charge the battery.

5. Improper usage: The battery is left in an over-discharged state for an extended period without activating charging, resulting in battery damage.

 

how-to-troubleshoot-a-core-lithium-battery-if-it-is-not-charging.png

Troubleshooting RV Battery Problems: A Step by Step Guide

1. Eliminate the possibility of BMS undervoltage protection. Measure the open-circuit voltage of the battery, and if it is lower than the values below, the battery is in a undervoltage protection state and refuses to charge:

- 12V BAT (10V)

- 24V BAT (20V)

   ------Possible Results------

   Positive: Confirm that the battery is in undervoltage protection. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

   - Ensure the ambient temperature is above 41°F

   - Disconnect all battery terminal connections

   - Use a charger with lithium battery activation to charge the battery to 12.4V/24.8 V or above

   Negative: Confirm that the battery is not in low-voltage protection. Proceed to the remaining steps.

2. Exclude the possibility of BMS low-temperature protection. Please confirm whether the ambient temperature of the battery is below 32°F.

------Possible Results------

YES: The ambient temperature is below 32°F, and the battery is in BMS low-temperature protection. Please take corresponding measures.

Negative: The ambient temperature is above 32°F, and the battery is not in BMS low-temperature protection. Please try the remaining steps.

3. Rule out the possibility of mismatched charger or charging parameters. Check the charger's parameter settings, referring to the provided image.

   ------Possible Results------

   Positive: Charger parameters are incorrect, or the charger is not compatible. Take appropriate measures.

   Negative: Charger parameters match. Proceed to the remaining steps.

how-to-troubleshoot-a-core-lithium-battery-if-it-is-not-charging-2.png

4. Rule out charger malfunction. Please cross-validate by replacing either the battery or the charger.

   ------Possible Results------

   Positive: Charger malfunction. Take appropriate measures.

   Negative: Charger is functioning normally. Proceed to the remaining steps.

If factors mentioned in steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 are eliminated, it can be determined as a product fault. Depending on the results of step 5, ascertain whether misuse led to battery failure or if it is a quality issue with the battery itself.

5. Clarifying the impact of human factors. During the use and storage of batteries, it is essential to avoid prolonged deep discharge, as this can cause damage to the battery, defined as misuse-induced damage, if timely charging is not performed.

Note: When storing the battery, it should be charged to 30%-50%, and the battery should be charged every 3-6 months to prevent over-discharge. For specific details, please refer to the following link: Battery Storage and Maintenance Tips How to Store Lithium Batteries & Care of lithium batteries - Renogy United States

Still have problems?
Get additional support with our customer support
Contact Renogy Support