Primary Battery

Primary Battery Faults     

(1) Battery is overcharging(Electrolyte evaporates excessively)   

(2) Battery is under charging(Difficult Starting)                           

(3) Battery does not hold the charge.                                           

(4) Electrolyte is over flowing.                                                      

(5) Electrolyte specific gravity is abnormal.                                 

(6) Short service period(Battery life time)                                   

(7) Battery case is cracked. 

                                                                        

(1) Battery is over charging (Electrolyte evaporates                  excessively)                                                                                                              Possible Causes :

1. Defective or incorrectly adjusted regulator.

2. Defective alternator.         

(2) Battery is under charging (Difficult starting)                                Possible Causes :              
1. Battery terminals are corroded.
2. Loose battery cable clamps.
3. Defective or loose wire connections in the charging circuit.
4. Alternator (or dynamo) is  defective.
5. Regulator is defective or incorrectly adjusted.
6. Electrolyte is weak or contaminated.
7. Battery is aged and plates are deposited with sulphate.
8. Fan belt is loose or slipping with oil.

(3) Battery does not hold the charge.
Possible Causes :
1. Battery discharges through external short circuits (Wiring harness connections or switches) 
2. Battery discharges through internal short circuits (Lead particles are clogged between plates)
4. Electrolyte is weak or contaminated.
5. Battery is aged and plates are deposited with sulphates.

(4)  Electrolyte is over flowing.
Possible Causes :
1. Regulator incorrectly adjusted (To a higher voltage) 
2. Higher electrolyte level.
3. Battery is subjected to excessive vibrations.

(5) Electrolyte Specific gravity is abnormal.
Possible Causes :
1. High specific gravity : 
(A) Battery over charging.
(B) Added higher acid concentration.
2. Low specific gravity :
(A) Battery discharged or under charging.
(B) Added lower acid concentration.

(6) Short service period (Battery life time)
Possible Causes :
1. Battery exposed to excessive temperatures.
2. Battery subjected to excessive vibrations. 
3. Use of low  ampere hour battery for high power requirements.
4. Frequent battery discharge through short circuits.
5. Battery is kept unused and discharged for long intervals.

(7) Battery case is cracked.
Possible Causes : 
1. Internal short circuits due to,
(A) Production defects.
(B) Deformed or damaged lead plates.
(C) Intruded metal parts.
2.External short circuits due to,

(A) Damaged battery cables.
(B) Metal parts touching battery terminals.
3. Battery freezing.
4. Excessively loose hold down clamps.