How to Change Electrolytes in a Lead-Acid Battery
by David Sandoval
A lead-acid battery produces electrical energy by the interaction of electrolyte solution with the battery's lead plates. The resulting interaction creates a voltage differential between the battery's terminals and allows the battery to work as a power source.
Over time, the electrolyte solution will combine with the lead in the battery's plates to create lead-sulfate crystals. The electrolyte weakens, and crystals line the battery's plates. Recharging the battery, along with replacing the electrolyte solution, will change the chemistry of the battery and allow the battery to produce electrical power again.
Step 1
Plug the battery charger into a wall electrical outlet and turn on the charger; this will break up any lead sulfate crystals that have formed on the battery plates. Allow the battery to charge for at least two hours. Check the battery every 30 minutes while charging; if the battery becomes swollen or hot to the touch, immediately unplug the battery charger from the wall outlet and disconnect the charger leads from the battery.
Step 2
Allow the battery to cool down for at least one hour after charging. Put on the safety goggles and gloves.
Step 3
Loosen and remove the battery vent caps using the vent wrench. Inspect the electrolyte level of each battery cell. Tip the battery forward to empty the electrolyte solution from the battery cells. Since the battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid, make sure to capture all of the used electrolyte solution in an acid-resistant container.
Step 4
Pour the replacement electrolyte solution into each battery vent until each battery cell contains enough solution to reach the bottom of the "fill" mark.
Step 5
Replace and tighten the battery vent caps. Neutralize any spilled electrolyte solution by sprinkling baking soda on the spill and then pouring water over the sprinkled baking soda. Wipe up the neutralized liquid as necessary.
Step 6
Turn on the multimeter and set the scale to "Volts DC." Place the red (positive) multimeter lead on the positive battery terminal. Place the black (negative) multimeter lead on the negative battery terminal. Check the multimeter display. The voltage should be at or above 12.6 volts for a 12-volt battery (or 6.3 volts for a six-volt battery).
References
- Autoshop 101: Battery Basics
- Autoshop 101: Battery Service
- "Popular Mechanics"; Battery Maintenance; Mike Allen; August 2000
Tips
- If the battery voltage is below 12.6 volts for a 12-volt battery (or below 6.3 volts for a six-volt battery), connect the battery charger as directed in Step 1 and charge the battery for at least one hour.
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Lead-acid battery
- Battery vent wrench
- Battery electrolyte solution (see "Resources")
- Acid-resistant disposal container
- Baking soda
- Water
- Battery charger
- Digital multimeter
Warnings
- Lead-acid batteries do not normally require the electrolyte to be changed. It is simpler, safer and more cost-effective to simply purchase a new battery if the electrolyte becomes contaminated, overly weak or otherwise unusable.
- The electrolyte solution contains sulfuric acid and may require a special disposal procedure. Check with your local governmental authority on how to safely and legally dispose of the electrolyte solution in your area.
Writer Bio
David Sandoval has served as a trainer and technical writer since 2000. He has written several articles online in the fields of home improvement, finance, electronics and science. Sandoval has an Associate of Applied Science in microelectronics from Northern New Mexico College.
