How long should the engine idle to charge a depleted battery?
2 Answers
How long should the engine idle to charge a depleted battery? Here are the details: 1. A car can charge its battery while idling in place. If the purpose is simply to replenish the battery, idling is sufficient. 2. For a completely dead battery, charging at 1500 RPM for 20 minutes can provide enough power to start the engine once. Charging at 1500 RPM for 30 minutes can supply enough power for a start the next day. Charging at 1500 RPM for over 60 minutes can nearly fully charge the battery. 3. It's important to note that battery performance is significantly affected by temperature. If the temperature is too low, it's recommended to extend the charging time slightly.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered dead batteries multiple times. How long to charge at idle really depends on the situation. Generally, idling for 1-2 hours can charge the battery to about 70-80%, but don't expect a full charge. At idle, the engine runs at low RPM, resulting in lower alternator output and charging current. If the battery is old or deeply discharged, it may take even longer. Last time my battery died, I idled for 40 minutes—it could start the car but didn't last long; a highway drive later fixed it. To check, use a voltmeter: charging voltage above 13.8V means it's charging, below 12V means it's not there yet. Note this is just a temporary solution—prolonged idling wastes fuel and causes carbon buildup. After a dead battery, driving at high RPM for half an hour is more reliable. If the battery keeps failing, replace it ASAP—safety first.