Why Can't the Battery Be Charged?
3 Answers
There are two scenarios where the battery cannot be charged: 1. Severe battery degradation: The car battery not charging is most likely due to deep discharge, meaning that when the vehicle is turned off, the car's equipment inside remains in a working state, continuously consuming the battery's power. Prolonged use under such conditions will accelerate the battery's degradation, requiring a replacement of a new battery to resolve the issue. 2. Aging generator belt: The engine directly drives the generator via a belt, and the generated electricity undergoes rectification and voltage stabilization before being directly used to charge the car battery. If the belt malfunctions, it naturally results in the inability to charge the battery, necessitating timely replacement. However, this factor rarely occurs because during major vehicle maintenance, the generator belt is inspected, and if it has aged to a certain extent, it will be replaced with a new one.
That day when I checked the battery wasn't charging, there were multiple possible reasons. The battery itself might have aged to the point of internal sulfation, forming crystals that block charging—this is common in old batteries used for over three years. It could also be an issue with the charging system, such as insufficient output voltage from the alternator; normal operation should be between 13-14V, and anything below 12.8V indicates a fault. Wiring-wise, corroded or loose connections can cause poor contact, preventing charging. Extreme temperatures, like sub-zero environments, can also reduce battery efficiency. Solution: First, use a multimeter to check voltage and the alternator, clean the terminals. If that doesn't work, it's advisable to replace the battery and perform regular maintenance.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and batteries not holding charge is all too common. Once during heavy snow, I found the car hard to start—turned out the terminals were badly corroded. A quick clean fixed it right up. Then check the alternator belt; if it's loose, tighten it to ensure enough power. Internal issues like cracked plates or short circuits are trickier and need a mechanic's testing. For prevention, wipe the terminals every car wash and avoid long parking in hot weather. In short: check the basics before digging deeper.
