Is it the charger or the battery?
A bad charger can make a healthy battery look dead. Before buying a new battery, check the charger. It is usually much cheaper to replace.
Signs of a faulty charger
- The charger light doesn't come on, or it shows 'full' straight away on an empty battery.
- The battery never seems to charge fully, even after many hours.
- The charger gets very hot, makes a buzzing or clicking noise, or smells of burning.
- The cable or plug is cut, bent at the pins, loose or melted.
- The bike charges fine with a friend's matching charger but not with yours.
Never use the wrong charger
Each battery needs a charger with the right voltage and the right type (lithium or lead-acid). A wrong charger can overcharge the battery, damage the cells, or in the worst case cause a fire. If you need a new one, take your battery's details to the shop or ask a mistri.
Safe charging at home
- Charge in an open, dry place, away from curtains, beds and anything that burns easily.
- Don't charge on the stairs or near the main door, so a problem can't block the way out.
- Use a proper wall socket. Avoid loose multi-plugs and long, thin extension wires.
- Don't cover the charger while it is working, and keep it off the floor where water can reach it.
- If the battery or charger gets very hot, swells or smells, unplug it and stop using it.