My deep cycle batteries measure 3 volts. Are they junk?

Question

These are 6 volt batteries. How can I tell if they are beyond repair?

Answer 1

Deep cycle batteries can be taken o zero and recharged.

Answer 2

Trickle charge them over night, if they still won't hold a charge they are junk.

Answer 3

Do a thorough charge, and then a load test. Most auto parts stores have a load tester, and will check it for free.

Answer 4

Yes,  check the water level.  The lead plates should be in water/acid.  Only fill with distilled water.  trickle charge if the voltage comes up then load test the batteries.  If the battery fails the load test they are junk.  Get new ones.  Nothing is worse than being out on the water and not being able to start the motor.

Answer 5

if the batterie is new you can charge them.it may take  severl times befor thay keep a

charge.if there old you should be able to slow charge them.

if you charge them and they don't take a full

charge.time to replace them.

Answer 6

What type of battery? most of your large 6 volt deep cycle batteries are lead/acid wet batteries designed for golf carts or electric forklifts.

First thing you need to do is check the water(acid) level in the battery.  Make sure the lead plates are covered completely. but do not overfill.  Normally distilled water is added.

Try a normal charge at this point, 5-10 amp charge rate.  Perform a load test.  Either a auto store can do it or you can do it yourself.

if battery doesn't perform well, take a hydrometer reading of each cell.  They should be uniform, 1.200 is fair, 1.250 is charged.

If they are close together, try putting it on a trickle charge for a long period.  couple of days.  Test battery again.

if battery is still not reading good, there is one last resort.  since now most people have already doomed the battery anyway. it can hurt to try, if you are careful.  (disclaimer: i take no responsibility of what happens to you or the battery if this is tried)  charge the 6 volt battery using either 12 or 24 volt charger.  There is a possibility of the battery getting extremely hot, ie fire, so do this away from anything you want.

Test battery, if still bad, trade it in for a new one.