While charging your battery, it is possible to realize some noises during the process and sometimes you may start asking yourself whether it’s normal or not. In fact, many of my friends say that they have been experiencing the same issue and others have disposed of their batteries.
But, some of these noises are normal, and therefore after going through our article, you will understand when the battery is problematic. Based on the type of noise production, your battery could be normal and in good working condition; no need to worry about it. This implies that it’s good to inspect and know the noise type.
Usually, batteries make clicking, blowing, and bubbling noises. It is therefore advisable to understand what the case with yours is. The article will therefore take you through some useful information to know the meaning of each sound and what could be the issue.
Has my battery gone bad?
Normally, your battery may show blowing, clicking, or bubbling sound types. But, sometimes it can display a popping or hissing sound; this combination can indicate that there’s something bad with your battery. These noises are a result of bubbling from the water and expansion of gases, causing leakages which will eventually lead to an odor.
It is therefore advisable to know different noise types that can be emitted from your battery while charging. More so, we have some other factors such as sparks and odor that can make you think your battery has developed some problems. Yes, your battery emitting some noises can be normal while others are abnormal while charging. Identifying the noise type from your battery is therefore advisable when charging; that’s when you will know whether the battery requires a replacement or the sounds are normal.
Common sound types and their meaning: and what you can do
Sizzling or hissing sound: sometimes you are likely to hear a sizzling sound from your battery while it undergoes charging. Well, this could be a clear indication that the chemistry is facing a low acid or water problem or there’s something wrong like overcharging. You will hear this sound when some cells face temperature differences when charging as a result of low acid and water. The possible solution here is to top up your battery with a mixture of acid and water. Again, I don’t know the type of battery you’re using, but it’s advisable to add this mixture to your battery to prevent any accelerated electrical production and overall health breakdown of the battery.
However, you should be careful not to overfeed your battery since the action can lead to acid leakage which may start eating the battery cart. Besides, if you are not careful, you may end up with burned skin. Clicking: Here is another noise type that your battery may emit while in the charging process. it can indicate there’s a problem that requires to be tackled.
This implies that it’s advisable to locate the exact clicking sound source to determine whether the sound is normal or abnormal. There are two suspected locations that emit a clicking sound when your battery undergoes the charging process;
Charger: You never know, maybe your charge is problematic, forcing the battery to produce a clicking sound. Such mischief can imply there’s a growing challenge that requires on-the-spot attendance. Under such circumstances, you should seek the help of an experienced fellow or plan to go for a replacement.
But, before reaching this decision, try inspecting the condition of the charger because sometimes these chargers may click, but not charge. While checking, you should also try confirming its warranty information; it can save you some cash when the only solution is to opt for a replacement.
Another possible causative factor for the clicking sound could be when your battery charger interchanges charge cycles. This may occur when your battery undergoes a charging process.
Battery: I don’t know what type of battery you are using, but alkaline ones tend to produce energy whenever they approach the chemical process; this process occurs in the battery. They also tend to emit hydrogen gas which is a flammable fume, leaking from your aging battery. This symptom may indicate that the battery is calling for a replacement.
Hydrogen leakage can lead to a clicking noise when it penetrates through the battery vents within your battery. Remember, operating with a highly flammable gas like hydrogen is dangerous as the battery may explode with any overheating.
However, in situations where the battery charger is working normally, and the battery is also charging, but not fully, then the power supply could be problematic. Maybe the cart’s relay is the component with an issue. An expert should help you to check the possible problem; though this happens rarely.
Boiling; a bubbling noise is normal while charging your battery, mostly when you buy a new battery. In fact, this is a significant stage, which every battery should undergo for the solidification process. The new lead in the batteries should be solidified to initiate the normal functioning of the battery.
You, therefore, don’t have to worry because the same process can take something like 15 or 18 cycles to complete. Under this step, you will be required to top up more water from time to time when the charger shoves electrons into the lead. After the battery is through the new process, you will start hearing boiling or bubbling noises after it’s through with the curing process.
There might be an issue like overcharging your battery, forcing it to release gaseous fumes while charging. On the other hand, the battery may emit a spark or more than enough heat, leading to an explosion. For to prevent a problem like overcharging, you are advised to purchase a reliable auto-charging system. Such a model features an auto-off mechanism that senses a slow charging rate for the last 10 or 5 percent.
This sensor is therefore important as it minimizes the chances of overcharging the battery.
Tips when charging batteries
Interstate: This action makes your battery pretty decent. From the above section, the sizzling noise is normal because the electrolyte boils for normal charging. However, you should use a load tester to be sure your battery is in good working condition. Alternatively, you can use the available hydrometer to check the status of each cell in your battery. The action will also help you to understand the exact gravity and what you could do.
You are allowed to use a hydrometer whenever the battery has an acid and water mixture. However, this process should be done after disconnecting your battery from the charger for something like four hours.
Sometimes you may also wish to start using a battery that has stayed out of service for something like a year. Restoring such chemistry is difficult since it requires the replacement of even cells. Why don’t you buy a new model?
FAQs
Is it normal for a car battery to fuzz while charging?
Yes, it’s normal for the battery to fuzz while charging. It behaves like this because the electrolyte makes the interior plates emit a gas. You will hear the gas emission.
Do batteries gurgle while charging?
Yes, this is also normal, but if it is persistent, then there could be a serious problem.
Final words
You don’t have to worry when hearing some noises from your battery while charging. However, you should learn to differentiate between normal sounds and those that indicate an issue with your battery. After going through our article, I am sure you’re now at a good place to diagnose the sound type and what you can do.
