Why Are Battery Chargers Not Repairable Anymore?

Why are battery chargers not repairable anymore? Chargers are made differently than they were 10 years ago. Roughly a decade ago, California decided to prevent chargers with a transformer from being sold in the state. Several other states have since adopted the law. The reasoning behind this ruling is that a charger with a transformer requires more electricity than a charger that uses “switch mode” circuitry. What that means for the consumer is that repairable battery chargers in Houston, TX are hard to find.

The circuitry is usually epoxied on a circuit board with no access possible. Warranties typically provide replacement if the charger goes bad during the first year. However, in some cases, repairable battery chargers in Houston, TX do exist. It’s just that the effort might not be worth the return. Often, it’s better to simply buy a new battery charger or bring your vehicle to a local battery expert for assistance. Still, if you think repairs might be possible for your unit, you can use the following steps.

Step 1: Check the charger

Confirm whether the charger has any electrical output. Plug it in and turn it on. Then use a voltmeter to determine the charger’s output. Touch the red wire from the voltmeter to the clamp on the red battery charger cable, and touch the black voltmeter wire to the black cable clamp on the battery charger.

If the voltmeter display shows that the charger is producing slightly more than 12 volts, the charger is working fine. If it gives no reading, your charger needs repairs. If you get a very small reading, this is caused by electrical resistance, and your charger still needs repairs. The most likely repair you’ll need to complete is to replace a blown fuse.

Step 2: Replace the plug fuse

Take out the plug from the main socket of the charger. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the cover. Check to make sure all three wires are attached to the terminals. If they are loose, this is probably causing the output issue. Tighten the wires and check the output again.

If all the wires are secure, remove the fuse. A flathead screwdriver should do the trick to help you pry it out. Insert a new fuse of the same ampere rating, then replace the cover. Once you insert the plug into the socket and turn on the charger, you should get a full reading on the voltmeter.

If you still don’t get a reading of slightly more than 12 volts, try replacing the fuse on the battery charger.

Step 3: Replace the battery charger fuse

The fuse on the battery charger is typically located on the front. Open the fuse cover and remove the old fuse. If you can’t get the fuse out with your fingers, use a screwdriver to remove it. Push a replacement fuse into place and close the fuse cover. Lastly, insert the plug and turn on the charger. To see if this has fixed the problem, test the charger’s output again with the voltmeter.

If your charger does not have a reading of 12 volts, it probably has an issue with the wiring inside the unit. In this case, you should consult with a battery technician for further assistance regarding repairable battery chargers in Houston, TX, or simply buy a new battery charger.

We’re here to help

Have more questions about repairable battery chargers in Houston, TX? Contact our experts. At Texford Battery Co., we pride ourselves on being much more than just another battery specialist. Call us today with all your battery needs!

Categorised in: Battery Chargers

This post was written by Writer