The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions. However, if you have a question that does not appear on this list, please contact us.
What is the difference between PCA and CCA
Unlike Cold Cranking Ampere (CCA), the Pulse Cranking Ampere (PCA) rating does not have an “official” definition by the automotive industry. CCA tests are done at 0 deg F with a 30 second discharge time which is unrealistic for most motorsport vehicles. PCA is a measure of battery discharge amps for <10 seconds at 70 deg F (25 deg C). Our manual shows the CCA and PCA rating of each battery. The CCA rating is most important for snowmobiles due to the colder temperatures.
How does the “EqAh” capacity rating compare to lead-acid Ah ratings?
A Lithium battery can use 100% of its storage capability (measured as Amp- Hour, Ah); while a lead-acid battery typically only uses 30%. So a 2Ah Lithium battery has the equivalent capacity to a 6Ah lead-acid. Our ratings are shown as the lead-acid equivalent (EqAh)
What is the warranty period?
Our Lithium batteries include a two year limited warranty.
Can I “jump” a lithium battery?
If general, it is not a good idea to “jump” a lithium battery. It is much better re-charge it if at all possible. In an emergency you may try to “jump” it from another vehicle battery, but only if the battery still has an acceptable level of charge. An acceptable level of charge would be enough to at least turn the motor, or a voltage level greater than 12.0V
What maintenance is required?
Lithium batteries require no maintenance. Just be sure the terminal connections are tight and free of corrosion.
What is the cause of a sudden battery failure?
If your battery suddenly stops working, it may just need to be charged. A Lithium battery‘s voltage remains relatively constant while discharging, but when the battery runs out of power it does so abruptly. Try charging the battery for 15-20 minutes at 2- 10Amps. If the battery still does not work, or the measured voltage is less than 8V, the battery is permanently damaged and needs to be replaced. A lithium battery can be damaged by overcharging (above 16V) or by short circuiting (connecting the positive and negative to together, for more than a few seconds).
How do I know when the battery is fully charged?
You must use a modern smart charger. These types of chargers will turn off automatically when the battery is fully charged. While the charger is in operation, it will output approximately 13.8 -14.7 volts. A fully charged lithium battery will measure 13.2 to 14.5 volts. A 2A charge for 20-30 minutes should be enough.
The battery does not seem to charge or hold a charge, why?
If a battery does not seem to charge or perform as well as it once did, it may be for one or more of the following issues:
- There may be a problem with the charging system. While the charging system is in operation, it will begin putting out approximately 13.8 -14.7 volts.
- The vehicle electrical system may have a short circuit or current drain
- The terminals on the battery are not properly tightened
Why does cold weather cause starting problems?
Lithium batteries internal resistance increases as the temperature decreases, so the battery will put out fewer amps in cold weather.
What is the normal charge rate?
5 amp hour or less is recommended.
Can the battery be installed in any position?
Yes, Lithium battery can be installed in any position for they are a dry cell technology.
How do I know if my battery charger is working ok
These newer fully automatic chargers need to be hooked up to a battery before they will output any voltage. This is primarily a safety feature that prevents spark when hooked up, and protects the charger against reverse polarity hookup. Some chargers need to see as much as 5.5 volts before they recognize that they are attached to a battery. Once the charger is hooked up, it should output 14.2-14.7 volts. If your charger does not do this, you may want to contact the manufacturer for further troubleshooting tips.
How do I know if my vehicle charging system is working ok
Connect a voltmeter to the battery. Measure the voltage before the vehicle is started and shortly after. The voltage should increase after the vehicle is started, to approximately 13.8 – 14.7 volts. If your charging system does not output a voltage higher than the battery, there may be a problem with the charging system.
How often should I charge the battery?
Only when needed. Due to lithium batteries extremely low self-discharge rate, less than 50% of its charge is lost over a 6 month period, so you may not have to charge your battery before the season starts! If the vehicle cranks over, then all is good.
My battery won’t charge after being deeply discharged?
If you fully discharge the battery (voltage reading is less than 8 volts), you need to re-charge it ASAP. If your charger, when connected, does not want to “turn on” it may be because the charger has a protection feature that does not allow it to charge a “dead” battery. Other chargers may not charge as “normal” but may trickle charge the battery until the battery voltage increases to a normal level (>8 volts). In cases like these the charger may have to be connected for 24 hours or so just to charge the battery to a level where the charger is allowed to charge at normal charging current levels.
How should I dispose a Lithium Battery?
A lithium battery should be fully discharged before disposal. Lithium batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste and are safe for disposal in the normal municipal waste stream. These batteries, however, do contain recyclable materials and are accepted for recycling by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s (RBRC) Battery Recycling Program. Go to the RBRC website at www.rbrc.org for additional information.