Dewalt Battery Says Fully Charged but Not Working – Explanation

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Batteries are energy sources that can store power and therefore are convenient in case of a power blackout or even for use in remote areas.

You will need a battery that you can rely on to offer you the most extended service on a single charge. Dewalt has various battery systems that suit all your specifications.

Although Dewalt batteries are reliable, they are not exceptional to failure. Many factors can lead to their failure.

When a Dewalt battery says fully charged but not working is an indication that it is failing.

After reading this guide, you will have in-depth knowledge about Dewalt battery issues and how to fix them.

Why Dewalt Battery Says Fully Charged but Not Working

Your Dewalt battery will charge but fail to work due to some conditions. Most batteries will die after a few years of service but will serve you beyond the warranty period.

Here are some possible reasons why your Dewalt battery will charge but not be able to power your tools.

Age

Dewalt batteries will weaken as they age, which might be the possible reason why they charge but cannot power your tools.

If your Dewalt battery loses the ability to hold power, think of when you bought it and how long it has served you. In such a situation, consider purchasing a new battery.

Effects of Temperature

High and low temperatures are killers to the battery. When the temperatures are too low or high, the Dewalt battery will only be able to charge partially.

If you try to charge your battery at 40 – 105 ° F can lead to permanent damage to your battery.

Low temperatures cause a low chemical reaction within the battery that will interfere with its ability to hold charge and discharge.

High temperature increases the chemical reaction rate, resulting in higher I2R heat dissipation.

Inconsistent Voltage

During charging, if you increase the voltage beyond the upper voltage limits, the excess current can lead to overheating. Excessive charging also results in lithium plating.

The excess ions that your battery cannot accommodate will pile up on the surface of the anode, as some will be deposited in metallic lithium. Lithium plating leads to low-temperature operation.

Undercharging can kill your battery. When you expose the Dewalt battery to low voltage, the copper anode will dissolve, which increases the rate at which the battery will discharge.

Undercharging is the primary reason your battery will charge fully but not work.

Prolonged Improper Storage

If you poorly store your Dewalt battery, it will only serve for a short time. When you check your manufacturer’s guide, there is a recommendable way of storing your Dewalt battery.

Keep batteries at room temperature and not be near fire or any reactive chemical.

If you encounter an old Dewalt battery exposed to extreme temperatures, never bring it back to life.

If a battery has been in the car during summer, it will not function properly.

Checking if Your Dewalt Battery Has Gone Bad

Handling a Dewalt battery, like other batteries, is hazardous. When your Dewalt battery goes bad it will say fully charged but not work.

Here you will learn how to tell if your battery is going bad by using the simple means below.

Perform a Charge Test

First, you need to determine the time it takes to charge your battery, this information you will get from the manufacturers’ guide. Ensure you have a functional charger.

Plug your battery into the charger and let it charge for the stipulated time. If your Dewalt tool only operates after letting your battery charge fully, consider buying a new one.

Use a Multimeter

First, ensure your multimeter is functional, take your battery, and charge it. Identify the positive and the negative terminals that connect the multimeter.

You will see the voltage readings of your battery from the multimeter. If the voltmeter records 19 voltage, your battery is functional.

Battery Smoking

Be cautious when doing this because a faulty battery is a fire hazard, and the drill and the battery should be away from anything that can catch fire.

It is unusual for new batteries to begin smoking, but it can still happen if your battery has not been stored properly or exposed to moisture.

If your battery starts to produce a funny smell or overheats, you should remove and dispose of it.

Signs of a Bad Dewalt Battery

These are some of the signs you will note from your Dewalt battery when it starts to go bad:

The Dewalt battery loses power immediately when you start using your tool. For example, your battery used to hold a charge for maybe 5 hours but dies within a few minutes.
When you charge your battery overnight, it will not be able to hold a charge.
If you notice your battery is overheating is an indication that it can no longer hold a charge. Heating up is also a sign that the battery is becoming faulty.
Suppose the battery starts to charge more slowly than usual. A Dewalt battery has a standard specific time to charge and should not charge longer.

Fixing a Dewalt Battery That Shows a Full Charge but Not Working

If your Dewalt battery becomes faulty and is still within the warranty, consider making a claim and having it repaired or replaced. Here are some essential tips to fix your Dewalt battery.

Remove the battery panel. Doing this will enable you to access the inner parts of the battery.
Check if there is corrosion inside your battery.
If there is no corrosion, your battery can get a boost charge from another fully charged battery.
Take two speaker wires and attach the first one to the B+ of both batteries.
Attach the second wire to the B-ends of both batteries.
Leave the two batteries connected for some time, and then you can remove the wires. Doing this will wake up the dead battery.
You can also fix a Dewalt battery by freezing it. To do this, use a plastic bag to tightly seal the battery and let it freeze for 24 hours. When doing this, ensure the plastic bag does not leak, as this can damage the battery. After 24 hours, you can remove the battery from the freezer and leave it at room temperature for 8 hours.
Finally, connect your battery to the power source and let it fully charge.

Batteries contain chemicals that can be harmful if they come into contact with your body—practice caution when handling a Dewalt battery.

Sometimes, performing these procedures might fail to revive your Dewalt battery. In such a case, consider buying a new battery.

Dewalt Battery Says Fully Charged but Not Working – Take Away

Dewalt batteries power essential home tools. Such batteries are rechargeable and therefore are suitable for mobile home tools.

Like other electrical tools, Dewalt batteries develop problems and might be unable to hold a charge.

Dewalt battery has a three-year warranty. However, its lifespan varies depending on how you use it.

For instance, it will serve you for a shorter period when you over or undercharge it.

Other factors, such as environmental temperatures, poor storage, and age, interfere with the lifespan of a Dewalt battery.

If your battery starts to hold little or no charge, it is an indication of being faulty. If your battery is old, consider replacing it.

And finally, if your Dewalt battery shows a full charge but does not power your tools, consider putting the above guidelines in this guide into practice.