<p>Just wondering if anyone knows of a way to revive lithium ion batteries that don’t readily recharge? I have an external charger that has a recalibrate function that I’ve tried to use, but after having it plugged in for many hours, it only goes from 1 bar to 2 bars (maximum charge is 4 bars). I have 4 batteries that are fine and 4 batteries that seem to not readily re-charge. Would appreciate anyone’s expertise on this subject, as I am going on a trip and will need as many batteries as seem to work properly. </p>
<p>I may just take the 4 batteries that hold the charge well and leave the others at home to puzzle over when we return. I do recognize that after a while, batteries do run down just by the passage of time, sadly (as these were not used much over the years). If anyone has some great, quick and safe tips, I’d appreciate them?</p>
<p>Lithium ion batteries have a maximum lifespan of around 3 years at 100% charge from the moment it comes off the factory line regardless of whether it’s used or sitting on a shelf. Just a product of natural chemical deterioration which no one can do much about. </p>
<p>That max lifespan could be shortened by high heat, reaching 400 full recharge cycles(0%-100%) in less than 3 years, running them to absolute zero too many times, not storing them at the optimal 40%-80% charge in a cool dry place if not being used for a while, etc. </p>
<p>Thanks–any thoughts or secrets about how to get them to keep going a bit longer if they are balky about getting a full charge? Am trying to recalibrate with the external charger (that has this function). I guess maybe I should count my blessings that the other 4 in the batch seem to hold their full charge just fine?</p>
<p>I can only use rechargeable batteries for the portable oxygen concentrator I need for going to altitudes (my lungs don’t work well enough to get me enough oxygen otherwise). The batteries are useful when I’m not constantly near a power source (vehicle, wall outlet), and for airplane travel. Our family otherwise doesn’t bother with rechargeable batteries any more either. This is also one of the reasons H is reluctant to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle.</p>
<p>I’ve had this happen. I have had some luck discharging them completely and then charging again but it’s not a guaranteed fix. Maybe stick them in a flashlight or something, turn it on, let it run out … recharge. </p>
<p>OK, thanks for the suggestions. We will try sticking with the 4-5 that seem good and trying to revive the others when I have more patience. I have to remind myself how to make the machine work to fully discharge the batteries with the demo setting. I guess I should be happy the batteries have lasted so long as some may be from 2008, I think.</p>
<p>If some are from 2008, I wouldn’t rely on them for something so critical. I’d be surprised if a lithium-ion battery is still able to maintain more than 50-70% charge reliably. </p>
<p>Instead, I’d buy new batteries and use the 2008 ones(assuming they hold decent charge) on less mission-critical tasks. </p>
<p>I just replaced the lithium-ion battery on my media player after 7 or so years as the battery has deteriorated to the point it barely can hold more than 15 minutes worth of charge*. Very serious considering it was once able to hold around 10 hours. To be fair, this isn’t anywhere near as mission critical as what you need those batteries for. </p>
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<li>Heavy user plus I did some stupid things which shortened its life such as running it down to absolute zero too many times. While running batteries down to absolute zero regularly is critical for older nickel-metal hydrid batteries due to “memory effect”, that’s not only unnecessary…but not recommended for lithium-ion batteries beyond occasional calibration.<br></li>
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<p>They no longer sell these batteries. 4 of mine seem fine, two MIGHT be questionable, but will provide a slight buffer of extra charge while recharging other batteries. I guess I really need to start shopping for a new POC, but they run $3000-5000, plus batteries & extra charges, so NOT trivial!</p>
<p>The batteries are very specialized and when you could buy them separately ran between $400 and up apiece, if memory serves. They are NOT the type of batteries you can obtain at any store. Actually, I’m not sure there is anywhere in the state they can be purchased. Mail order is the main way they handle sales, exchanges and returns.</p>