AA / AAA NiMH rechargeable (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries offer a convenient and eco-friendly solution for powering many devices, including remote controls, toys, and flashlights. They are a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to disposable batteries and can be recharged many times over their lifetime. We are a leading NiMH battery manufacturer in China and have over 13 years of experience in NiMH battery design, production, and manufacturing. Our factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and employs highly skilled professionals dedicated to producing high-quality customized AA NiMH batteries and customized AAA NiMH batteries that meet our customers' needs.
However, AA / AAA NiMH batteries can lose capacity or go "dead" over time and after many charge cycles. But before you throw out your dead NiMH batteries, you can try a few tricks to fix a dead AA / AAA rechargeable NiMH battery and get it back in working condition.
What is a dead battery?
A dead battery means it has lost its ability to hold a charge and cannot power a device. Or the battery will show 0V reading. Like any rechargeable battery, a NiMH battery can lose its ability to hold a charge over time due to a variety of factors, including overuse, underuse, exposure to extreme temperatures, or simply reaching the end of its lifespan. When a NiMH battery is dead, it will not provide any power to the device it is powering, and the device may not turn on at a NiMH batteries go through a "charge memory effect" where they lose some ability to hold a full charge after being repeatedly recharged after only being partially drained.
How to fix a dead AA / AAA NiMH rechargeable battery?
You can often fix a "dead" NiMH battery simply by reconditioning it using a deep discharge method. Here are the steps to recondition your AA / AAA NiMH batteries:
Step 1: Check the Battery Voltage
The first step is to check the battery's voltage using a voltmeter. It may be considered dead if the battery's voltage is less than 0.8V for an AA battery or less than 0.4V for an AAA battery. However, if the voltage increases, some life may still be left in the battery.
Step 2: Charge the Battery
The next step is to charge the battery using a NiMH charger. Ensure you use a charger specifically designed for NiMH batteries and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Typically, it may take several hours to charge the battery fully. Once the battery is fully charged, check the voltage again using a voltmeter. The battery should be ready if the voltage is within the acceptable range.
Step 3: Discharge the Battery
If the battery still does not work after charging, the next step is to discharge it using a discharge tool. A discharge tool can discharge the battery completely, removing any memory effect that may have built up over time. Memory effect is when the battery "remembers" its previous charge level and does not fully charge or discharge. This can reduce the capacity of the battery over time.
Step 4: Charge the Battery Again
After discharging the battery, charge it again using a NiMH charger. This time, the battery should be able to charge fully and hold a charge for longer. Check the voltage using a voltmeter to ensure it is within the acceptable range.
Step 5: Replace the Battery
If the battery still does not work after discharging and charging, it may be time to replace it. NiMH batteries have a limited lifespan and can only be recharged several times before they lose capacity. If the battery is old and has been recharged many times, it may be time to replace it with a new one.
Or you could follow the trick to revive dead NiMh batteries by YouTuber Saiyam Agrawa.
Conclusion
Rechargeable NiMH batteries are an excellent choice for electronic devices, as they are cost-effective and eco-friendly. However, they can sometimes stop working correctly. By following these steps, you can fix a dead AA / AAA rechargeable NiMH battery and get it back in working condition. Remember to always use a NiMH charger and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If the battery is old and has been recharged many times, it may be time to replace it with a new one.
Post time: Jun-29-2023
