Battery for G2160 dead.. do I need to check distilled water levels?

[Rober88]

Not sure why the battery isn't powering anything. It's only 2 years old. I didn't install it.

I don't know much about batteries. Was wondering if I need to take the cover off and check water levels?

Looks like the top of the battery isn't meant to be taken off (see image).

I have a charger. Wondering if I can just charge it without taking the battery out of the mower?

 

[Sidekick]

I have seen many new batteries fail but without a receipt it is impossible to get them replaced under warranty. If it was dead and froze over the winter check the case for cracks should yuo find low acid levels. Probably easiest to take it and have it load tested at the place you normally buy batteries.

 

[fried1765]

I have seen many new batteries fail but without a receipt it is impossible to get them replaced under warranty. If it was dead and froze over the winter check the case for cracks should yuo find low acid levels. Probably easiest to take it and have it load tested at the place you normally buy batteries.

Yup!
Take the battery to your local parts store, and have them load test it (free).

 

[Rober88]

Took it to the shop, they tested it, they said only 2 volts. Got a new one under warranty. Thanks guys!
That old one only lasted 2 years. OE Plus brand.
Weird.

 

[lmichael]

Not weird. Pretty normal. Batteries today do not last long, then think about the amount of vibration that little diesel makes Honestly IMO it's a wonder that last 2 years!

 

[TheOldHokie]

Not weird. Pretty normal. Batteries today do not last long, then think about the amount of vibration that little diesel makes Honestly IMO it's a wonder that last 2 years!

The Duracell in my G2160 was purchased at Sams in spring of 2019. Its just now failing to hpld a charge. If it sits for ~48 hours I have to put the charger on it to get it started. I plan on replacing it with another just like it.

The Duracell battery in the G2460 is a few years newer and still going strong....

Dan

 

[lmichael]

Our Sam's only sells the crappy Interstate batteries. Same with our Costco. Only places I could find one for less than $200! So I am now on my second Interstate in as many years, and will likely need to replace it soon as well. And YES I did check the charging system, alternator working perfectly, belt is tight.
They're just garbage batteries.

 

[lugbolt]

mowers, boats, other "toys" often SIT unused, for sometimes months.

Sitting is the worst thing that a battery can do! They often get sulphated, basically the lead plates inside the battery get a lead sulphate "crust" on them, and they can't do the job that they're supposed to. Then the battery voltage drops and/or cranking amps drop way off. It's dead.

SOMETIMES a GOOD (aka expensive) battery charger can desulphate them. Basically the desulphate cycle applies a high voltage but very low amperage to the battery in an attempt to drive that lead sulphate "crust" off of the plates. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It still may end up dead.

Best solution? Keep it on a trickle charger when you're not using it. And keep it from getting extremely cold and/or extremely hot. I typically get 7-10 years out of them but I also take care of them pretty well and with that, with as many toys as I have to deal with, it's a royal pain to take the batteries out of the equipment and store them in climate controlled (mostly) conditions while on the tenders. It works, they last a while, but it is another thing to have to do.

 

[fried1765]

The Duracell in my G2160 was purchased at Sams in spring of 2019. Its just now failing to hpld a charge. If it sits for ~48 hours I have to put the charger on it to get it started. I plan on replacing it with another just like it.

The Duracell battery in the G2460 is a few years newer and still going strong....

Dan

For the most battery bang for the buck,.......
Buy Walmart Everstart MAXX! !

When stored keep a battery minder attached.
My Walmart batteries last at least 10 years!
I have 13 twelve volt batteries.

Our Sam's only sells the crappy Interstate batteries. Same with our Costco. Only places I could find one for less than $200! So I am now on my second Interstate in as many years, and will likely need to replace it soon as well. And YES I did check the charging system, alternator working perfectly, belt is tight.
They're just garbage batteries.

Interstate sells their name (hype)...... primarily.
They do lots of advertising, but only sell an also ran battery.

 

[lmichael]

I keep mine on a good battery maintainer like this one 4 AMP Power Tender® 12V / 6V Switchable Battery Charger | Battery Tender®