AGM Maintenance

[Full Tilt 10+ year member]

Hey, everybody. I was just wondering about how much maintenance/upkeep goes into running AGM batteries. I've heard you shouldn't have any problems with them if you keep your voltage up, but I've also heard they can take quite a bit of work. I'm going to be running two in my Grand Prix, so I was just curious as to what I'll need to do to keep them in check. Thanks.

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[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Hey, everybody. I was just wondering about how much maintenance/upkeep goes into running AGM batteries. I've heard you shouldn't have any problems with them if you keep your voltage up, but I've also heard they can take quite a bit of work. I'm going to be running two in my Grand Prix, so I was just curious as to what I'll need to do to keep them in check. Thanks.

Get a charger with agm mode trickle on 2 amps every 2-3 weeks ..done ...not.much to it

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Just have the right amount of time blocked out for performing a charge as that 2A trickle can take close to 12 hours if you've worn down the battery to a certain point.

The real purpose of these slow charges is to desulfate the battery. A lead-acid battery isn't prone to the same memory effects of a GM due to sulfation and, over time, battery capacity is reduced until you can desulfate. That's why every 2-3 weeks (I say a month), you should perform that 2a trickle.

And AGM chargers are NOT expensive. Yes, XS makes some crazy elaborate models that were "designed" for the battery, but even your local Walmart has the Schumaker models that perform just as well and only run 30-40 bucks.

 

[Full Tilt 10+ year member]

Just have the right amount of time blocked out for performing a charge as that 2A trickle can take close to 12 hours if you've worn down the battery to a certain point.
The real purpose of these slow charges is to desulfate the battery. A lead-acid battery isn't prone to the same memory effects of a GM due to sulfation and, over time, battery capacity is reduced until you can desulfate. That's why every 2-3 weeks (I say a month), you should perform that 2a trickle.

And AGM chargers are NOT expensive. Yes, XS makes some crazy elaborate models that were "designed" for the battery, but even your local Walmart has the Schumaker models that perform just as well and only run 30-40 bucks.

Sears claims their Diehards are maintenance-free...not to doubt you, but is this truly necessary, or more of an 'over-the-top' type of precaution?

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Sears claims their Diehards are maintenance-free...not to doubt you, but is this truly necessary, or more of an 'over-the-top' type of precaution?

I say yes for the life of the battery. Sulfation is just a byproduct of the chemical reaction that occurs in any AGM battery. Think of all the people who bought YellowTops who are complaining they can't hold voltage a year later. Never did maintenance on their battery. I understand Sears makes that claim and, if so, I'm sure they're prepared to issue out whatever replacements or reasons they have for not replacing due to their warranty, but it's simple chemistry.