Earlier this year, our ODYSSEY team® the battery experts at EnerSys weigh in on the most frequently asked questions they receive from customers related to the auxiliary battery. This time, we will examine the questions our customers ask related to the general operation of a car battery including proper installation, maintenance and charging as well as the different chemistries available on the market today and how to choose the right fit for your application. As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer's care guidelines and direct any questions to your battery technician.
What is PHCA and how does it affect my application?
PHCA stands for Pulse Hot Cranking Amps, which is a measure of the discharge of a fully charged battery in a short period of time. Specifically, the average fully charged battery (over 5 seconds) can be brought to 80°F (27°C) for 5 seconds. This simulates starting a car. The PHCA rating is similar to the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, but for a shorter five second period with a much higher burst.
How do I diagnose a “non-starting” battery problem?
There are many factors to consider and some simple tests you can do on the battery to help diagnose a “non-starting” problem.
First (no pun intended), ask yourself these simple questions:
1. What is my voltage?
2. Did I leave something on in my car overnight?
3. How old is my battery?
The answer to one, two or all of these questions can shed light on the reason why your battery is malfunctioning and can help you solve the problem sooner rather than later.
Can I use a lightweight battery in my car?
Lightweight batteries are generally used for racing applications or small vehicles with small onboard accessories. They must be kept full of energy and are often susceptible to the effects of high temperatures. With a lightweight battery, the capacity is usually low, so it may be beneficial to choose a high-power solution to not only keep the car running, but also all the electronics inside that help keep you safe and happy like the radio. , Global Positioning System (GPS) and automatic locks, lights and windshield wipers.
What type of charger should I use for my ODYSSEY® the battery?
Many premature battery failures are caused by not using the correct type or size of charger to keep the battery fully charged. From the ODYSSEY® batteries are made with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology, it is advantageous to use a charger with an AGM setting. Proper charging requirements for ODYSSEY® battery based on a 10-hour charge rating is as follows:
Recommended minimum: 10 percent of amp hour capacity
Recommended maximum: 40 percent of amp hour capacity
Maximum recommended: 100 percent of amp hour capacity
Our newly launched ODYSSEY® battery chargers are an excellent way to charge our ODYSSEY portfolio® batteries. In addition to being able to charge ODYSSEY® batteries and other high-quality types of AGM battery models, the new ODYSSEY series® battery chargers can effectively charge saturated lead-acid and lithium batteries. Equipped with built-in temperature controls and a battery status indicator, these advanced battery chargers are available in 5A, 15A and 25A variants.
Is a lead-acid or lithium battery better for my application?
Choosing the right battery chemistry for your application is key to performance and longevity. Lithium batteries are simple and very efficient, but they are often more expensive up front than other batteries on the market today. They also do not perform well in cold temperature starting applications compared to lead-acid.
Lead-acid batteries are ideal for running applications. They are an excellent choice as backup power for a wide range of applications including Recreational Vehicles (RVs), motor boats and commercial vehicle fleets.
What are dual battery systems and how do they work in my car?
Dual battery systems are generally used when you want to have two separate batteries for your application – one for starting operations and one for backup power. These types of systems have become very popular in the downhill world. The second battery can be used to power an array of interior electronics including lights, refrigerators, winches and GPS. Another popular use of dual battery systems is to support vehicles that use high-powered audio systems. This allows you to start your stereo without running the risk of running out of power to start your car. Whenever considering this type of system, check that it is properly wired for the application and use an isolator switch. If in doubt, try fully charging the battery.
What should I do if my cable does not seem to fit properly during installation?
Different manufacturers and applications use different types of cables and terminals. Sometimes you may encounter problems when replacing the battery. For example, terminals can expand over time. This is most noticeable with terminals made of all lead. There are various reasons why this can happen, but usually, it is due to the excessive tightness of the terminals. If you encounter a problem where the end of your cable seems to be loose from the terminal, try using a battery terminal shim, or replace the cable or cable end altogether. It is important to always ensure that the battery cable is properly seated and properly grounded. It's also a good idea to check the durability from time to time. An incorrect cable connection can affect both the starting power and the battery charge.
Can I connect a flooded lead-acid or lithium battery to my ODYSSEY® the battery?
It is considered best practice to use the same battery chemistry for any multi-battery system within a given system because different battery chemistries have different charging profiles. Therefore, it is cautioned never to mix AGM, flooded or lithium batteries when connecting in parallel. Whenever possible, it is recommended to use batteries of the same capacity. This will help ensure that charging is equal, and that all batteries have the same chance of longevity. If in doubt, contact the battery manufacturer for more information on how to size and charge the batteries so they work best together and produce the best performance.
Check out our websites at www.odysseybattery.com and www.eu.odysseybattery.com for the latest ODYSSEY® Global battery news and updates.
You can also connect with us on social media using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY by following us on the following regionally based platforms:
United States – Instagram, X and Facebook
European Union – Instagram and Facebook
For more information about EnerSys and its full line of products, systems and support, visit www.enersys.com.
About EnerSys
EnerSys is a world leader in energy storage solutions for industrial applications and designs, manufactures, and distributes energy systems solutions and dynamic energy batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor enclosure solutions to customers around the world. The company goes to market with four business lines: Energy Systems, Dynamic Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which includes power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and closed spaces, is used in the telecommunications, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supply, and many applications that require stored energy solutions. Motive batteries and chargers are used in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, heavy duty trucks, advanced vehicles, medical and defense applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for a variety of applications including demand reduction, energy conservation, and rapid charging of electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in more than 100 countries through its global sales and manufacturing facilities. To learn more about EnerSys please visit
Sustainability
Sustainability at EnerSys is more than just the benefits and impact of our products. Our commitment to sustainability includes many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is an important part of how we manage our operations. Reducing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability.