Do you ever wish that your lawn mower would start up as quickly and reliably as it did when it was new? If so, you might be surprised to find out that one of the most common reasons for a slow-starting or unresponsive engine is due to a drained battery. A simple solution may be all that’s needed for reviving your trusty old machine: restoring its battery!
In this blog post on how to restore a lawn mower battery, we’ll take an in-depth look at the steps involved in restoring and replacing a lawn mower battery—including the tools and materials required—to get your motor running like clockwork again. So let’s dive right in and get started on bringing life back to your beloved lawnmower today!
What is Lawn Mower Battery?
Before we start, it’s important to understand what a lawn mower battery is and why you might need to replace it. A lawn mower battery is essentially the same as any other lead-acid battery—just a bit smaller. It consists of six cells that contain sulfuric acid and lead plates that act as electrodes.
When the battery is charged, electrons flow between the plates through an electrolyte solution (usually a mixture of water and sulfuric acid). The movement of these electrons produces electrical energy which can be used to power your lawn mower’s engine.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Restore a Lawn Mower Battery
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you get started, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials on hand to complete your project. This includes:
- A Pair of Rubber Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Battery Charger
- Socket Wrench Set
- Wire Brush
- Battery Terminal Cleaner or Baking Soda
- Corrosion Inhibitor
Step 2: Remove the Battery from the Lawn Mower
To begin, locate and remove the battery from your lawn mower. This is typically done by unbolting it with a socket wrench set. Once you’ve exposed the battery terminals, use a wire brush to clean off any corrosion on them.
If there is a lot of corrosion, you may have to soak the terminals in a solution of water and baking soda for a few minutes. It is also recommended to apply a corrosion inhibitor to the terminals after cleaning them.
Step 3: Clean the Battery Terminals
Mix a solution of baking soda and water and use it to clean off any corrosion or dirt on the battery terminals. Afterward, use an old toothbrush dipped in the mixture to scrub off any remaining residue. It’s important to make sure that all of the corrosion is removed in order for the battery charger to work properly.
But be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses during this process, as the mixture can cause irritation if it comes in contact with your skin. It’s also important to avoid getting the baking soda mixture on the rest of the battery.
Step 4: Apply a Corrosion Inhibitor
Once you’ve finished cleaning your battery terminals, apply a corrosion inhibitor to them before reattaching them to the lawn mower. This will help prevent future damage and extend the life of your battery even further.
It’s also a good idea to use a corrosion inhibitor on any exposed bare metal parts of the lawn mower as well. It’s important to note that you should never use petroleum-based products on any parts of the lawn mower battery. This can cause damage and may void your warranty.
Step 5: Reattach the Battery to Your Lawn Mower
Carefully place your newly cleaned and treated battery back into its designated spot on your lawn mower. If necessary, use a socket wrench set to reattach and tighten the bolts securing it in place.
But if the battery is not securely fastened, it may cause issues with starting your lawn mower engine. It’s also important to check the connections between the terminals and cables, as loose wires may also cause starting issues.
Step 6: Connect the Battery Cables
Next, connect the battery cables to their respective terminals on your lawn mower’s battery. Be sure that you have them connected correctly so as not to cause damage or a spark. If you’re unsure, consult your lawn mower’s user manual. If the cables are in good condition, then simply slide them over the terminals and secure them with clamps. This is to ensure that they stay in place and don’t come loose during operation.
Step 7: Check for Leaks
Once all of the cable connections are secure, double-check for any potential leaks around the battery terminals or cables before moving forward. If you notice any signs of leakage or corrosion, take extra care with connecting and tightening down the cables again before proceeding further.
But if everything looks okay, you can move on to the next step. It’s also important to note that you should never use petroleum-based products on any parts of the lawn mower battery.
Step 8: Charge Your Battery
Using your designated battery charger, plug it into a nearby outlet and connect the battery cables to their respective terminals on your lawn mower’s battery. Turn on the charger and allow enough time for the battery to charge fully. If necessary, consult your lawn mower’s user manual for specific instructions on how to charge the battery. It’s important to not overcharge the battery, as this can cause irreversible damage.
Step 9: Test the Battery
Once charging is complete, disconnect the cable from your lawn mower’s battery and test it out. To do this, gently press down on the starter button or switch off your lawn mower. It should start up quickly and run as expected. This will let you know whether the battery is fully charged and ready to use.
It’s important to always disconnect the battery from the charger before testing. But if your lawn mower fails to start up, you may need to charge it further or replace the battery entirely. It’s also a good idea to check the battery levels regularly, especially if you use your lawn mower frequently.
Step 10: Clean Your Tools
Before wrapping up your project, be sure to clean off any excess residue that may have built-up on your tools during use. This will help keep them functioning properly in future projects. If necessary, use a water and baking soda mixture to clean off any corrosion that may have formed on your tools.
It’s also a good idea to clean off your lawn mower battery cables, as well. But it’s important to make sure that all of the tools and materials used in your project are clean and free of corrosion.
Step 11: Dispose of Unused Materials
Finally, dispose of any unused materials. Be sure to adhere to any safety or environmental regulations associated with disposing of the battery and other hazardous materials in your area before doing so.
It’s also a good idea to contact your local recycling center or hazardous materials disposal facility for more information. Although it may seem like an insignificant step, disposing of materials properly can help keep your lawn and environment safe.
Now that you’ve worked through our step-by-step guide on how to restore a lawn mower battery, your trusty old machine should be running like new again! You can now take comfort knowing that your battery will last for years to come—enabling you and your family to enjoy more outdoor fun this summer!
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
In some cases, a lawn mower battery may require more extensive repairs or replacement than what can be done at home. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform the steps outlined in this guide, then it’s best to seek out professional help.
A qualified technician should be able to provide an evaluation of your current battery and suggest the best course of action for restoring its performance. Taking advantage of their expertise will ensure that your lawn mower is running optimally and safely—allowing you to get back out there and enjoy those beautiful summer days!
How Much It Could Cost?
The cost of restoring a lawn mower battery can vary significantly, depending on the type and condition of your current battery. On average, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20–75 for a complete restoration job—including labor and materials.
If you’re looking for an even more cost-effective solution, consider buying a new lawn mower battery instead. These typically run between $50–100 but will also come with added warranties and guarantees that ensure their performance over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Often Should I Restore My Lawn Mower Battery?
A: It’s recommended that you clean and checks your lawn mower battery regularly—at least once every season or after heavy use. This will help you identify any signs of wear and tear before they become too severe to repair at home.
Q: How Do I Know If My Battery Needs Replacing?
A: In most cases, a lawn mower battery that fails to hold a charge or won’t start up on the first try should be replaced immediately. If the battery is still under warranty, consider taking it in for servicing instead.
Q: What Kind of Battery Should I Use for My Lawn Mower?
A: Depending on the make and model of your lawn mower, you may require a specific type of battery. Be sure to check with the manufacturer before purchasing a new battery to make sure it’s compatible with your machine.
Q: Is It Possible to Overcharge a Lawn Mower Battery?
A: Yes, it’s definitely possible. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging your lawn mower battery and keep an eye on the charge level while it’s plugged in. If you notice that the battery is becoming hot, unplug it immediately.
Now that you know how to restore a lawn mower battery, you can extend its lifespan and get back out there enjoying your outdoor space more often. Just be sure to keep safety top of mind when working with hazardous materials like batteries and take all necessary precautions before getting started!
Conclusion
Restoring a lawn mower battery is not rocket science and can very easily achieve amazing results. Taking the time to do the process correctly and getting good results didn’t take long at all. As promised, this blog post has provided step-by-step instructions on how to restore a lawn mower battery, so now you can get your lawn mower running in no time.
Don’t wait any longer – start restoring your lawn mower battery now and get back to your gardening tasks! With a bit of patience, a few simple tools and some instructions from this blog post, you’ll have yourself a fully restored lawn mower battery in no time. Go ahead and share your success stories with us – we’d love to hear them!
