Ryobi lit-ion batteries dead.

finchy01 · May 16, 2015

Hi all. I've not used my li-ion batteries for a good few months and they now won't hold any charge. At first I thought it was the charger as none would charge, but trying a different charger I'm getting the same problem. I've seen that you can boost them but not really sure what that entails. I don't really want to dump and replace them as I don't do much installation work so don't use them often enough (hence why I just went for ryobi rather than more expensive). Any advice please?

lame plumber · May 16, 2015

batteries need to be used and charged regularly, lack of use ruins them. You may be able to get them refurbed if one of the cells has gone or a link broken if you know of someone doing that local to you.

Best · May 16, 2015

I think there is a way to rejuvenate them. The charger can't begin to charge them when they are totally flat & they need a bit of power put into them. Same as lead car battery if too flat.
YouTube might have answers

Whyme · May 16, 2015

Li on batteries do die if they get discharged completely. Thats why a lot just stop when in use it's to prevent total discharge

GrahamM · May 16, 2015

As above.
These batteries must not permitted to loose charge completely. If the charge falls bellow a minimum level they are deemed unusable as are unsafe to charge so safety cutoff activates in the battery.

Options:
1. Replace the batteries.
2. The vast majority of these batteries can be restored with a more complex/expensive smart charger. The only safe option for restoration.
3. Replacement of the individual cells in batteries may be possible.

zzzjim · May 16, 2015

Don't forget some chargers go into super slow mo mode , and start charging once left to trickle for a day or two . (But not true of all )
If nothings getting HOT - try a longer charge , Then stop if lights change and gets warm !
( Though I don't have any Ryobi -- so they may just Turn off and thats it -like others say)

Whyme · May 16, 2015

Get some cheapo rip off ones off ebay mate, if you get them refurbed they will mostly use the same chinese li on cells anyway.

AWheating · May 23, 2015

li on cells are junk if you allow the charge to drop below a certain level, they also have a lifespan even if not used very offten. bin them and get new batts. If you want the cheapest option then import them from the usa when theres a sale on. ryobi batts are about 50-60% cheaper in the usa generally and sometimes even more when on sale.

goz666 · May 23, 2015

I have a Bosch 10.8v impact driver and have done this a few times leaving it in the van. Last time I left them on charge for near on a week but then they jumped back into life both of them.