Saving a dead jump starter

[WaxyChicken]

I have a jump starter that i've allowed to get too low. Now it won't hold a charge for more than a day.

Is there anyway i can salvage it or get some other good use from it?


(example pic)

If you haven't herd of them before (but you probably have) here's how they work:
-Plug them in at night.
-The next day put it in your car.
-If your car battery dies during the next couple of weeks then you can use this Jump Starter to start your car up instead of bumming a jump from someone else's car.

[AndrewJ]

replace the battery that's inside of it. It's probably a SLA (sealed lead acid) 12v battery. You can find a suitable replacement from Radioshack. Every one I go into seems to have a few large-ish SLA's sitting forlorn on a shelf near the back, problem is that they're expensive, usually to the tune of at least $40

[WaxyChicken]

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

replace the battery that's inside of it [...] problem is that they're expensive, usually to the tune of at least $40

i only paid $60 for the jump starter. For that i could just about go out and get a new one.

What about the parts?
It had a DC out plug, could display Red, Yellow, Green for jump charge available in the unit, and it would "Beeeeeeeeeeeeep!" if connected backwords.

Could i salvage those parts for anything if i decide not to rebuild it?
(i never saw inside one. I might try taking it appart this weekend)

[AndrewJ]

I'm sure you can find a MUCH cheaper SLA out there somewhere, $40 is just the exorbitant price that Radioshack charges for theirs.

As for the rest of the bits, sounds like you have the makings for a 12v battery charger if you should need one.

[trebuchet03]

Open it up and see if the sides of the battery are bulging.... If they are... I'd try desulfating (build your own circuit though - otherwise, spend $60). It may, or may not, work... It has worked for me in a kind of "lets get this done" ethos - but YMMV.

[WaxyChicken]

K. thanks guys. I'll open it up this weekend and see what i find. It should be pretty drained out by now.

[LibbyMetro]

http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/aa/as...y%20Jumper.htm

bout 45 bucks