Do I need a new battery?

[10point]

I'm getting ready to head south for a few days fishing. I charged my battery up to 100% the other night. I had my depth finder on for about 15 minutes the other night and I plugged the charger in tonight and it said 60%. So I charged it up again to 100% and it didn't take long at all to charge. About an hour later I plug the charge in and it says 85%. The battery is 3 years old.

[scrat]

Have you checked the battery acid level? I know they say you don't need to but I have and still do check mine and keep distilled water to replace to the full level. You can also take your battery to a auto parts store like autozone, advance auto,etc. and they can tell if a cell in the battery is dead and they don't charge for it or at least the stores close to my location don't.

[10point]

I have not checked the acid level. I assume you just remove those coverings on top.

[10point]

Watching a you tube video on it right now

[scrat]

Just be careful because the acid can get into eyes and blind you. I should have said this before anything else. Wear gloves and eye protection and don't get it on skin or clothing.

[chrispy]

might have dropped a cell. It will still read 100% but have little or no life. Just had this happen to me. Took the battery to an auto parts staore and they put a load test on it and found the bad cell. Hope this helps.

[10point]

Are you able to fix them when they have a bad cell or did you buy a new one?

[scrat]

If it has a dead cell it is (scrap) no good anymore. But take it with you when you go buy the new one or the core charge will cost you.

[RiceRocket]

If it was me , I would get a new battery ! RR

[10point]

If it was me , I would get a new battery ! RR

Sounds like a good plan. I went past autozone on the way to work this morning and they said it was good but it was at 62%. It was at 100% last night and I haven't used it. I especially don't want to have to worry about a better problem when I go go Canada in June.