Dewalt Batteries - Maintenance Mode

[JC1]

Hi guys,

Picked up my new DCV581H Vac and decided to browse the manual. I usually don't read it from start to finish, however I found this section on Battery Maintenance.

Using Automatic Tune-Up™ Mode
(NiCd/NiMH only)
The automatic Tune-Up™ Mode equalizes or balances the individual
cells in the battery pack allowing it to function at peak capacity.
Battery packs should be tuned up weekly or after 10 charge/
discharge cycles or whenever the pack no longer delivers the same
amount of work. To use the automatic Tune-Up™, place the battery
pack in the charger and leave it for at least 8 hours. The charger will
cycle through the following modes.
1. The red light will blink continuously indicating that the 1-hour
charge cycle has started.
2. When the 1-hour charge cycle is complete, the light will stay on
continuously and will no longer blink. This indicates that the pack
is fully charged and can be used at this time.
3. If the pack is left in the charger after the initial 1-hour charge,
the charger will begin the Automatic Tune-Up mode. This mode
continues up to 8 hours or until the individual cells in the battery
pack are equalized. The battery pack is ready for use and can be
removed at any time during the Tune-Up mode.
4. Once the Automatic Tune Up mode is complete, the charger will
begin a maintenance charge; the red indicator will remain lit.


Have any of you guys done this? I personally didn't know this feature existed.

I have batteries from 2011 and I've never had issues with them holding a charge.

 

[dishdude]

Are you sure it doesn't have a lithium battery? I thought all rechargeables were now.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Are you sure it doesn't have a lithium battery? I thought all rechargeables were now.


Doooohhhh... You are right! I guess I need to pay better attention.

My bad!

I guess I'm seeing this for the first time, since this vac takes both Lithium (20v) and the older 18V batteries where this would apply.

 

[Snagglefoot]

My 18 V Impact gun can benefit from this. Thanks for posting.

 

[Linctex]

I wish my Makita did this.

Ryobi batteries fail early for this *exact* reason... which is why I quit using Ryobi products.

 

[clinebarger]

I leave my Ni-Cd Dewalt 18volt XRP batteries on the charger all the time for the "maintenance mode"......I get around two years per pack no matter what I do!

 

[NYEngineer]

When I had Ni Cad 18 volt Dewalt tools and batteries I would put the batteries in the Dewalt radio/ Battery charger after they were too weak to run the tools any more and run the radio until the battery was completely dead and then charge the battery. I would get a long life out of them that way.

 

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted By: NYEngineer
When I had Ni Cad 18 volt Dewalt tools and batteries I would put the batteries in the Dewalt radio/ Battery charger after they were too weak to run the tools any more and run the radio until the battery was completely dead and then charge the battery. I would get a long life out of them that way.


I do that too, Except I use my Dewalt flashlight.

 

[OilFilters]

Never a problem with my Ridgid batteries...if I find the capacity isn't up to my liking, I call and have a new one delivered. Lifetime warranty > Better than everything else.