Quick answer
- Ensure the battery is warm enough to charge; lithium-ion batteries refuse to charge below ~32°F (0°C).
- Check the charger LED indicator for fault patterns; a solid red light indicates charging, while a blinking red light may indicate temperature issues.
- Inspect the battery terminals for dirt or corrosion, which can prevent proper contact.
- If the battery is swollen or damaged, do not attempt to charge it; replace it immediately.
Symptoms
When a Makita battery won't charge, you may notice the following symptoms:
- The charger LED may show a solid red light, indicating that it is charging, or it may blink red, suggesting a thermal issue or a fault.
- If the battery is inserted into a tool, the tool may not operate at all, or it may operate intermittently.
- You might hear no sound from the charger, or it may emit a clicking noise if it is attempting to charge but fails.
- If the battery is cold, the charger may not initiate charging, displaying a fault LED pattern instead.
Quick checks
Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:
- Temperature Check: Ensure the battery is at room temperature. If it’s cold, let it warm up to at least 32°F (0°C) before attempting to charge.
- Charger Compatibility: Confirm you are using the correct charger for your battery model. For example, the Makita DC18RC charger is designed for LXT batteries.
- Visual Inspection: Look for any visible damage to the battery casing, terminals, or charger.
- Clean Connections: Check for dirt or corrosion on the battery terminals and charger contacts. Clean them gently with a dry cloth if necessary.
- Test Another Battery/Charger: If available, test the charger with another battery or test the battery with another compatible charger to isolate the issue.
Step-by-step fix
- Remove the Battery: Always start by removing the battery from the tool to prevent any accidental activation during troubleshooting.
- Inspect the Battery: Look for any signs of swelling, corrosion, or damage. If you see any, do not attempt to charge the battery; it should be replaced.
- Check the Charger: Plug in the charger and observe the LED indicator. If it shows a solid red light (for example, on the Makita DC18RF), it’s charging. If it blinks red, wait for it to cool down or check for faults.
- Clean the Terminals: Use a dry cloth to clean the battery terminals and charger contacts. This ensures a good electrical connection, which is crucial for charging.
- Test Charging Again: Reinsert the battery into the charger and observe the LED indicator. If it still does not charge, proceed to the next step.
- Replace the Battery: If the battery is old or showing signs of failure, consider replacing it with a new one, such as the Makita 18V LXT 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850B). This can resolve issues caused by a degraded battery.
View Makita 18V LXT 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850B) on Amazon (paid link)
View Makita 18V LXT 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850B) on Home Depot (paid link)
If it still isn't working
If the battery still does not charge after performing the above steps, consider the following escalation paths:
- Check Warranty: Review the warranty terms for your Makita battery. If it is still under warranty, contact Makita for a replacement.
- Service Center: If the battery is out of warranty or you prefer professional help, take it to an authorized Makita service center for diagnosis and repair.
- Replacement: If the battery is confirmed defective and not covered under warranty, purchasing a new battery may be the most efficient solution.
FAQ
Why won’t my Makita battery charge?
There are several reasons a Makita battery may not charge, including temperature issues, faulty chargers, or damaged batteries. Always check the LED indicators and inspect the battery and charger for visible damage.
What does a blinking red light on my Makita charger mean?
A blinking red light typically indicates a thermal issue, meaning the battery is too hot or too cold to charge. Allow the battery to reach a safe temperature before attempting to charge it again.
Can I use a different charger for my Makita battery?
It is recommended to use the specific charger designed for your battery model. For example, the Makita DC18RC charger is suitable for LXT batteries, while other models may not be compatible.
How do I know if my Makita battery is dead?
If the battery does not charge after following troubleshooting steps and shows signs of physical damage, it may be dead. Testing it with another compatible charger can help confirm this.
What should I do with a swollen battery?
A swollen battery should never be used. It poses a safety hazard and should be recycled at a designated facility, such as Home Depot or Lowe's, or through a Call2Recycle drop-off.