Battery Back From The Dead

I also own an Optimate 3 for my bike and used it on my S40 when I completely killed the battery by leaving the interior light on for two days. It charges slowly but is more 'intelligent' than a standard charger so can revive batteries quite often. Well worth the money if it saves you a new battery.

Another vote for the Optimate, or in my case the (same company) here. Best bit of kit you can buy. Only downside is, as said, can take a while to recover a whacking big car battery (small bike battery, no hassle). Don't be tempted to go for the (slightly) cheaper Oxford or other variants. They don't last and are a false economy. Hope this helps :)

Optimate's are the dogs! I have one for my bike, but have used it a couple of time on a car, like strider said it takes a bit longer, but they work great!! top tip btw!

Anyone with half an ounce ofintelligence would know how to charge a lead acid battery regarless of which charger. What ? You need a medal ?

Good point well made Strider. I'm no Science bod, but I understand that if a battery is not used, the plates get a covering on them (a sulphate of some sort) which then stops it accepting a charge. There is a chemical, Short name EDTA - long name about a 100 characters -which will clean the covering off and will increase the chances of recovering a long Dead battery. I think it may have been sold as "Bat aid" in the UK in the past. I had a 2 year old battery (Varta) fitted to my classic that died on me due to lack of use and a bloody cold high altitude winter, unfortunately all I got was blank looks when I asked for it in France. There is more to reviving a dead battery than shoving any cheapo Halfords charger on it and crossing your fingers. Cheers