Advice needed - Controller kit, Panda ECO from Pandaebikes

[Deleted member 4366]

Your only hope is to try and charge that single cell. If you have a single-cell charger (4.2v) anywhere, you can use that, otherwise you can use any USB charger, but you have to keep checking the voltage and then switch it off at 4.1v.

In some batteries, the end cell is used to power the BMS, so if you don't use it for a long time, the cell will run down. do you think that's what happened?

 

[Andrew Wingrove]

I understand that the bike had not been used for a while before I bought it.

I have a spare USB charger. If I strip the wires off, I guess I am going to find a red and a black wire inside. How do I identify the cell that needs attention,

Is it going to be as simple as connecting the red to B7 and the black to one of the other B's on the BMS. Having read one of your older posts, I will need to get it above 2.5 and the I could try charging the battery as normal.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

When you put your voltmeter on each end of it, it'll read 1.2v. That's where you need to put your charge leads somehow. you might need to solder on wires to make it easier.

You need to charge all the way to 4.1v because charging will stop when any of the others reach 4.25v, which will be nearly straight away

 

[Andrew Wingrove]

New day and taking the next step. I slid the whole battery out of its silver casing and then removed the green shrink wrap completely. I then started editing to remove the white tape that holds all the cells into a pack. Turned my back on it for 30 seconds and I noticed that one of the cells had become swollen on top and feels as if there is a fair bit of pressure built up inside it.

I have read that these battery's can be a little dangerous and burst into flames. So I have moved the whole thing outside before it attempts to burn my garage down.

Is it best to dispose of the whole battery at this stage? Or should I try to remove the swollen one and keep the rest? I am a little nervous of it going bang in my face.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

It won't burst into flames, but that cell is scrap. It's proably best to get a new one, or jimmy at BGA Reworking can fill it back up with a nice new cell-pack that will be better than it was when new. It might be a time to think about going up to 36v if you could do with a bit more power.

 

[Andrew Wingrove]

Thank you for all your advise, it's been a great learning experience following your step by step instructions. I will look up Jimmy at BGA reworking and see how he can help me. Is it possible to buy just one cell on eBay? I am not sure what to search for.

I have ordered a replacement battery so I can get the bike running now.

Re the 36V, I have a second bike that I am refurbishing which is 36V.

Once again, many thanks.

 

[Nealh]

To nullify the pouch cell or any battery, chuck it in a bucket of saline solution for 24/48 hrs then it is safe to pu tin the normal rubbish for disposal.