Back-UPS XS 1300 Not Charging, Not Showing Errors

[Anonymous user]

My Back-UPS XS 1300 (BX1300LCD) appears to be fine (no error messages, no indicators on, no beeping), but it is showing 0/5 bars of battery left and 0 minutes of run time. Since it is about 3 years old, I figured the batteries need replaced, so I got a new set of APC RBC109 replacements. When I first put the batteries in, the battery meter showed 3/5 bars and a positive number for run time. After leaving it to charge up to full, it showed 0/5 bars and 0 minutes again.

I noticed the new batteries tested at 24v+ when I installed them, but now test at 21.4v. It appears the UPS is draining them instead of charging. Power Chute shows the batteries are charging with 0% available. Self test using the buttons on the front shows nothing. Power Chute claims it is unable to perform a self test. The UPS display shows 124v input at 60.0Hz.

I haven't been able to find my receipt yet, so I'm not sure if it's still in warranty (right at the edge if it is, since it was made in 12/07).

This problem seems very much like this similar unanswered thread:

Referenced content removed

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous user]

Yeah that unit needs to be service already.

[Anonymous user]

Yes, this is the first time I've replaced the battery in this unit. Using Power Chute to 'Replace Battery Date' had an interesting affect. The battery meter on the LCD went to 5/5 bars and showed 100% in PC, and run time was showing 800+ minutes (no load). After a minute or two, it started dropping. I let it go to see if it was trying to calibrate itself. After a hour or two, it was back down to 0/5 bars and 0 run time (0% in PC as well). I tested the battery and it is still at 21.4v.

I also tried removing the battery and pressing 'Replace Battery Date' and it did the same thing! It never complained about not having a battery. It just showed 100%, then slowly started dropping again.

I also tried pulling the power (after the 'Replace Battery Date') with a small (7W) load on it. With the new battery, it stayed on for 1 second. Without a battery, it went off immediately. With the old battery, it also went off immediately.

Self test in PC still shows 'Unable to carry out a self-test at this time' no matter what configuration the UPS is in.

As for attempting to calibrate it, doesn't it have to be able to stay on with a load for a while in order to do that?

[Anonymous user]

I found my receipt. It's dated 2/20/2008. So in the time I took to diagnose the problem (which started in January), my warranty expired. 😞 I'll try calling APC and see if they can help or if I'm screwed.

The Trade-UPS program seems to be a joke. If I trade in the unit on a new 1500, I can pay a lot more than they are new on Amazon.

Does anyone know if I can do anything to the EEPROM myself (reprogram, replace, etc.)?

Thanks for all the help.

[Anonymous user]

before you calibrate the battery you need to set the date replaced of the battery then you do the calibration mode,if this procidure not help full try to check the eeprom of the unit through a hyper terminal program.

[Anonymous user]

Is this your first battery change since you bought the unit? If yes, u may need to use the Powerchute to tell the unit that you have installed a new battery.. Connect the usb cable that came with your unit, unit should be on, use the powerchute and try to look for the "new battery"(forgot the exact term or words used). You should see it there.

[Anonymous user]

Try to calibrate the unit when the battery shows full charge, during calibration load must be stable and do not exceed 20% of ups load capacity.
and you have to change the date time for last battery replacement.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

in this case it is an eeprom fault,i advice you to take your unit to an apc authorised service center, and you can contact apc custumer care center.