Inogen battery not charging or running short: what to check

First: is it safe to keep using?

Before any troubleshooting, look at the battery. Never use a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking, smells burnt or gets very hot. Stop using it, do not open it, and contact us or dispose of it at a battery collection point. Do not try to charge a damaged battery.

Checks to do before sending the battery

Many charging problems are not caused by the battery itself. Go through these steps in order:

1. Check the contacts. Look at the battery terminals and the connector on the concentrator or charger. They should be clean, dry and not bent. Dirt or damage can stop the battery from charging or cause interruptions.
2. Check the charger and power supply. Make sure you are using the original Inogen charger or power supply, that the plug and cable are undamaged, and that the outlet works. Try another outlet.
3. Seat the battery properly. Remove the battery and insert it again until it clicks into place.
4. Try another battery. If you have a second battery, test it in the same concentrator and charger. If the second battery charges normally, the problem is most likely in the first battery. If neither charges, the problem may be the charger, power supply or concentrator.
5. Watch the charge indicator. Note what the indicator shows while charging and after a full charge, and how quickly it drops in use. This information helps with diagnostics.

Write down what you checked and what you noticed. If you send the battery to us, include this short description in the parcel. It helps us understand the problem and saves time during diagnostics.

Symptoms that point to a worn battery

Symptom	Likely cause
Runtime much shorter than before at the same setting	Worn cells with reduced capacity
Indicator shows full, then drops quickly	Worn cells or a charge indicator out of calibration
Battery loses charge while stored	Aged cells
Concentrator shuts off early	Cells cannot deliver enough power under load
Battery does not charge at all, other battery works	Cells, BMS, temperature sensor or internal connections

Remember that the manufacturer's runtimes are maximum values at setting 1, so a shorter time at higher settings is normal. For the figures per model, see how long an Inogen battery lasts.

When a rebuild helps

If the problem stays with one specific battery and the battery is not physically damaged, a rebuild usually addresses it. During a rebuild at Axis Batteries we:

• diagnose the cells, BMS, temperature sensor and connections;
• repair the BMS, thermistor or connections if needed, included in the price;
• replace the full cell pack with new 18650 cells from Samsung, LG or Sanyo;
• reset the cycle counter and calibrate the charge indicator;
• test capacity, voltage stability and temperature before returning it.

It costs €60 for a standard 8-cell pack (G2, G3, G4) and €130 for an extended 16-cell pack (G2, G3, G5), with a 12-month written warranty. If after diagnostics you decide not to proceed, we return the battery at your cost or dispose of it free of charge. More details in Inogen battery rebuild cost.

When a rebuild will not help

If no battery charges in your concentrator or charger, the problem is probably not the battery. Contact the supplier of your device or the manufacturer's service. If your concentrator is rented or provided by an oxygen supplier or insurer, contact them first before sending any part away.

If you depend on continuous oxygen, keep a backup source (a spare battery, a stationary concentrator or a cylinder) while your battery is away. For any questions about your therapy, ask your doctor or oxygen supplier.

Send your battery for diagnostics and rebuild →