If your NOCO Boost GBX45 is charging slowly, it’s usually due to issues like a weak power source, cable problems, or internal battery conditions. This powerful portable jump starter is designed to recharge quickly, so slow charging is often a sign that something is off either with your charging setup or the device itself.
Understanding why your NOCO Boost GBX45 charges slowly can save you time and frustration. It might be as simple as using an incompatible charger or as complex as an aging internal battery that needs replacement
Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, can also affect charging speeds. Since this device is vital for emergency power boosts, ensuring it charges efficiently is crucial for reliable use.
Best Chargers for NOCO Boost GBX45 Charging
Choosing the right charger is essential to keep your NOCO Boost GBX45 powered and ready. Here are three top NOCO Genius chargers perfectly suited for this device:
NOCO Genius1 6V/12V 1 Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger
A compact and efficient charger that provides gentle 1-amp charging, ideal for maintaining your GBX45’s battery and ensuring longevity without risk of overcharging.
NOCO Genius2 6V/12V 2 Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger
Offering a bit more power with a 2-amp output, this charger supports multiple modes including maintenance and repair, making it a reliable choice for faster, safe charging of your NOCO Boost.
NOCO Genius5 6V/12V 5 Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger
For quicker charging needs, the 5-amp Genius5 delivers robust yet safe charging with smart multi-stage technology and temperature compensation, helping you get your GBX45 ready in less time.
Why Is My NOCO Boost GBX45 Charging Slowly?
If your NOCO Boost GBX45 is charging slower than expected, several common factors could be at play. Understanding these can help you troubleshoot and restore efficient charging.
Weak or Incompatible Power Source
Your charging speed heavily depends on the power source you’re using. Charging from a low-power USB port or a weak adapter can limit the current delivered to the GBX45, resulting in slow charging. Always use a power adapter that meets or exceeds the NOCO recommended specifications (usually 12V/1A or more).
Faulty or Damaged Charging Cable
Damaged or low-quality cables can cause resistance and reduce the charging current. Check your cable for frays, kinks, or bent connectors. Using the original NOCO cable or a certified replacement ensures optimal power flow.
Battery Health and Age
Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to accept and hold a charge efficiently. If your GBX45 is older or has gone through many charge cycles, the internal battery might be degrading, causing longer charging times.
Environmental Conditions
Extreme temperatures affect lithium-ion battery charging speeds. Charging in very cold or hot environments slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to slower charging or safety cut-offs.
Charging While in Use
If you try to charge the GBX45 while simultaneously using it to jump-start a vehicle or power another device, the input power is split, and charging will slow down significantly.
Can the Charger Affect Charging Speed of the NOCO Boost GBX45?
Absolutely, the charger you use plays a crucial role in how quickly your NOCO Boost GBX45 charges. Not all chargers deliver the same amount of power or have the smart technology needed to optimize charging.
Charger Output Matters
The NOCO Boost GBX45 requires a charger that can provide a stable 12V output with at least 1 amp current for optimal charging speed. Using a charger with lower voltage or insufficient amperage will cause the device to charge slowly or intermittently.
Smart Charging Technology
NOCO Genius chargers include smart features like adaptive charging and battery diagnostics. These features optimize power delivery to the GBX45, ensuring the battery charges quickly while preventing overcharging or overheating. Chargers without these smart features may charge more slowly or even harm the battery.
Cable and Connector Compatibility
Even if the charger output is adequate, using cables or connectors that aren’t fully compatible with the GBX45 can reduce charging efficiency. This results in slow charging times or the charger not recognizing the battery correctly.
Charging Environment and Power Source
If the charger is plugged into a low-power USB port or unstable power outlet, it may not deliver enough current. Always use a reliable power source, preferably a dedicated wall outlet, to maximize charging speed.
Does Temperature Impact the NOCO Boost GBX45 Charging Speed?
Yes, temperature has a significant effect on how quickly your NOCO Boost GBX45 charges. Lithium-ion batteries, like the one inside your GBX45, are sensitive to environmental conditions, and charging behavior changes depending on the temperature.
Cold Temperatures Slow Charging
When temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), the chemical reactions inside lithium-ion batteries slow down. This reduced activity causes the battery to accept a charge more slowly. In very cold conditions, the GBX45’s internal safety systems may reduce or pause charging to prevent damage.
High Temperatures Can Also Be Problematic
Charging in temperatures above 104°F (40°C) can cause the battery to overheat. To protect itself, the NOCO Boost GBX45 may throttle charging speed or temporarily stop charging until it cools down. Continuous exposure to high temperatures can degrade battery health over time.
Optimal Charging Temperature Range
For best charging performance, keep your NOCO Boost GBX45 in an environment between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 29°C). Charging within this range ensures the battery’s chemistry operates efficiently, allowing it to charge faster and extend overall battery life.
Practical Tips
- Avoid charging the GBX45 outdoors in extreme weather.
- If charging indoors, keep the device away from heaters or air conditioners that can cause temperature swings.
- Store the GBX45 at room temperature when not in use to maintain battery health.
How to Troubleshoot Slow Charging on NOCO Boost GBX45
If your NOCO Boost GBX45 is still charging slowly despite using a quality charger and keeping it in ideal conditions, it may be time for a structured troubleshooting approach. Here’s a practical checklist to help you diagnose and fix the issue:
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Check the Power Source
- Plug the charger into a different wall outlet.
- Avoid using USB ports on computers or car outlets unless they meet the minimum output requirement (12V, 1A or more).
Inspect the Charging Cable and Port
- Examine the cable for frayed wires, loose connections, or corrosion.
- Use a different NOCO-approved cable if available.
- Clean the charging port on the GBX45 gently using compressed air or a soft brush.
Evaluate the Temperature
- If the device feels cold or hot to the touch, let it rest at room temperature (around 68–72°F or 20–22°C) for 30 minutes before charging again.
- Avoid charging in direct sunlight or near heaters.
Perform a Soft Reset
Sometimes the internal system may glitch. Disconnect the charger, hold down the power button on the GBX45 for 10 seconds, and then reconnect.
Check for Firmware or Battery Issues
- NOCO devices occasionally require firmware updates. Visit NOCO’s support site to see if updates apply.
- If the battery has aged or been stored improperly (e.g., left fully discharged for long periods), performance may degrade, requiring professional servicing.
Can You Replace the Battery in a NOCO Boost GBX45?
Technically, no — the NOCO Boost GBX45 is not designed for user-replaceable batteries. The unit is sealed to protect its internal lithium-ion battery and advanced circuitry, ensuring safe operation under various environmental conditions. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options if your battery degrades.
Why It’s Not User-Serviceable
- The casing is tightly sealed to maintain water and dust resistance (IP65-rated).
- Opening the device voids the warranty and may compromise safety features.
- There’s a risk of damaging sensitive internal components or causing a short circuit if improperly handled.
What to Do Instead
If you suspect the battery is the root cause of your slow charging issue or diminished performance:
Contact NOCO Support
- NOCO has a responsive warranty and service department.
- If your device is within warranty (typically 1 year or more depending on region), they may offer a free repair or replacement.
Authorized Service Option
- For out-of-warranty devices, you may be able to send the unit in for a battery replacement at a service fee.
- Always go through NOCO or authorized technicians — don’t trust third parties or DIY fixes for lithium batteries.
Consider an Upgrade
If your unit is several years old and out of spec, it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a new NOCO Boost model with improved charging tech and battery life.
Conclusion
If your NOCO Boost GBX45 is charging slowly, it’s usually due to one of a few key factors — an underpowered or incompatible charger, temperature extremes, or cable issues. Ensuring that you use a NOCO Genius smart charger, maintain optimal temperature conditions, and routinely inspect your charging equipment can significantly improve performance.
We’ve walked through the core reasons behind slow charging, how to troubleshoot them, and whether you can replace the battery (hint: it’s best left to NOCO). Addressing these areas should restore normal charging behavior and extend the life of your jump starter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why the NOCO Boost GBX45 Charges Slowly
Why is my NOCO Boost GBX45 taking so long to charge even with a NOCO Genius charger?
If you’re using an official NOCO Genius charger and the GBX45 still charges slowly, the issue may be environmental (like temperature), a faulty cable, or a degraded internal battery. Try charging in a room-temperature environment and using a different compatible NOCO cable if available.
Can I use any USB-C charger with my NOCO Boost GBX45?
No. While the GBX45 supports USB-C input, not all USB-C chargers are powerful enough. You should use a charger that provides at least 12V and 1A — ideally one from NOCO’s Genius line, which is optimized for their devices.
Will charging the GBX45 in my garage during winter slow it down?
Yes, it will. Cold temperatures dramatically slow down lithium-ion charging chemistry. If the device is too cold, it may not charge at all until it warms up to at least 50°F (10°C). Bring it indoors before charging for better performance.
Is it normal for the GBX45 to take several hours to fully charge?
Yes, depending on the charger used and the remaining battery level. With a NOCO Genius 10 or similar high-output charger, it typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Slower chargers may take 5–6 hours or longer.
How can I tell if my GBX45 battery needs replacement?
If it no longer holds a charge or takes excessively long to charge despite all troubleshooting, the internal battery may be degraded. Contact NOCO support for diagnostics or replacement options.