ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Battery
Page 12-28 2000 FE290 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement
12
Self-Discharge
Dirt and battery acid can provide a path for a small current draw that slowly discharges the battery. To pre-
vent self-discharge, the battery should always be kept clean.
Hot weather also has an effect on a battery’s self-discharge rate. The higher the temperature, the quicker a
battery will discharge. In hotter climates, therefore, the battery should be checked more often. When storing
the battery, keep in a cool place. See Battery Storage, Page 12-30.
Water Level
The water level should be checked semi-annually to be sure water is at its proper level (Figure 12-30,
Page 12-28). Never allow the water level to fall below the tops of the plates because this will cause the
exposed part of the plate to become permanently inactive. Check the water level more frequently in hot
weather or when the battery becomes old.
Vibration Damage
The battery clamp should always be tight enough to keep the battery from bouncing. Battery life may be
severely shortened if the clamp is too loose. Excessive vibration shortens the life of the battery. It may also
cause acid to leak out of the vent caps and corrosion to build up on surrounding metal parts. The acid which
is lost reduces the capacity of the battery and cannot be replaced.
Mineral Content
For the longest battery life, distilled water should be used in the battery. However, if tap water is going to
be used, contact your local water department to be sure mineral contents are below the levels listed in
the following table. See following NOTE.
Figure 12-30 Battery Water Level
• CONTACT YOUR LOCAL WATER DEPARTMENT FOR MINERAL CONTENT ANALYSIS.
WATER LEVEL
AT LEAST
1/2 INCH (13 MM)
ABOVE PLATES
OR TO LEVEL
INDICATOR
PLATES
BATTERY
CAP
NOTE