TROUBLESHOOTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Test Procedures
11
DANGER
• Battery – Explosive gases! Do not smoke. Keep sparks and flames away from the vehicle and
service area. Ventilate when charging or using in an enclosed space. Wear a full face shield and
rubber gloves when working on or near batteries. For added protection, cover top of the battery
when servicing the vehicle.
• Battery – Poison! Contains acid! Causes severe burns! Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
– External: Flush with water. Call a physician immediately.
– Internal: Drink large quantities of milk or water. Follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable
oil. Call a physician immediately.
– Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes. Call a physician immediately.
NOTE:
The battery must be properly maintained and fully charged in order to perform the following test procedures.
Battery maintenance procedures, including watering information and allowable mineral content, can be found
in Section 12 of this manual.
1.
Disable the vehicle.
See Disabling the Vehicle on page 1-3.
2.
Check for loose or corroded battery terminal connections. Clean, tighten and replace connections as necessary.
Hydrometer Test
A hydrometer (CC P/N 1011478) measures the specific gravity. The higher the specific gravity, the higher the state of
charge of the battery. A fully charged battery should read between 1.250 and 1.280 at 80 °F (27 °C). Never add acid to
the battery to obtain a higher specific gravity
.
See following CAUTION.
CAUTION
• Do not allow battery acid from battery caps or hydrometer to drip onto the body. Battery acid will
cause permanent damage. Wash off immediately.
Performing the Hydrometer Test
1.
Disable the vehicle.
See Disabling the Vehicle on page 1-3.
2.
Check for loose or corroded battery terminal connections. Clean, tighten and replace connections as necessary.
3.
Be sure that the battery has sufficient water to cover the plates by approximately 1/2-inch (13 mm) and is
fully charged prior to beginning the test. If water must be added, recharge the battery before performing the
hydrometer test
4.
Remove the vent cap.
5.
Using a battery thermometer (CC P/N 1011767), record the electrolyte temperature of a center cell.
6.
Squeeze the rubber bulb of the hydrometer and insert into the cell. Slowly release the bulb, drawing electrolyte
up into the glass tube of the hydrometer.
7.
When the float rises off the bottom, adjust the electrolyte level so that the float rides free of the bottom but does not
strike the bottom of the rubber bulb. Remove the hydrometer from the cell and release the pressure from the bulb.
8.
Hold the hydrometer vertically, ensuring that the float is not contacting the sides of the glass tube. Hold the
hydrometer at eye level and read the scale at the level of electrolyte
.
9.
Record the reading.
10. Return the electrolyte to the cell from which it was taken. Replace vent cap.
11. Repeat steps 4 through 10 on all cells.
2009-2012 XRT 950 Maintenance and Service Manual
Page 11-13
