freightliner Custom Classic MT45 2022, Maintenance Manual

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54–00 Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions in this section apply to all
procedures within this group.
DANGER
When working on the vehicle, shut down the en-
gine or motor, set the parking brake, and chock
the tires. Before working under the vehicle, always
place jack stands under the frame rails to ensure
the vehicle cannot drop. Failure to follow these
steps could result in serious personal injury or
death.
54–01 Lighting System
Checking
Check all lighting units and wiring for loose connec-
tions, corrosion, poor grounds, loose mountings, and
pinched or damaged wires; repair or replace as
needed.
54–02 Battery, Battery Box,
and Cable Checking and
Cleaning
WARNING
Batteries generate explosive gas as a by-product
of their chemical process. Do not smoke when
working around batteries. Put out all flames and
remove any source of sparks or intense heat in
the vicinity of the battery compartment. Make sure
the battery compartment has been completely
vented before disconnecting or connecting the
battery cables.
Battery acid is extremely harmful if splashed in
the eyes or on the skin. Always wear a face shield
and protective clothing when working around
batteries.
1. Remove any corrosion from the battery box and
the top of the battery. See
Fig. 1 .
Use distilled ammonia or a soda solution to neu-
tralize any acid present. Flush off the ammonia
or soda solution with clear water.
2. Check the battery cases for cracks. Replace a
battery if its case is cracked.
3. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery
posts, and check for corrosion.
If corrosion is found, clean the terminals and
posts, using a wire brush and a solution of bak-
ing soda and water. Use the solution sparingly.
4. Connect the cables to the batteries, and tighten
them 10 to 15 lbf·ft (14 to 20 N·m). Spray each
connection terminal with dielectric red enamel.
5. Check the battery-to-starter cables. Look for
kinking, corrosion, breaks in the insulation, and
heat damage. Check that the cable clamps are
not bent, damaged, or stripped of insulation.
IMPORTANT: If a battery cable is damaged, re-
place the entire cable. Never splice a battery
cable.
6. Check the mounting fasteners for tightness, and
tighten them 60 lbf·ft (81 N·m) if necessary. The
battery box must be kept in good condition to
support the batteries securely and to keep them
level.
f545165
1
2
3
11/02/2007
1. Negative Terminal
2. Positive Terminal
3. Clamp Assembly
Fig. 1, Battery Box
Electrical, Instruments, and Controls
54
Walk-In Van Chassis Maintenance Manual, January 2022
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