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D CHARGING WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION.
TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:
Position the AC and DC cables to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door and
hot or moving engine parts.
NOTE: If it is necessary to close the hood during the charging process, ensure that the
hood does not touch the metal part of the battery clips or cut the cables’ insulation.
1. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other parts that can cause injury.
2. Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis.
If the negative post is grounded to the frame (as in most vehicles), see step to
negative-grounded vehicle. If the positive post is grounded to the chassis, see
step to positive-grounded vehicle.
3. Check the polarity of battery posts. A POSITIVE (POS, P+) battery post usually
has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N–) post.
4. When disconnecting the charger, disconnect the AC cord, remove the clip from
the vehicle chassis and then remove it from the battery terminal.
FOR A NEGATIVE-GROUNDED VEHICLE
Connect the POSITIVE (red) clip from the battery charger to the POSITIVE (POS, P+)
ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the NEGATIVE (black) clip to the vehicle
chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clip to the vehicle
chassis or engine block sheet metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal
part of the frame or engine block.
FOR A POSITIVE-GROUNDED VEHICLE
Connect the NEGATIVE (black) clip from the battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N–)
ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the POSITIVE (red) clip to the vehicle chassis
or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel
lines or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or
engine block. Connect the AC supply cord to the electrical outlet for processing the
charging.
C PREPARATION FOR CHARGING
RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.
BATTERY ACID IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.
1. Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being
charged.
2. Clean battery terminals with a wire brush or terminal cleaner. Be careful to keep
corrosion from coming in contact with the eyes.
3. Inspect the battery for a cracked or broken case or cover. If the battery is
damaged, do not use the charger.
4. If the battery is not sealed and maintenance-free, add distilled water in each
cell until the manufacturer’s battery acid reaches the level specified. This helps
purge excessive gas from the cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell
caps, carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
5. If it is necessary to remove the battery from a vehicle to charge, always remove
the ground terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the car
are off to ensure you do not cause any arcing.
6. Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions such as removing or not
removing cell caps while charging and recommended rates of charge.
7. Determine the battery’s voltage by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual and
matching the battery charger’s output rating.
8. If the battery and terminals have a white or bluish crust on them, the charging
system may have problems. These problems should be corrected before the
battery is replaced after charging.
