PREVOST X3-45 Multiplex, Maintenance Manual

Page: 156 / 1422

Section 06: ELECTRICAL
PA1562
20
Apply parking brake and place the transmission
shift lever or push-button pads in Neutral (N)
position in both vehicles. Turn off lights, heater
and other electrical loads. Observe the charge
indicator. If the indicator in the discharged
battery is illuminated, replace the battery. Do
not attempt jump starting when indicator is
illuminated. If the test indicator is dark and has a
green dot in the center, failure to start is not due
to a discharged battery and the cranking system
should be checked. If charge indicator is dark
but the green dot does not appear in center,
proceed as follows:
1. Connect one end of one red jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
power source and the other end to the
positive (+) post of the booster power block,
located on the R.H. side of the engine
compartment (refer to fig. 4).
2. Connect one end of the remaining negative
jumper cable (black) to the negative (-)
terminal of the booster power source, and
the other end of the black jumper cable to
the negative (-) post of the booster power
block.
3. Make sure the clips from one cable do not
inadvertently touch the clips on the other
cable. Do not lean over the battery when
making connections. The ground connection
must provide good electrical conductivity
and current carrying capacity.
4. Start the engine in the vehicle that is
providing the jump start. Let the engine run
for a few minutes, then start the engine in
the vehicle that has the discharged
batteries.
5. When removing the jumper cables, perform
the above procedure exactly in reverse
order, and replace protective caps on
booster block terminals.
DANGER
Any procedure other than the above could
result in personal injury, property damage due
to battery explosion, or damage to the
charging system of the booster vehicle or of
the boosted vehicle.
NOTE
Jumper cables must withstand 500 cranking
amperes. If cable length is 20 feet (6m) or
less, use 2/0 (AWG) gauge wires. If cable
length is between 20-30 feet (6-9m), use 3/0
(AWG) wires.
3.7 CLEANING AND INSPECTION
The external condition of the battery and the
battery cables should be checked periodically.
The top of the battery should be kept clean and
the battery hold-down clamp bolts should be
kept properly tightened. For best results when
cleaning the battery, wash first with a diluted
solution of ammonia or soda to neutralize any
acid present then wash out with clean water.
The battery hold-down bolts should be kept tight
enough to prevent the batteries from moving, but
they should not be tightened to the point that
excessive strain is placed on the battery
hold-down cover (proper tightening torque: 45-
55 lbf-in (5-6 Nm).
To insure good contact, the battery cable ring
terminals should be tight on the battery posts. If
the posts or cable ring terminals are corroded,
the cables should be disconnected and the
posts and clamps cleaned separately with a
soda solution and a wire brush. Install cable ring
terminals on battery posts and tighten to a
torque of 10-15 lbf-ft (13-20 Nm). Replace
protective caps to prevent corrosion and sparks.
3.8 COMMON CAUSES OF BATTERY
FAILURE
When a battery fails, the cause of failure may be
related to something other than the battery. For
this reason, when a battery failure occurs, do
not be satisfied with merely recharging or
replacing the battery. Locate and correct the
cause of the failure to prevent recurrence. Some
common external causes of battery failure are
as follows:
1. A defect in charging system such as high
resistance or a faulty alternator or regulator.
2. A malfunction within the 12 volts system
(equalizer).
3. Overloads caused by a defective starter or
excessive use of accessories.
4. Dirt and electrolyte on top of the batteries
causing a constant drain.
5. Hardened battery plates, due to battery
being in a low state of charge over a long
period of time.
6. Shorted cells, loss of active material from
plates.
7. Driving conditions or requirements under
which the vehicle is driven for short periods
of time.