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SECTION 7
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Figure 7-1. Battery fluid level
In-Vehicle Service and Testing
Follow safety precautions:
WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
Prior to any testing, visually inspect the battery. Look for:
• Cracked or broken case or cover
• Loose cable connections
• Leaking case-to-cover seal
• Corrosion
• Damaged or leaking terminals
Neutralize any corrosion with a baking soda/water paste or
battery cleaner spray. Scrape or brush off the residue and wash
the area with clean water. Following your visual inspection,
check the battery’s state of charge with a voltmeter.
You must boost charge a weak battery before load testing.
(See charging chart under “Charging Tips” section.) If fully
charged, perform a load test.
PROTECT YOUR EYES!
Safe Installation
Follow safety precautions:
WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
1. Before removing old battery, mark the positive (+) and
negative (–) cables for proper connection to the new bat-
tery.
2. Always disconnect the ground cable first [usually negative
(–)] to avoid any sparking around battery. Then disconnect
the positive (+) cable and carefully remove the old battery.
3. Clean and inspect. Cable ends must be clean and corrosion
free. Cable must not be frayed or bare.
4. Install new battery in same position as old one and tighten
hold-down.
5. Connect positive (+) cable first. Connect ground cable last.
If side terminal connection, use a special side terminal
torque tool to tighten side terminal cables to avoid damage.
Never overtighten or hammer cables onto terminals.
Check the Charging System
The voltage regulator should be checked every time you
change oil. It should be checked immediately if the battery
is hot to the touch, if electrolyte is bubbling or spewing from
the vents, or if the open circuit voltage is below 12.4 volts or
above 12.9 volts.
Charging Tips
Follow safety precautions:
WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION!
• To avoid a battery explosion, never attempt to charge a
frozen battery. Allow it to warm up to room temperature
before placing on charge.
•
Warning:
Gel and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries
require a voltage-limited charger. Charging a Gel or AGM
battery on a typical shop charger – even one time – may
greatly shorten its life.
•
Important:
Never overcharge batteries. Excessive charg
-
ing will shorten battery life.
•
Prior to charging, read the manufacturer’s instructions
for proper charger hook-up and use.
•
Turn charger off prior to hook-up to avoid dangerous
sparks.
PROTECT YOUR EYES!
• The maximum charge rate in amperes should be no more
than 1/3 of the battery’s reserve capacity minute rating. If
the terminal voltage exceeds 16.0 volts while charging,
reduce the charge rate.
•
Continue charging and reduce the rate as needed until
a two-hour period results in no increase in voltage or
decrease in current.
•
If violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs, or the
battery case feels hot to the touch, temporarily reduce or
halt charging.
Battery
Bolts
Bolt
Extenders
Figure 7-1a. Battery Bolts.
