Owner’s Guide
112
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
MAINTENANCE
Do not perform a hydrometer test on a battery that has just been watered. The battery must go through at
least one charge and discharge cycle in order to permit the water to adequately mix with the electrolyte.
The temperature of the electrolyte is important since the hydrometer reading must be corrected to 80° F (27°
C). High quality hydrometers are equipped with an internal thermometer that will measure the temperature of
the electrolyte and will include a conversion scale to correct the float reading. It is important to recognize that
the electrolyte temperature is significantly different from the ambient temperature if the vehicle has been
operated.
Using A Hydrometer
1.
Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer and release it several times to permit the thermometer to adjust to
the electrolyte temperature and note the reading. Examine the color of the electrolyte. A brown or gray
coloration indicates a problem with the battery and is a sign that the battery is nearing the end of its life.
2.
Draw the minimum quantity of electrolyte into the hydrometer to permit the float to float freely without
contacting the top or bottom of the cylinder.
3.
Hold the hydrometer in a vertical position at eye level and note the reading where the electrolyte meets
the scale on the float.
4.
Add or subtract four points (.004) to the reading for every 10° F (6° C) the electrolyte temperature is
above or below 80° F (27° C). Adjust the reading to conform with the electrolyte temperature, e.g., if the
