4.1 Battery and Cables
4.1.1 Battery Information
If a battery is disconnected, there is no
requirement to reprogram the vehicle; the vehicle
retains its ‘normal’ power management setting
and remembers exactly what its previous
configuration was (although the central locking
latches may cycle if a door or lock latch was
opened manually in the intervening period). All
radio settings will be retained, but the key code
needs to be entered to restore functionality. The
clock will need resetting. The window control
module will also need to be reset. Refer to the
vehicles owner manual for further information.
Battery Voltage Requirements and
Testing
All voltages are to be measured with an accuracy
of: + /– 5% of published values.
To maximize battery life, at the time of arrival at
the vehicle converter, all batteries must have a
minimum Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of not less
than 12.75 volts.
When the battery is installed and connected to
the vehicle's electrical system with no load, the
Closed Circuit Voltage (CCV) must not be less
than 12.65 volts. When the vehicle is released to
the customer, the CCV must not be less than
12.50 volts.
Surface Charge Dissipation
Prior to carrying out manual voltage checks, it is
necessary to establish that the battery voltage is
stable and free from surface charges that could
be present due to certain engine run conditions
making the voltage readings unreliable and
inaccurate.
To ensure surface charges are not present the
following actions are recommended:
1. Turn on the headlamps for 5 seconds, or the
parking lamps for 15 seconds.
2. Turn off all electrical loads (including lamps,
fan, heater etc).
3. Wait 10 minutes.
Delayed Vehicles
Vehicles held at the vehicle convertor premises
and not in use for longer than 4 days, should have
the battery's negative cable disconnected. Before
shipping to the customer, the battery negative
cable must be re-connected and the voltage
re-checked. The voltage should be not less than
12.5 volts.
Battery Charging Procedure
WARNINGS:
Always observe the battery charger
equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not jump/slave start using a battery
charging system from another vehicle.
Do not overfill a battery as this can cause
acid leakage that will result in damage
to the vehicle and possible personal
injury.
CAUTIONS:
Do not rely on the generator to recharge
a discharged battery. It would take in
excess of eight hours of continuous
driving with no additional loads placed
on the charging system.
Make sure that the battery electrolyte
reaches the indicated maximum mark.
Connect the battery charger cables to
the battery before switching the battery
charger on.
Switch the battery charger off before
disconnecting the battery charger cables
from the battery.
NOTE:
Ford batteries generally require no
maintenance however, in certain conditions, it is
possible for the electrolyte in a battery to fall
below the minimum level.
NOTE:
The use of the Midtronics GR-590 Battery
Management Center, which has been specifically
designed for use on silver calcium type batteries
is recommended. Once connected to the battery,
the battery charger detects the state of battery
charge and then applies the appropriate charge
rate and duration. When the battery is fully
charged, the battery charger switches to stand-by,
keeping the battery in a fully charged state
preventing excessive gassing and overcharging.
The Midtronics GR-590 Battery Management
Center also incorporates a software program that
has the capability to assist in the recovery of
deeply discharged (sulphated) batteries.
NOTE:
Charging methods and types of battery
chargers vary widely. Whichever method is utilized
it must be carried out carefully to avoid damage
to the battery and possible personal injury.
Specific instructions accompanying each battery
charger and must be followed exactly. Safeguards
provided by the equipment manufacturer should
not be disregarded by the operator.
Date of Publication: 02/2017
FORD
RANGER
2015
