Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 361

B R • _ _ — _ — —
R E M O V A L AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
Fig. 13 Right Battery Holddown - Diesel Engine
Fig. 14 Left Battery Tray - w/o Speed Control
(6) Inspect the battery case for cracks or other
damage that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also,
check the battery terminal posts for looseness. Bat­
teries with damaged cases or loose posts must be
replaced.
(7) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass for an indication of the battery condition. I f the
electrolyte level is low, the battery must be replaced.
I f the battery is discharged, charge as required. See
Built-in Test Indicator and Battery Charging in this
group for more information.
(8) If the battery is to be reinstalled, clean the out­
side of the battery case and the top cover with a
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water
cleaning solution to remove any acid film (Fig. 17).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
BATTElf 8A - 1 3
Fig. 16 Right Battery Tray - Diesel Engine
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. I f the battery is being
replaced, see the Battery Ratings and Classifications
chart in Specifications at the back of this group. Con­
firm that the replacement battery is the correct size
and has the correct ratings for the vehicle.
(9) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 18).
(10) Position the battery in the tray. Ensure that
the positive and negative terminal posts are correctly
positioned. The cable terminal clamps must reach the
correct battery post without stretching the cables
(Fig. 19).
(11) Loosely install the battery holddown hard­
ware. Ensure that the battery base is correctly posi­
tioned in the tray, then tighten the holddowns to 12
N-m (100 in. lbs.).