Standard Procedure - Built-In Indicator Test; Standard Procedure - Open-Circuit Voltage Test - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEM
BATTERY (Continued)
BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage
Open Circuit
Voltage
12.25 to 12.49
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours
Below 10.00 18 hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST
If equipped, an indicator (hydrometer) built into
the top of the battery case provides visual informa-
tion for battery testing (Fig. 6). Like a hydrometer,
the built-in indicator measures the specific gravity of
the battery electrolyte. The specific gravity of the
electrolyte reveals the battery state-of-charge; how-
ever, it will not reveal the cranking capacity of the
battery. A load test must be performed to determine
the battery cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Pro-
cedures for the proper battery load test procedures.
Fig. 6 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC ROD
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to
obtain correct indications from the built-in indicator,
it is important that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to
view the indicator. Do not use open flame as a
source of additional light.
To read the built-in indicator, look into the sight
glass and note the color of the indication (Fig. 7). The
10
5 Amps 20 Amps
Amps
Hours Charging @ 21° C
(70° F)
6 hours 3 hours
5 hours
7 hours
9 hours
battery condition
described in the following list:
• Green - Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-
charge. The battery is adequately charged for further
testing or return to service. If the starter will not
crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-
charged battery, the battery must be load tested.
1.5
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
hours
load test procedures.
2.5
• Black or Dark - Indicates 0% to 75% battery
hours
state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged
3.5
and must be charged until a green indication is visi-
hours
ble in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the
battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer
4.5
to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charg-
hours
ing procedures. Also refer to Diagnosis and Testing
for more information on the possible causes of the
discharged battery condition.
• Clear or Bright - Indicates a low battery elec-
trolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is
below the built-in indicator. A maintenance-free bat-
tery with non-removable cell caps must be replaced if
the electrolyte level is low. Water must be added to a
low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps
before it is charged. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery filling procedures. A low electro-
lyte level may be caused by an overcharging condi-
tion. Refer to Charging System for the proper
charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
Fig. 7 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
that each color indicates
DR
is