Suzuki XL7 2007 Service Manual page 926

1J-33 Charging System:
the charging current will increase. Extremely
discharged batteries may not activate the reversed
voltage protection in some chargers. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions for operating this circuitry.
• The temperature of the battery—The colder the
battery is, the more time it takes to recharge the
battery. The charging current accepted by a cold
battery is very low at first. As the battery warms, the
charging current will increase.
Charging Procedure
CAUTION
!
Turn OFF the ignition when connecting or
disconnecting the battery cables, the battery
charger or the jumper cables. Failure to do so
may damage the ECM/PCM or other
electronic components.
CAUTION
!
Refer to "Fastener Notice: ".
When charging side-terminal batteries with the battery
cables connected, connect the charger to the positive
cable bolt and to a ground located away from the battery.
When charging side-terminal batteries with the battery
cables disconnected, install the battery side terminal
adapters and connect the charger to the adapters.
Tightening torque
Tighten the battery side terminal adapters to 15 N⋅m
(11 lb ft).
Use the following procedure to charge the battery:
1. Turn OFF the charger.
2. Ensure that all of the battery terminal connections
are clean and tight.
3. Connect the charger positive lead to the battery
positive terminal on the battery or the remote jumper
stud underhood.
CAUTION
!
Do not connect the negative charger lead to
the housings of other vehicle electrical
accessories or equipment. The action of the
battery charger may damage such
equipment.
4. Connect the negative charger lead to a solid engine
ground or to a ground stud in the engine
compartment that is connected directly to the battery
negative terminal, but away from the battery. If the
negative battery cable is disconnected and a
terminal adapter is being used, connect directly to
the adapter.
5. Turn ON the charger and set to the highest setting
for normal charging.
6. Inspect the battery every half hour after starting the
battery charger.
– Charge the battery until the taper-rate charger
indicates that the battery is fully charged.
– Estimate the battery temperature by feeling the
side of the battery. If it feels hot to the touch or its
temperature is over 45°C (125°F), discontinue
charging and allow the battery to cool before
resuming charging.
7. After charging, test the battery. Refer to "Battery
Inspection/Test".
Battery Common Causes of Failure
A battery is not designed to last forever. With proper
care, however, the battery will provide years of good
service. If the battery tests good but still fails to perform
well, the following are some of the more common
causes:
• A vehicle accessory was left on overnight.
• The driving speeds have been slow with frequent
stops, stop-and-go driving, with many electrical
accessories in use, particularly air conditioning,
headlights, wipers, heated rear window, cellular
telephone, etc.
• The electrical load has exceeded the generator
output, particularly with the addition of aftermarket
equipment.
• Existing conditions in the charging system, including
the following possibilities:
– A slipping belt
– A bad generator
• The battery has not been properly maintained,
including a loose battery hold down or missing battery
insulator if used.
• There are mechanical conditions in the electrical
system, such as a short or a pinched wire, attributing
to power failure. Refer to "General Electrical
Diagnosis: ".
Electrolyte Freezing
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific
gravity. A fully charged battery will not freeze until the
ambient temperature gets below −54°C (−65°F).
However, a battery with a low state of charge may freeze
at temperatures as high as −7°C (+20°F). Since freezing
may ruin a battery, the battery should be protected
against freezing by keeping it properly charged. As long
as the green eye is visible in the hydrometer, the
freezing point of the battery will be somewhere below −
32°C (−25°F).