Checking Battery Condition - Toyota 2003 Camry Manual

Checking battery condition—

—Precautions
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and
explosive hydrogen gas.
D
Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
D
Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
D
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
D
Never ingest electrolyte.
D
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
D
Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
D
If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, con-
tinue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while en route to the medi-
cal office.
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'03Camry_U (L/O 0301)
D
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
D
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
D
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
D
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
—Checking battery exterior
Terminals
Hold−down clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
hold−down clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off
with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose,
tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
c. Tighten the hold−down clamp
enough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
2003 CAMRY from Jan. '03 Prod. (OM33593U)
Ground
cable
only