Description; Operation - Chrysler 2005 Crossfire SRT6 Service Manual

8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEM ZH
BATTERY

DESCRIPTION

A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery (3)
is standard factory-installed equipment on this model.
Male post type terminals made of a soft lead material
protrude from the top of the molded plastic battery
case to provide the means for connecting the battery
to the vehicle electrical system. The battery positive
terminal post (2) is visibly larger in diameter than the
negative terminal post (4), for easy identification. The
symbols + and – are also molded into the top of the
battery case adjacent to their respective positive and
negative terminal posts for additional identification
confirmation. Refer to Battery Cables in the index of
this service manual for the location of more informa-
tion on the battery cables that connect the battery to
the vehicle electrical system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/CABLES - DESCRIPTION).
This battery is designed to provide a safe, efficient
and reliable means of storing electrical energy in a
chemical form. This means of energy storage allows
the battery to produce the electrical energy required to
operate the engine starting system, as well as to operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems for limited
durations while the engine and/or the charging system are not operating. The battery is made up of six individual
cells that are connected in series. Each cell contains positively charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively charged plate groups that are connected with lead straps to the
negative terminal post. Each plate consists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with lead dioxide (positive plate)
or sponge lead (negative plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-conductive material are inserted
between the positive and negative plates to prevent them from contacting or shorting against one another. These
dissimilar metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed low-maintenance battery has removable battery cell caps (1). Distilled water can be added to
this battery. The battery is not sealed and has a vent (5). The chemical composition of the metal coated plates
within the low-maintenance battery reduces battery gassing and water loss, at normal charge and discharge rates.
Therefore, the battery should not require additional water in normal service. If the electrolyte level in this battery
does become low, distilled water must be added. However, rapid loss of electrolyte can be caused by an overcharg-
ing condition. Be certain to diagnose the charging system after replenishing the water in the battery for a low elec-
trolyte condition and before returning the vehicle to service. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING -
DESCRIPTION).
For battery maintenance schedules and jump starting procedures, see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
Optionally, refer to Maintenance Schedules and Jump Starting, Towing and Hoisting in the index of this service man-
ual for the location of the recommended battery maintenance schedules and the proper battery jump starting pro-
cedures. While battery charging can be considered a maintenance procedure, the battery charging procedures and
information are located in the service procedures section of this service manual. This was done because the battery
must be fully-charged before any battery diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

OPERATION

The battery is designed to store electrical energy in a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to the
terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reaction occurs. This reaction causes the battery to discharge electrical
current from its terminals. As the battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes place within each cell. The
sulfuric acid in the electrolyte combines with the plate materials, causing both plates to slowly change to lead sul-
fate. At the same time, oxygen from the positive plate material combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The chemical changes within the battery are caused by the movement
of excess or free electrons between the positive and negative plate groups. This movement of electrons produces
a flow of electrical current through the load device attached to the battery terminals.