Introduction; Overview - Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual

BR BATTERY 8A - 1
BATTERY
C O N T E N T S
page page
HYDROMETER TEST 5
.. 1 IGNITION^OFF DRAW TEST 9
.. 1 LOAD TEST . . . 7
OPEM-CiRCUiT VOLTAGE TEST 7
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BATTERY MOUNTING 2
BATTERY SIZE AND RATINGS 2
BATTERY 2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BATTERY 3
BUILT-IN TEST INDICATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper­
ate with one another, and must be tested as a com­
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers the battery, Group 8B covers the
starting system, and Group 8C covers the charging
system. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for
complete circuit descriptions and diagrams. We have
separated these systems to make i t easier to locate
the information you are seeking within this Service
Manual. However, when attempting to diagnose any
of these systems, i t is important that you keep their
inter dependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in these groups
include the most basic conventional diagnostic meth­
ods to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of a induction milliampere ammeter, volt/
ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load
tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos­
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure i t detects. See the
On-Board Diagnostics Test i n Group 80 - Charging
System for more information.
INTRODUCTION
This section covers battery diagnostic and service pro­
cedures only. For battery maintenance procedures, refer
to Group 0 - Lubrication and Maintenance. While bat­
tery charging can be considered a maintenance proce­
dure, battery charging information is located in this
SERVICE PROCEDURES
BATTERY CHARGING 10
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY 12
SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY 14
group. This was done because the battery must be fully-
charged before any diagnosis can be performed.
The factory-installed maintenance-free battery has
non-removable battery vent caps (Fig. 1). Water can­
not be added to this battery. The chemical composi­
tion within the maintenance-free battery reduces
battery gassing and water loss at normal charge and
discharge rates. Therefore, the battery should not
require additional water in normal service.
Fig. 1 Maintenance-Free Battery
If the battery electrolyte level becomes low, the
battery must be replaced. However, rapid loss of elec­
trolyte can be caused by an over-charging condition.
Be certain to diagnose the charging system before
returning the vehicle to service. Refer to Group 80 -
Charging System for more information.
The factory-installed battery also has a built-in
test indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the
sight glass of the indicator will reveal the battery
condition. See Built-in Test Indicator in this group
for more information.