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ENGINE ELECTRICAL
6D-7
BATTERY
General Description
......................................................
6D-7
Construction
..............................................................
6D-7
Operation
...................................................................
6D-7
General Information
.................................................
6D-8
Common Causes of Failure
...................................
6D-8
Electrolyte Freezing
..............................................
6D-8
Electrolyte Level
....................................................
6D-8
Carrier and Hold Down
........................................
6D-8
Cleaning
................................................................
6D-8
Ratings
...................................................................
6D-8
Sealed Battery
...........................................................
6D-8
Advantages
...........................................................
6D-8
Test Indicator
......................................................
6D-9
Diagnosis
.......................................................................
6D-9
On-Car Service
.............................................................
6D-10
Charging Procedure
..................................................
6D-10
Jump Starting
............................................................
6D-10
Remove and Replace
................................................
6D- 1 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Two types of batteries will be used for 1977 cars. The
conventional battery (see Fig. 6D-6) has top flame arrestor
filler caps, and must have water added at periodic intervals
(see Section 0 ) . The sealed battery (see Fig. 6D-7) is a sealed
unit, and cannot have water added. Both batteries share some
common operating and construction characteristics.
Fig. 6D-6 Conventional Battery
CONSTRUCTION
A battery is made up of a number of separate elements,
each located in an individual cell in a hard plastic case. Each
element consists of an assembly of positive plates and negative
plates containing dissimilar active materials and kept apart
by separators. The elements are immersed in an electrolyte
composed of dilute sulfuric acid. Plate straps located on the
top of each element connect all the positive plates and all the
negative plates into groups. The elements are connected in
series electrically by connectors that pass directly through the
-
TEST
INDICATOR
Fig. 6D-7 Sealed Battery
case partitions between cells. The battery top is a one-piece
cover. The cell connectors, passing through the cell
partitions, connect the elements along the shortest practical
path.
The terminals of this type battery, passing through the
side of the case, are positioned out of the "wet" area
surrounding the vent wells. Normal spillage, spewing,
condensation, and road splash are not as likely to reach or
remain on the vertical sides where the terminals are located.
This greatly decreases the cause of terminal corrosion. Also,
construction of the terminals is such that the mating cable
connector seals the junction and provides a permanently tight
and clean connection. Power robbing resistance in the form
of corrosion is thereby eliminated at these connections. The
connections require no maintenance except an occasional
check for secure attachment.
The hard, smooth, one-piece cover greatly reduces the
tendency for corrosion to form on the top of the battery. The
cover is bonded to the case forming an air-tight seal between
the cover and case.
OPERATION
Electrical energy is released by chemical reactions
between the active materials in the two dissimilar plates and
the electrolyte whenever the battery is being "discharged".
As the cells discharge, chemical changes in the active
materials in the plates gradually reduce the potential
electrical energy available. "Recharging" the battery with a
flow of direct current opposite to that during discharge
reverses the chemical changes within the cells and restores
them to their active condition and a state of full charge.
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