Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 1297

CHASSIS ELECTRICAL 12-27
Before recharging an energizer by any method, the elec-
trolyte level must be checked and adjusted if necessary.
The slow charge method supplies the energizer with a
relatively low current flow for a relatively long period of
time. This is the only method that will bring the energizer
to a full state of charge.
The slow charge method consists of charging at approxi-
mately a 4-ampere rate for 24 hours or more if necessary
to bring the energizer to full charge. A fully charged con-
dition is reached when the cells are gassing freely and
three corrected specific gravity readings taken at hourly
intervals show no increase.
The fast charge method supplies current to the energizer
at a 40 to 50 ampere rate for a 1-1/2 hour period of time.
If the electrolyte temperature reaches 125°F. before the
1-1/2 hour period is completed, the energizer must be
taken off charge temporarily, or the charging rate reduced
to avoid damage to the energizer.
In cases where the energizer is not sufficiently charged to
crank the engine, an emergency boost charge may be ap-
plied as a temporary expedient in order to crank the en-
gine. The emergency boost. charge method consists of
charging at a 40 to 50-ampere rate for a period of one-half
hour.
It should be particularly noted that the emergency boost
charge will not necessarily restore the energizer to a useful
state of charge for continued service. After an emergency
boost charge, failure to charge the energizer further, either
by a long uninterrupted driving period or by the fast
charge or slow charge method, may result in failure to
crank the engine the next time cranking is attempted. An
energizer should never be condemned on the basis of fail-
ure to crank the engine after an emergency boost charge.
Although an emergency boost charge may put enough
energy into the energizer to crank the engine once, further
charging usually is necessary in order to create a sufficient
reserve to crank a second and third time.
SEALED BATTERY
This sealed, maintenance-free battery (Fig. 12-3 1) is avail-
able on some models (See Fig. 12- 1 13 at end of Section 12
for battery usage). Its new chemistry and construction
methods give it the following advantages:
1. No water addition for the life of the battery. This is
made possible by its new chemistry so that it never
uses water. This feature, combined with its corrosion-
proof side terminals, offer a battery that is completely
maintenance-free.
2. 35% more power
-
compared to a conventional bat-
tery of the same size.
3. Higher performance level throughout its normal life.
This means that, compared to an ordinary battery
Fig. 12-3 1 Sealed Battery
whose performance decreases steadily with age, the
sealed battery delivers more availzble power at any
time during its life.
4. Greatly reduced susceptibility to self-discharge as
compared to an ordinary battery
-
which has a tend-
ency to gradually discharge when left unused for long
periods of time. This is a great advantage, for exam-
ple, to people who go on winter vacations and leave
their car parked at the airport.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Check for obvious damage, such as a cracked or broken
case that could permit loss of electrolyte. If obvious physi-
cal damage is noted, replace energizer.
PREPARING ENERGIZER FOR SERVICE
1. If no physical damage is noted, charge energizer as
noted below.
2. After charging, connect a 300 ampere load across
terminals for 15 seconds to remove surface charge
from energizer.
LOAD TEST
1. Connect voltmeter and 230 ampere load across termi-
nals.
2. Read voltage after 15 seconds with load connected,
then disconnect load.