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8A - 6
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
•
(4) A l l o w t h e battery t o stabilize for 15 seconds,
verify open circuit voltage.
(5) Rotate the load control knob t o m a i n t a i n a load
(50% o f cold crank rating—see specifications) for a
m i n i m u m 15 seconds (Fig. 12). A f t e r 15 seconds,
record t h e (loaded) voltage reading a n d r e t u r n t h e
load control t o off.
898A-11
Fig. 12 Load 50% Cold Crank Rating Note Voltage
(6) Voltage drop w i l l vary according to b a t t e r y tem-
perature a t the time o f the load test. B a t t e r y temper-
ature
can be estimated
by t h e temperature of
exposure over the preceding several hours. I f t h e bat-
tery has been charged, boosted, or loaded a few m i n -
utes p r i o r t o test, t h e battery w o u l d be somewhat
warmer. Refer to Load Test Temperature c h a r t for
proper loaded voltage reading.
(7) I f battery passes load test, i t is i n good condi-
tion. No further tests are necessary. I f i t fails load
test, i t should be replaced.
LOAD TEST TEMPERATURE
Minimum Voltage
Temperature
Minimum Voltage
P
C°
9.6
70 and above
21 and above
9.5
60
16
9.4
50
10
9.3
40
4
9.1
30
-1
8.9
20
-7
8.7
10
-12
8.5
0
-18
J908A4
CHARGING BATTERY
A battery charged t o 12.4 volts or greater,
w i t h
sufficient
c r a n k i n g capacity
( m i n i m u m 9.6 volts
when loaded for 15 seconds t o 50% o f cold c r a n k i n g
amperage
r a t i n g
a t
21°C/70°F),
is
completely
charged. A green dot, visible i n t h e test indicator
b u i l t - i n t o t h e top o f t h e b a t t e r y , indicates i t is
charged enough for f u r t h e r t e s t i n g a n d possibly re-
t u r n e d to use. A black dot indicates the battery volt-
age is below 12.4 volts a n d probably w i l l accept a
charge. A yellow or b r i g h t color dot indicates the bat-
t e r y has excessively low electrolyte level. The battery
cannot be refilled or charged, i t m u s t be replaced.
WARNING; DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER BAT-
TERY, DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE
SPARKS NEAR BATTERY.
WARNING: DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A
FROZEN BATTERY, CASING MAY FRACTURE.
WARNING: POISON, CAUSES SEVERE BURNS.
BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID, AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN EVENT
OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL
PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH
OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Disconnect the vehicle's battery negative
cable before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 volts while
charging battery.
B a t t e r y electrolyte w i l l bubble inside o f case w h i l e
being charged properly. I f the electrolyte boils vio-
l e n t l y or i s discharged f r o m t h e vent holes w h i l e
charging, i m m e d i a t e l y reduce charging rate or t u r n
off charger and evaluate b a t t e r y condition.
Some b a t t e r y chargers are equipped w i t h p o l a r i t y
( + to +/- t o -) sensing devices to protect the charger
or b a t t e r y from being damaged i f improperly con-
nected. I f the battery state o f charge is too l o w for
the p o l a r i t y sensor t o detect, t h e sensor m u s t be by-
passed for charger t o operate. Refer to operating i n -
structions provided w i t h b a t t e r y charger being used.
CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator ap-
pears green. Do not overcharge.
I t may be necessary to jostle the battery or vehicle
to b r i n g the green dot i n t o view i n the test indicator
w h e n the state-of-charge has reached 12.4 volts.
A f t e r t h e battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test t o determine c r a n k i n g
capacity. I f the battery w i l l endure a load test, re-
t u r n the battery to use. I f b a t t e r y w i l l not endure a
load test, i t must be replaced. Properly clean and i n -
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