Testing The Battery - Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual

After checking the battery's electrolyte levels it is also a good idea to check
the battery connections for tightness and corrosion. If any corrosion is found
disconnect the cables (make sure to mark their locations) and carefully clean
them with a mild solution of baking soda and water. There are also aerosol
products available that will work. This will neutralize any acid that may be
present. Do not allow the solution to enter the battery as this will damage the
electrolyte balance. Use water to rinse the top of the battery and surrounding
area when done. Carefully hook the cables back to the battery. The battery
cable to battery terminal connections should be metal to metal. Coat the
terminals with petroleum jelly or an anticorrsion grease.
Periodically check the batteries for corrosion. Look for cracks and check
the vent plugs. Replace them if they are cracked or missing. Keep the top of
the batteries clean. The accumulation of electrolyte and dirt may permit small
amounts of current to flow between the terminals, which can drain the battery.
WARNING: Liquid lead acid batteries produce hydrogen gas
while being charged. This is highly explosive. Do not smoke
around batteries. Extinguish all flames in the area. The
hydrogen gas may explode resulting in fire, personal injury,
property damage or death.
There are several ways in that a battery can be tested and monitored. The
motorhome uses a monitor panel which shows the status of the house batteries
at a quick glance. Pressing and holding the test button, the power level will be
displayed on the battery scale.
The most efficient way of testing the batteries is to check the electrolyte
solution. The only way to test a battery's electrolyte solution is with a hydrometer.
Many styles are available, from types with cylinder graduation (shown here) to
types with floating balls. Hydrometers can be purchased from most auto parts
stores. The hydrometer tests the battery's electrolyte solution which is
measured in specific gravity. Distilled water has a specific assigned gravity of
1,000. The hydrometer is calibrated to this mark. Pure sulfuric acid has a
specific gravity reading of 1,840. The acid is 1.84 times heavier than water.
The electrolyte solution is about 64% water to 36% acid (fully charged battery).
Hydrometers with cylinder graduation are graphed and the exact state of
specific gravity can be determined.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N A V I G A T O R 2 0 0 3
Electrical Systems - House

Testing the Battery

hydrometer
Hydrometer (Cylinder Type).
8 • 3 2 1