Ford Ranger 2020 Mounting Manual page 54

NOTE: Automatic battery chargers are also
protected against reverse polarity connection and
require no adjustment or monitoring.
NOTE: Slow-charging will readily restore a battery
to a full state of charge and, since the charging
current is relatively low, the possibility of
overcharging a battery are minimized. The charge
rate used should be approximately equal to 5%
of the reserve capacity of the battery being
charged (approximately three to 6A depending on
battery size). The charging current should be
adjusted 10 minutes after initial setting and again
after 1 hour before being left to charge the battery
for between 8 and 12 hours.
NOTE: A constant voltage battery charger will
charge a battery at a set maximum voltage. The
voltage used depends upon the design and
condition of the battery charger and the age and
temperature of the battery. This type of battery
charger initially charges at a high rate of current
that reduces as battery voltage is restored. When
using a constant voltage battery charger, the
charging current should be recorded after five
minutes and the battery charger switched off when
the charging current falls to one third of the
recorded value, or after eight hours whichever
occurs first.
NOTE: Multiple battery chargers are designed to
charge a number of batteries, simultaneously. Of
the two different types of multiple battery chargers
available, only those that charge batteries in series
should be used and it is important that batteries
are of the same or very similar ratings and voltages.
Multiple battery chargers that charge batteries in
parallel are not recommended.
NOTE: The use of a fast (boost) battery charger
is not recommended as it can cause damage to a
battery. Fast charging will only restore a battery
to a state of charge that will enable it to carry out
the critical function of cranking the engine. Fast
charging will not restore a battery to a full state of
charge and must therefore be followed by a period
of slow charging. Excessively fast charging can
cause damage to a battery. For this reason,
charging times must be carefully controlled. Fast
battery chargers vary widely in design so it is very
important to strictly adhere to the equipment
manufacturer's instructions. A charge of 30A for
up to 30 minutes is the most common fast
charging application. If the battery is very
discharged and requires additional restoration, an
additional charge of 20A for a period up to one
and a half hours should be applied. Fast charging
for a period in excess of two hours significantly
increases the risk of causing damage to the
battery.
54
Date of Publication: 09/2020
NOTE: When connecting and disconnecting the
battery from the vehicle, make sure that the
battery ground cable is disconnected first and
connected last and that all electrical items are
switched off. Record the audio unit keycode and
preset radio frequencies before disconnecting the
battery.
1. Remove the battery.
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable
DTZ9722102
NOTE: The maximum battery electrolyte level is
approximately 40 mm below the very top of the
battery casing. This corresponds to a point just
below the lower rim of the battery casing.
3. Check that the battery electrolyte reaches the
indicated maximum level. Top up with
distilled/de-ionized water, as necessary.
4. Connect the positive red clamp from the battery
charger to the positive battery terminal.
5. Connect the negative black clamp from the
battery charger to the negative battery terminal.
6. Follow the instructions supplied with the
battery charger to charge the battery.
7. To disconnect the battery charger, reverse the
connection procedure.
Battery Cable Fixing Torque
The battery cables should be fixed to the terminal
posts with a torque of 4.8 Nm ± 0.8Nm.
Battery Rules:
WARNINGS:
For vehicles fitted with non-sealed
batteries (non-maintenance free), it is
essential that regular checks are made to
determine that the electrolyte (acid)
levels are correctly maintained.
When charging, ensure the battery
charger is securely connected to the
vehicle ground and not to the battery
negative terminal. This is to ensure that
the BMS identifies the battery charge.
• For external charging of batteries ensure that
the maximum voltage of 14.6V is not exceeded.
40 mm
FORD RANGER 2020