Charging Completely Discharged Battery; Visual Inspection - Chrysler 1998 Voyager Service Manual

NS
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. Refer to Battery Load Test in this Group. If
the battery passes the load test, return the battery to
use. If battery will not endure a load test, it must be
replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery hold
downs, tray, terminals, cables, posts, and top before
completing service.

CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY

The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced. Refer to Battery Charging Rate table.
BATTERY CHARGING RATE
Voltage
16.0 volts maximum
14.0 to 15.9 volts
13.9 volts or less
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 10). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be
detectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
Fig. 10 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry that prevents operation
unless charger is connected to battery posts correctly.
A completely discharged battery may not have
enough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even though the leads are connected properly.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to Battery Charging Rate
table. If charge current is still not measurable after
charging times, the battery should be replaced. If
charge current is measurable during charging time,
the battery may be good, and charging should be
completed in the normal manner.

VISUAL INSPECTION

CAUTION:
enter vent holes, as damage to battery can result.
(1) Clean top of battery with a solution of warm
water and baking soda.
(2) Apply soda solution with a bristle brush and
allow to soak until acid deposits loosen (Fig. 11).
Hours
up to 4 hours
up to 8 hours
up to 16 hours
(3) Rinse soda solution from battery with clear
water and blot battery dry with paper toweling. Dis-
pose of toweling in a safe manner. Refer to the
WARNINGS on top of battery.
(4) Inspect battery case and cover for cracks, leak-
age or damaged hold down ledge. If battery is dam-
aged replace it.
(5) Inspect battery tray for damage caused by acid
from battery. If acid is present, clean area with bak-
ing soda solution.
(6) Clean battery posts with a battery post clean-
ing tool (Fig. 12).
(7) Clean battery cable clamps with a battery ter-
minal cleaning tool (Fig. 13). Replace cables that are
frayed or have broken clamps.
BATTERY
Do not allow baking soda solution to
Fig. 11 Cleaning Battery
8A - 7