Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels
of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of
personal injury when working near a battery:
| • | Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible. |
| • | Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks. |
| • | Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin.
Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help. |
| • | Follow each step of the jump starting procedure in order. |
| • | Treat both the booster and the discharged batteries carefully when using
the jumper cables. |
The maintenance free battery is the standard original equipment
battery. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed
except for two small vent holes in the side. These vent holes allow the small
amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has three functions as a major source of energy:
| • | An alternate source of energy with generator overload. |
The battery specification label (example below) contains
information about the following:
| • | The original equipment catalog number |
| • | The recommended replacement model number |
Battery Ratings
A battery has two ratings:
| • | Cold cranking amperage |
When a battery is replaced, a battery with similar ratings should be
use. Refer to the battery specification label on the original battery or refer
to
Battery Usage
.
Reserve Capacity
Reserve capacity is the amount of time in minutes it takes a fully charged
battery, being discharged at a constant rate of 25 amperes at a constant temperature
of 27°C (80°F) to reach a terminal voltage of 10.5 V. Refer
to
Battery Usage
for the reserve capacity rating
of the original equipment battery.
Cold Cranking Amperage
The cold cranking amperage is an indication of the ability of the battery
to crank the engine at cold temperatures. The cold cranking amperage rating
is the minimum amperage the battery must maintain for 30 seconds at -18°C
(0°F) while maintaining at least 7.2 volts. Refer to
Battery Usage
for the cold cranking amperage rating for
this vehicle.
