Visual Inspection
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. |
Check for
obvious damage, such as a cracked or broken case or cover or overcharging
of the electrical system that could permit loss of electrolyte.
If obvious damage is noted, replace the battery. Refer to
Battery Replacement
in Engine Electrical. If
overcharging of the system is detected, refer to
Battery Is Undercharged or Overcharged
. If visual inspection
passes refer to the following checks:
- Any green appearance in
the hydrometer is interpreted as a green dot. The green dot means the battery
is at least 65 percent charged and is ready for testing. Refer to
Battery Load Test
.
- When the green dot can
not be seen (Dark Dot), the charge is below 65 percent. Charge the battery
and test. Refer to
Battery Charging
.
| • | If there is a cranking complaint, ensure that the battery is in
a full state of charge and proceed to diagnose the starter motor. Refer to
Starting System Check
. |
| • | To check the charging system for insufficient voltage, ensure
that the battery is in a full state of charge and proceed to diagnose the
charging system. Refer to
Charging System Check
. |
- The dot appears clear
or light yellow.
| • | A clear or light yellow dot means that the fluid level is below
the bottom of the hydrometer. |
| • | A diagnosis can not be made at this fluid level. Replace the battery.
Refer to
Battery Replacement
. |
The following can cause a low fluid condition:
Visually check the battery for damage. If damage is present, replace
the battery. Refer to
Battery Replacement
.
If overcharging of the battery is the cause of low fluid condition,
the charging system must be checked for specified output. Refer to
Charging System Check
.
