Caution: Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable and may
explode violently if ignited by a spark or a flame. Battery acid is extremely
corrosive and causes severe personal injury if the acid comes into contact
with the skin, and blindness if the acid comes into contact with the eyes.
In order to avoid severe personal injury, use extreme caution
when servicing the battery or battery-related components.
Maintenance Free Battery
The original equipment
battery is a maintenance free type battery. The original equipment maintenance
free type battery has the following components:
• | A hydrometer (1) which is an indicator of the battery state of
charge |
• | A negative terminal (2) |
• | A positive terminal (4) |
• | A battery core (5) which contains lead plates and sulfuric acid. |
There are no vent plugs in the battery. The battery is completely sealed
except for two small vent holes. These vent holes allow the small amount of
hydrogen gas that is produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has three main functions as a source of energy:
• | Alternate source of energy with generator overload. |
Specification Label
The battery specification label is located on the battery and contains
information about:
• | The battery load test rating |
• | The original equipment catalog number |
• | The recommended replacement model number |
Battery Ratings
A battery has two ratings:
Important: When the battery must be replaced, install a new battery that meets
or exceeds the original equipment battery cold cranking amperage and reserve
capacity ratings (recommended replacement model number). Refer to the battery
specification label on the original battery or
Battery Usage
.
Reserve Capacity
Reserve capacity is the amount of time (in minutes) it takes for a fully
charged battery, discharged at a constant rate of 25 amperes and 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
of the original equipment battery for this vehicle.