The maintenance-free battery is standard in all vehicles. The battery
is completely sealed except for two small vent holes in the sides. These vent
holes allow the small amount of gas produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has the three following functions in the electrical system:
| • | Provides a source of energy for cranking the engine |
| • | Acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system |
| • | Provides, for a limited time, the energy when the electrical load
used exceeds the output of the generator. |
The battery specification label contains information pertinent to the
servicing of the battery. This information includes test ratings and both
of the original equipment and the recommended replacement part numbers. Refer
to
Battery Usage
.
Battery Rundown Protection Feature
A battery rundown protection feature has been added to this vehicle
to extend the battery life. This means that all parasitic and inadvertence
loads are automatically turned off after a predetermined time interval. Inadvertent
and parasitic loads are any modules or functions that drain current from the
battery.
| • | Parasitic loads draw small amounts of current when the ignition
is OFF. The radio and the remote keyless entry are two examples of systems
that cause parasitic loads on the battery. |
| • | Inadvertent loads are higher current loads that may be left on
accidentally. The courtesy lights, the glove compartment light, and the luggage
compartment light are some examples of systems that can cause an inadvertent
load on the battery. |
Battery rundown protection operates in two different modes:
| • | Dealer/Plant Mode: Battery rundown protection operates in the
dealer/plant mode until the vehicle has logged 15 miles. While in the dealer/plant
mode, battery rundown protection will operate in the following ways: |
| • | If an inadvertent load is placed on the battery (door left ajar,
light left on, etc.), the battery power will turn off after three minutes.
When this occurs, inadvertent power function can be restored in the following
ways: |
| • | Opening and closing a door |
| • | Cycling the ignition switch |
| • | Parasitic load drains on the battery will be disabled by the battery
protection feature if the vehicle is left untouched for three days. The battery
power will then shut off completely, and all radio presets will be erased.
The remote keyless entry function will not operate. When this occurs, parasitic
power functions can be reset by cycling the ignition |
| • | Customer Mode: After the vehicle has logged 15 miles, battery
rundown protection will operate in the customer mode . Battery rundown protection
operates the same way in customer mode as it does in dealer/plant mode with
the following exceptions: |
| • | The inadvertent power shuts off after 20 minutes. |
| • | The parasitic power shuts off after 24 days. |
