GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1997 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Battery Charging

Before Charging

    Notice: Turn OFF the ignition when connecting or disconnecting the battery cables, the battery charger or the jumper cables. Failure to do so may damage the PCM or other electronic components.

    Important: Do not use the boost, the jump start or the crank setting for prolonged charging of batteries if the charger is equipped with these settings. Using any of these settings for a prolonged period may cause gassing or spewing of electrolyte through the vent hole.

  1. Ensure that the electrolyte and the plates are at room temperature before charging the battery. An extremely cold battery may not accept the current for several hours after the charger is started.
  2. Always stop charging, or reduce the charging rate, if either of the following conditions exists:
    3. • The battery temperature is 52°C (125°F) or higher.
    • Electrolyte spews or gasses violently through the vent holes.
  3. Replace the battery when either of the following conditions exist:
    4. • The hydrometer is clear or yellow.
    • The battery is frozen.

Charge Time Required

The time required to charge a battery will vary depending on the following factors:

    • The size of the battery-a higher capacity battery which is completely discharged requires more time to charge than a smaller capacity battery.
    • The battery temperature-the colder the battery, the more time it takes to charge.
    • The battery charger capacity (in Amperes)-the higher the charger amperage, the less time it will take to charge the battery.
    • The battery state-of-charge-a completely discharged battery requires more than twice as much charge as a half-charged battery.

While Charging

Tools Required

GM P/N 12303040

  1. Do not charge a battery with a green hydrometer dot unless it has just been discharged, such as in cranking.
  2. When charging, the adapter should be snug against the battery terminals to keep resistance to a minimum.
  3. Make sure all battery terminals are clean and tight.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the battery side terminal adapters to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Best results occur when charging a battery that is at room temperature. A battery that is extremely cold may not accept current for several hours.
  5. Charge the battery until the hydrometer has a green dot.
  6. Inspect the battery every half hour after starting the battery charger.
  7. Tap the hydrometer lightly to dislodge any air bubbles. The bubbles may cause a false indication.
  8. After charging, load test the battery.

Charging Procedure

Tools Required

GM P/N 12303040

Notice: Turn OFF the ignition when connecting or disconnecting the battery cables, the battery charger or the jumper cables. Failure to do so may damage the PCM or other electronic components.

Important: Do not charge a battery with a green hydrometer dot unless it has just been discharged, such as in cranking.

  1. When charging side-terminal batteries while on-vehicle, use the following procedure:
    2. 1.1. Turn OFF the charger.
    1.2. Connect the charger positive lead to the positive booster cable terminal located in the engine compartment on the right side.
    1.3. Connect the negative charger lead to a solid engine ground, such as the generator mounting bracket.

    Object Number: 42433 Size: SH
  2. When charging side-terminal batteries out of vehicle, install battery side terminal adapters.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the battery side-terminal adapters to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Make sure all battery terminals are clean and tight.
  4. Best results occur when a battery is charged at room temperature. An extremely cold battery may not accept current for several hours.
  5. Charge the battery until the hydrometer has a green dot.
  6. Inspect the battery every half hour after starting the battery charger.
  7. Tap the hydrometer lightly to dislodge any air bubbles. The bubbles may cause a false indication.
  8. After charging, load test the battery.