General Description
The maintenance-free battery
is standard equipment in all vehicles. Batteries with side or top terminals
are available.
These vehicles may be equipped with more than one battery, depending
on the powertrain used and optional equipment. The battery is completely sealed
except for two small vent holes in the sides. These vent holes
allow a small amount of gas produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has three functions in the electrical system:
| • | The battery provides a source of energy for cranking the engine. |
| • | The battery acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system. |
| • | The battery can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical
load used exceeds the output of the generator. |
The battery specification label contains information pertinent to servicing
the battery. This information includes test ratings and original equipment.
The label also includes numbers for recommended replacement parts.
Battery Ratings
A battery has two ratings:
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity is an estimate of how long the vehicle can be driven
with no generator output, the headlamps turned on, and a minimum electrical
load (most of the accessories turned off). It is the maximum amount
of time (in minutes) it will take for a fully charged battery,
being 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 volts. Other temperature or current draws,
the state of charge, or the condition of the battery will affect
how long the battery will actually last when the vehicle is being
driven without generator output.
Cold Cranking Amperage
Cold cranking amperage is an indication of the ability of the battery
to crank the engine at cold temperatures. This rating is the minimum amperage
that the battery must maintain for 30 seconds at -18°C
(0°F), while maintaining at least 7.2 volts. The actual
performance of a battery will vary with actual temperature.
Electrolyte Freezing
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on the specific gravity of
the electrolyte, or state of charge. Since freezing may ruin a battery, protect
the battery against freezing by keeping the battery charged. As
long as the green dot shows in the built-in hydrometer, the battery
will not freeze unless the temperature drops below -32°C
(-25°F). A fully charged battery will not freeze unless
the temperature drops below -54°C (-65°F).
Protection During Vehicle Storage
Some electronic devices
on the vehicle impose small continuous current drains on the battery. This
is commonly called parasitic load. If the vehicle is not used for
an extended time, these parasitic loads can discharge and eventually
cause permanent damage to the battery. Discharged batteries can also
freeze in cold weather. Refer to Electrolyte Freezing.
Do the following steps in order to help keep the battery in a charged
state while storing the vehicle:
| • | If the vehicle is likely to be stored over 30 days, check the
built-in hydrometer and make sure the green dot is visible. |
| | Notice: Always turn the ignition OFF when connecting or disconnecting
battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.
|
| • | Disconnect the negative battery cable. This protects the battery from
being discharged by parasitic current drains from the electrical system of
the vehicle. |
| | Important: Any time the green dot in the built-in hydrometer of the battery is
not visible, promptly recharge the battery.
|
| • | If the battery cannot be disconnected, establish a regular schedule
of recharging the battery every 20-45 days in order to maintain
a high state of charge. |
| | Important: Original equipment maintenance-free batteries will not be damaged by
charge rates of 50 amps or more, as long as the battery does not spew
electrolyte from the vents or heat to over 52°C (125°F).
|
| • | In order to keep the charging time low, use a battery charger that is
capable of providing a charging voltage of at least 16 volts. |
| 1. | Inspect the battery being charged every 45-60 minutes.
Stop charging or reduce the charging rate as necessary. |
| 2. | Stop charging within one hour after the green dot appears in the
hydrometer in order to avoid overcharging. |
| | Important: A battery that remains in a discharged state for a long time may be
difficult to recharge. The battery may also be permanently damaged.
|
When it is time to reconnect the battery, do the following steps:
- Using a wire brush, lightly clean any oxidation from the contact
face of the battery terminal before reconnecting the cable.
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.
- Tighten the cable
bolt.
Tighten
| • | Tighten the cable bolt on a side terminal battery to 12 N·m
(106 lb ft). |
| • | Tighten the cable bolt on top terminal battery to 18 N·m
(13 lb ft). |
- Reset the clock, the push-button radio tuning, and other accessories
before the vehicle is put back in service.
Built-in Hydrometer
A built-in temperature compensation hydrometer is molded into the top
of the maintenance free battery. When observing the hydrometer, make sure
the battery top is clean. Use a light in poorly-lit areas.
Under normal operating conditions, one of three indications can be observed:
| • | Any green appearance
in the hydrometer is interpreted as a green dot (1). This means the battery
is ready for testing. |
| • | A dark dot is visible (2). The green dot is not visible. |
| 2. | Check the output of the charging system. |
| 3. | Check the electrical system for excessive draws. |
| • | A clear or light yellow dot (1) means the electrolyte level is
below the bottom of the hydrometer and is too low for diagnosis. The yellow
dot may have been caused by the following conditions: |
| • | Excessive or prolonged charging |
| • | When you find a battery in this condition, this may indicate high
charging voltages caused by a faulty charging system. Because of this, the
charging and electrical systems must be checked. |
| • | Replace the battery if a cranking complaint exists, and the battery
has a yellow or clear hydrometer. |
