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Battery Common Causes of Malfunction Common Causes

With the proper care, the battery will provide many years of service.

The following factors may reduce the battery performance level:

    • Vehicle accessories remain ON overnight.
    • Insufficient driving time in order to recharge the battery.
        Short trips may cause insufficient charging time.
    • Insufficient driving speed.
        Slow average driving speeds for long periods of time may cause insufficient charging.
    • The vehicle's electrical load is greater than generator output.
        The addition of aftermarket equipment often causes the above condition.
    • The following charging system conditions:
      • Poor ground circuits
      • Electrical shorts
      • A slipping drive belt
      • A faulty generator
    • The following methods of improper installation of aftermarket equipment affect the generator:
      • Structural failure of aftermarket mounting brackets.
      • Misaligned pulleys.
      • Loose belts.
    • Failure to keep the battery cable terminals clean and tight.
    • Operating the battery with a loose battery hold-down.
    • Pinched wires or a cracked battery case resulting from a collision may cause improper mechanical conditions in the electrical system.
        Inspect the outside of the battery periodically for damage, such as a cracked cover or case.

Battery Common Causes of Malfunction Electrolyte Freezing

The freezing point of electrolyte depends on the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Maintaining the battery in a fully charged condition can protect the electrolyte against freezing. If the green dot appears 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).

Battery Common Causes of Malfunction Carrier and Hold-Down

Ensure that the battery carrier and the battery hold-down(s) are in the following condition before installing the battery:

    • Clean
    • Free from corrosion

Ensure that the carrier is in proper condition because the carrier will hold the battery securely and keep the battery level. Ensure that no loose items are in the carrier before installing the battery.

Tighten the hold-down bolts to the specified values in order to prevent the battery from shaking in its carrier. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Battery Common Causes of Malfunction Battery Protect During Storage

Caution: Follow all safety precautions on the battery. Failure to do so may result in personal injury.

Some electronic devices on the vehicle impose small continuous current drains on the battery. This condition is commonly called parasitic current drain. 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 Battery Common Causes of Malfunction .

Notice: Always turn off the engine control switch when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failure to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

Perform the following actions if the vehicle is likely to be stored for over 30 days:

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    • Verify that the built-in hydrometer's green dot is visible, then disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. This action will protect the battery from being discharged by parasitic current drain from the vehicle's electrical system.
    • If the battery cable cannot be disconnected, establish a regular schedule of recharging the battery every 20-45 days in order to maintain a high state of charge. Any time a battery is found with the green dot not visible in the hydrometer, promptly recharge the battery.
    • Use a battery charger that is capable of providing a charging voltage of at least 16 volts in order to maintain a low charge time. Charge rates of 50 amps or more will not damage original equipment maintenance free batteries if the battery does not exhibit the following conditions:
       - Excessive gassing of electrolyte from the vents
       - Excessive battery temperature
       - Any temperature over 52°C (125°F) is excessive.
    • Inspect the battery being charged every 45-60 minutes. Stop or reduce the charge rate as necessary. Stop charging within one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer in order to avoid overcharging the battery.
    • Allow ample charging time. Refer to Battery Charging .
        A battery that remains in a discharged state for a long period of time will be difficult to recharge. The battery may even be permanently damaged if the battery remains discharged.

Use the following procedure when reconnecting the battery:

  1. Use a wire brush in order to lightly clean any oxidation from the contact face of the battery terminal before reattaching the cable.

    2. 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.

  2. Tighten the battery cable.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the top post terminal nut to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  3. Reset the clock, push-button radio tuning, etc., before the vehicle returns to service.

Battery Common Causes of Malfunction Built-In Hydrometer


Object Number: 181056 Size: SH

A built-in temperature compensated hydrometer is molded into the top of the maintenance-free battery. The hydrometer is an indicator of the battery's state of charge. Use this hydrometer with the following diagnostic procedure.

When observing the hydrometer, ensure that the battery has a clean top. A light may be required in some poorly-lit areas.

Under normal operation one of the following three indications can be observed:

Green Dot Visibility

Any green appearance in the hydrometer is interpreted as a green dot (1). The presence of a green dot indicates that the battery's state of charge is 65 percent or more. The battery is ready for testing.

Dark Dot or Lack of Green Dot Visibility

Lack of green dot visibility (dark dot) (2) indicates that the battery's state of charge is below 65 percent. Test the charging system output and the electrical system for excessive draws.

Yellow Dot or Clear Dot Visibility

A yellow or clear dot (3) indicates that the electrolyte level is low. This electrolyte level is also too low for diagnosis. The following conditions may have caused the reduced electrolyte levels:

    • Excessive or prolonged charging
    • A broken case
    • Excessive tipping of the battery
        Batteries having the above conditions may indicate excessive charging voltages, caused by a faulty charging system. Inspect the charging and the electrical systems. Replace the battery.