Use the following procedure to charge a completely discharged
battery. If this procedure is not followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced.
Notice: Do not use boost, jump start, crank, or equivalent setting for prolonged
charging of batteries. Undesirable and potentially dangerous spewing of gases
or electrolyte through the vent holes may occur.
- Measure the battery voltage at the battery terminals using a digital
multimeter:
• | A reading of less than 11 V indicates that the initial
charging will be very low. |
• | It will take some time before the battery accepts current in excess
of a few milliamperes. |
- Set the battery charger on the highest setting.
- If necessary, disable the polarity protection circuitry:
• | This circuitry, available on most chargers, prevents charging
unless the charger leads are properly connected to the battery terminals. |
• | A completely discharged battery may not have enough voltage to
activate this circuitry, even though the leads are properly connected, implying
that the battery will not accept a charge. |
• | Most chargers have an override or a bypass function so that the
charger will turn ON and charge a low voltage battery. Follow the charger
manufacturer's instructions for the override or bypass function. |
- The required battery charge time varies according to the voltage
capabilities of the battery charger. A charger of less than 14 V could
take up to 16 hours before it appears to be accepting current, followed by
several hours of the actual charging time.
- To determine the amount of hours the battery may need to be charged,
perform the following calculation:
• | The reserve capacity rating on the battery label is the number
of ampere-hours of charge required in order to produce the green hydrometer
dot. |
• | After the meter on the charger starts to show current flow, note
the number of amperes being accepted. |
• | Determine the reserve capacity of the battery. Refer to
Battery Usage
. |
• | Divide the reserve capacity by the number of amperes shown on
the meter to determine how many hours of charging is needed. |
- When the green dot appears in the hydrometer, discontinue charging.
- If the green hydrometer dot is not visible after twice the charging
time calculated previously, replace the battery. Refer to
Battery Replacement
.
- Monitor the battery hourly. If the battery temperature exceeds
52°C (125°F), as judged by feel, or the electrolyte is spewing from
the vents, discontinue charging or reduce the charging rate.
- Test the battery after charging. Refer to
Battery Check
.