USE HIGH CHARGER SETTING TO RECHARGE BATTERIES/PROCEDURE

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1985-89 ALL MODELS

CONDITION

Reviews of service practices show that some dealers are employing inadequate charging procedures for vehicle batteries, resulting in very slow charge rates that may cause service personnel to incorrectly assume that the battery "won't accept a charge".

CORRECTION

Today's technology allows Delco Freedom batteries to be charged at high rates without damage to the battery, as long as the battery temperature does not exceed 51 DEG Celcius (125 degrees F.), and there is no excessive gassing or spewing of electrolyte from the vents.

When diagnosis according to vehicle Service Manual Section 6D indicates that the battery must be charged, follow Service Manual charging procedures, includung any necessary safety or related precationary measures, using the charger setting for 12-volt batteries that gives the highest charge rate to the battery. (Do not use charger settings for jump-starting vehicles to charge the battery. Refer to charger manufacturer instructions.)

To find the highest charge setting, place the battery on charge according to the charger manufacturer's instructions and use the charger ammeter to check the various charging settings offered. Select the setting that provides the most current to the battery. If the current is too low to read on the charger ammeter, use a voltmeter to select the 12-volt battery setting that supplies the most voltage.

Use High Charger Settinq To Recharge Batteries

Applications: All Delco Freedom Batteries

Condition: Reviews of service practices show that inadequate charging procedures are often used for vehicle batteries, resulting in very slow charge rates that cause service personnel to incorrectly assume that the battery "won't accept a charge".

Correction: Today's technology allows Delco Freedom Batteries to be charged at high rates without damage to the battery, as long as the battery temperatures does not exceed 125 DEG F, and there is no excessive gassing or spewing of electrolyte from the vents.

Then diagnosis according to vehicle Service Manual section 6D indicates that the battery must be charged, follow Service Manual charging procedures using the charger setting for 12-volt batteries that gives the highest charge rate to the battery. (Do not use charger settings for jump-starting vehicles to charge the battery. Refer to charger manufacturer instructions.)

To find the highest charge setting, place the battery on charge according to the charger manufacturer's instructions and use the charger ammeter to check the various charging settings offered. Select the setting that provides the most current to the battery. If the current is too low to read on the charger ammeter, use a voltmeter to select the 12-volt battery setting that supplies the most voltage.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.