PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
Verify customer complaint by operating system. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage. Check generator belt tension and condition. Ensure that battery voltage is within specifications. Following manufacturers instructions for load tester, load test battery. Inspect for blown fuses and damaged relays. For fuse and/or relay identification, see WIRING DIAGRAMS .
Verify ground connection integrity between engine, body, battery and generator. Check for damaged wiring harnesses and/or switches. Check for a broken or partially broken wire inside insulation, which could cause system malfunction but prove good in a continuity/voltage check with system disconnected. Ensure any aftermarket electronic equipment is properly installed. If fault is found, repair as necessary. If no fault is found, check for conditions that might cause an intermittent situation.
LOAD TEST
| WARNING | Observe accident prevention procedures. Wear protective clothing, such as goggles and leather gloves. |
Note. Manufacturer recommends performing electrolyte specific gravity test, in order to determine battery overall condition. For specific gravity values, see SPECIFIC GRAVITY SPECIFICATIONS table.
Note. It is not necessary to remove battery from vehicle, or disconnect battery terminals.
Connect tester cable clamps to battery terminal. Ensure clamps have a good contact with battery terminals. Connect battery tester according to tool manufacturer's instructions. Load test battery at approximately one-half cold-cranking amperage rating for 15 seconds while observing battery voltage. If voltage reading is 9.0 volts or more, battery is okay. If voltage reading is less than 9.0 volts, charge battery and retest. If loaded battery voltage is still less than 9.0 volts after charging battery, replace battery.
| Application | Specific Gravity (Kg/Dm 3 ) |
|---|---|
| Discharge | 1.12 |
| Half-Charge | 1.20 |
| Good Charge | 1.28 |
SPECIFIC GRAVITY SPECIFICATIONS
NO LOAD TEST
| CAUTION | Battery cell caps must be screwed in tightly when charging, measuring voltage or performing load tests. |
Note. If no load voltage is to be measured with battery installed in vehicle, first disconnect ground strap.
Note. Vehicle must not be started or driven with tested battery for at least 2 hours before taking measurements. During this time, DO NOT allow load or additional charge to be applied to battery.
With battery installed and ignition switched off, check voltage between battery terminals with voltmeter. If no load voltage is 12.5 volts, or higher, battery is okay. If no load voltage is lower than 12.5, recharge battery, and repeat procedure. If battery voltage is still less than 12.5 after charging battery, replace battery.