BATTERY CHARGING
Batteries discharge while the vehicle is on the dealer lot or parked by the customer for an extended period of time due to normal parasitic key-off loads. Also, vehicles still in dealer inventory or in long-term storage may be driven short distances with heavy electrical loads. Over a period of time (30 days or more), this could result in vehicles having shallow or deeply discharged batteries.
- Deeply discharged - A battery that is drained over a prolonged period of time, such as an unsold vehicle or a vehicle in storage, to the point the battery is dead.
- Shallow discharge - A battery that is drained by leaving an accessory on for several hours or a few days and has a very low charge.
The vehicle's charging system is designed to supply the electrical power needed to maintain the battery near full charge during normal vehicle use. The charging system is not capable of bringing a deeply discharged battery back near full charge in a short amount of time such as allowing the vehicle to idle for 15 minutes to "recharge the battery." Discharged batteries should be charged using an external charger.
Note. Battery chargers have improved greatly with the addition of the new generation pulse chargers. These chargers pulse current into the battery, breaking down the sulfation layer on the battery plates and generally reduce charging times to less than an hour.
Note. Cold batteries will not readily accept a charge. Therefore, batteries should be allowed to warm to approximately 5°C (41°F) before charging. This may require 4 to 8 hours at room temperature.
The following chart summarizes 2 recommended methods of charging.
| Type of Battery Discharge | Pulse Charger | Standard Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Deeply discharged | Follow directions supplied with the pulse charger | 2 to 8 hours and may take up to an hour to accept initial charge |
| Shallow discharge | 45 minutes to an hour charge | 2 hours below (40A) on manual setting or medium automatic setting |
BATTERY CHARGING RECOMMENDED METHODS CHART
BATTERY AND CABLES
Vehicles are equipped with a 12-volt maintenance-free battery.
The battery and cable system consists of the following components
- Battery
- Battery cable assembly
- Battery tray
The battery is a 12V DC source connected in a negative ground system. The battery case is sealed with 2 vent holes to release gases. The battery has 3 major functions
- Engine cranking power source
- Voltage stabilizer for the electrical system
- Temporary power source when electrical loads exceed the generator output current
Mazda Motor Corporation strongly recommends that lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal.
BATTERY DISCONNECT
| WARNING | Always deplete the backup power supply before repairing or installing any new front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) component and before servicing, removing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side impact sensors or the restraints control module (RCM). Nearby components include doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches. See AIR BAG AND SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) for location of the RCM and impact sensors. To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped). Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment. |
Scheme 6
| WARNING | Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not allow the battery to come in contact with flames, sparks or burning substances. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield eyes when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes, then get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury. |
| WARNING | Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead components. Wash hands after handling. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury. |
| CAUTION | If equipped with the CD6 audio control module (ACM), precautions must be taken when the battery has been disconnected. When reconnecting the battery, make sure no interruption of power occurs for 30 seconds. If power is interrupted during the first 30 seconds, permanent damage to the CD6 ACM will result. |
Note. When the battery is disconnected and connected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven to allow the PCM to relearn the adaptive strategy values.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Tighten to 5 N.m {0.5 kgf.m, 44 in.lbf}. NOTE: When the battery is disconnected and connected, the illumination display needs to be calibrated. After the battery is connected, rotate the dimmer switch from the lowest to the full bright, dome ON position. NOTE: When disconnecting the battery ground cable to interrupt power to the vehicle electrical system, disconnect the battery ground cable only. It is not necessary to disconnect the positive battery cable.
- Disconnect the positive battery cable. Tighten to 5 N.m {0.5 kgf.m, 44 in.lbf}.
- To connect, reverse the disconnect procedure.
BATTERY AND BATTERY TRAY - EXPLODED VIEW
For additional information, see the procedures in this service information.
