Connections, Testing, Inspection, Carrier, Hydrometer
FIGURE 3 - BATTERY:
BATTERY CONNECTIONS
Load testing requires the use of battery side terminal adapters the same as with charging to ensure good connections (refer to Figure 3).
BATTERY TESTING
Before testing a battery, it is important that the battery has a proper charge.
1. Connect a digital voltmeter and a battery load tester across battery terminals.
2. Apply 300 ampere load for 15 seconds to remove surface charge from battery. Remove load.
3. Wait 15 seconds to let battery recover and apply specified load as indicated on battery label. Read voltage after 15 seconds with specified load applied, then remove load.
4. Temperature of the battery will change the minimum voltage to pass the load test. To properly determine minimum voltage, estimate temperature battery has been exposed to for the last several hours, i.e., room temperature or outside ambient to within 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If voltage is equal to or above minimum voltage listed in the appropriate Service Manual, Section 6D, the battery is good and should be returned to service. If voltage is less than minimum requirement, replace battery.
CAUTION: All batteries generate hydrogen gas which is highly flammable. If ignited by a spark or flame, the gas may explode violently, causing spraying of acid, fragmentation of the battery, and possible severe personal injuries. Wear approved eye protection. Battery fluid is a corrosive acid. Flush any contacted area with water immediately and thoroughly.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Check for obvious damage, such as cracked or broken case or cover, that is permitting loss of electrolyte. If obvious damage is noted, replace the battery. Determine the cause of damage and correct as needed. If battery terminals are severely damaged, such as loose, burned, or broken, replacement of the battery is recommended. Evidence of small amounts of electrolyte leakage, especially around the vent holes, does not necessarily indicate the battery is bad - the leakage could have been caused by overcharging or by excessive tipping of the battery.
CARRIER AND HOLD-DOWN
The battery carrier and hold-down clamp should be clean and free from corrosion before installing battery.
The carrier should be in a sound condition so that it will hold the battery securely and keep it level. Make certain there are no parts in the carrier before installing battery.
To prevent the battery from shaking in its carrier, the hold-down bolts should be tight, but not overtightened.
FIGURE 4 - Test Procedure:
READING BUILT-IN HYDROMETER
Look down into the built-in hydrometer (clean and use a flashlight if necessary) to observe its reading (refer to Figure 4).
^ Green Dot Visible - Any green appearance is interpreted as a "green dot" and indicates that the battery is 65% or above in state of charge and is ready for use or testing. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 or more volts.
^ Dark, Green Dot Not Visible - Indicates the battery is below 65% state of charge and needs charging prior to testing.
^ Clear or Light Yellow - This means the fluid level is below the bottom of the hydrometer. This may have been caused by excessive or prolonged charging, a cracked or broken case, excessive tipping, or normal battery wearout. Replace battery. Do not charge, test or jump-start. A dark reading may be misinterpreted as a clear or light yellow when inspecting a Freedom II battery. This is caused by light filtering through the new translucent case. Shake the battery to determine the fluid level and shield the battery sides from light to determine the true reading before replacing the battery.