Battery - Maintenance For Vehicles In Dealer Inventory

REF: ELECTRICAL

No.: EL91-008

DATE: OCTOBER 18, 1991

MODEL: ALL MODELS

BATTERY MAINTENANCE FOR VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY

BACKGROUND

A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions which reduce its' performance and life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, E.C.U. parasitic drain, and battery load. Because of these factors, battery maintenance is recommended for proper operation and optimal battery life.

Under Toyota's current battery warranty, there is no coverage for discharged batteries due to lack of maintenance. It is considered the dealers responsibility to prevent a discharge by keeping the battery fully charged while in stock.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. A monthly battery inspection is recommended under normal conditions. If your dealership is located in an area subject to extreme temperatures (hot or cold), periodic maintenance may need to be performed on a more frequent basis.

2. To reduce battery drain during long storage of in-stock vehicles, the dome light fuse of each vehicle should be removed. It is recommended that the fuse remain disconnected until time of delivery. This procedure can reduce battery drain 60 - 80 percent.

Note 1:
For your reference, the electrical systems made inoperative by removing the dome light fuse are indicated in the electrical wiring diagram and current pre-delivery technical service bulletins for each vehicle model.

Note 2:
Additional battery maintenance information is available in the warranty policies and procedures manual.

TEST PROCEDURES

Two test procedures are available for evaluating battery performance. These include:

Open-circuit voltage test procedure Specific gravity test procedure

OPEN-CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST PROCEDURE

1. Wait at least 20 minutes after charging or discharging of the battery to allow it to stabilize.

2. With the key out of the ignition, connect the voltmeter across the battery terminals.

3. Read the voltmeter.

TEST RESULTS

1. A fully charged battery will have an open-circuit voltage of at least 12.6 volts.

2. The minimum acceptable voltage is 12.2 volts. If the reading is less than 12.2 volts, a charge is needed.

CHARGING PROCEDURES

1. If test results indicate a charge is necessary, a slow-constant 5 amp charge rate is recommended until the battery reaches a full state of charge. Be sure to maintain proper electrolyte level.

2. Insure that the charger is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the leads.
Always connect the negative lead last and disconnect it first.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST PROCEDURE

1. Remove vent caps or covers from the battery cells. NOTE: Do not attempt to remove covers from maintenance-free batteries if so equipped. Instead, utilize the open-circuit voltage test procedure described in this TSB.

2. Take the specific gravity readings with a temperature corrected hydrometer. Follow the procedure described by the manufacturer of your hydrometer.

3. Record the specific gravity of each cell.

Note:
If a non-temperature corrected hydrometer is being used, the readings need to be adjusted to compensate for electrolyte temperature. For each 10~ F (5.5~ C) above 80~ (26.7~ C), add 0.004 to your readings. For each 10~ F below 80~ F (26.7~ C), subtract 0.0004 from your readings.

TEST RESULTS

1. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity reading of approximately 1.265.

2. The minimum standard for this test is a reading of 1.200. If the reading is less than 1.200, a charge is needed. Follow the previously noted procedures.

3. A difference of 30 points (0.030) or more between highest and lowest cell readings indicates a problem battery. Should you encounter this situation, attempt one recharge using the slow charge method described in this TSB. Allow the battery to stabilize at least 20 minutes after the charge cycle is complete. Recheck the specific gravity of each cell. If the deviation in cell readings still exceeds 0.030, the battery must be replaced.