Battery Charging
Battery Charging
WARNING:
- Danger of explosion!
- Batteries produce explosive gasses while being charged.
- Keep open flames and sparks away and DO NOT smoke near batteries.
- The battery charger MUST be turned off when connecting or disconnecting the cables at the battery.
- Battery cell caps must NOT be removed while charging.
- "Boosting" a sulfated battery a high charging rate can cause an explosion.
- Ensure that battery is charged in a well ventilated area.
- Precision tools must not be kept in the same room where batteries are being charged. Tools may corrode due to chemical reaction.
CAUTION:
Before beginning repairs on the electrical system:
- Obtain the anti-theft radio security code.
- Switch the ignition off.
- Disconnect the battery Ground (GND) strap.
- After reconnecting battery, re-code and check operation of anti-theft radio. Also check operation of clock and power windows according to Owner's Manual.
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items needed
- Battery charger: Christie Automotive 400 QDD or equivalent.
Battery charger, connecting
NOTE:
- Before charging, battery must have a minimum temperature of 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
- Always follow the battery charger operating instructions
- Quick charging causes battery damage. Batteries should therefore only be quick charged in exceptional circumstances (e.g. for boost starting).
- If a totally discharged battery is quick charged, it may not accept the charge current, or may appear to be fully charged when it has in fact only taken a "surface charge." The battery may appear to be OK.
- After charging, confirm battery no load voltage and electrolyte specific gravity before reuse in vehicle.
Battery, charging
- Switch off battery charging unit.
- Switch off ignition.
- First disconnect battery Ground strap and then positive cable from the battery.
- Connect positive cable of battery charging unit to battery positive terminal.
- Connect battery charging unit negative cable to battery negative terminal.
- Set charge current of battery charging unit according to battery capacity. The current should be about 10 % of the battery capacity. For example, for a 60Ah battery, set the charge current to about 6A (Amperes).
- Switch on battery charging unit.
Notes on totally discharged batteries:
Batteries that have not been used for a long time (e.g. in vehicles that have been stored) will gradually become discharged.
A battery is totally discharged when the no-load voltage has dropped to below 11.6 V. Measuring no load voltage.
In a totally discharged battery the electrolyte (sulfuric acid/water mixture) is almost all water. The sulfuric acid content is heavily reduced. At temperatures below zero the battery may freeze and the casing could burst.
Totally discharged batteries will sulfate, i.e. the surfaces of the battery plates harden. The electrolyte becomes cloudy and slightly white in color.
If a totally discharged battery is charged again shortly after it has lost its charge, the sulfation will dissipate.
If these batteries are not recharged, the plates continue to harden and the battery will not accept a charge so readily. This results in reduced power output.
Procedure for charging totally discharged and sulfated batteries
Totally discharged batteries that have become sulfated must be charged with a low charge current as follows:
- Set charge current of battery charging unit to about 5 % of battery capacity. For example, for a 60Ah battery, set the charge current to about 3A (Amperes).
Charge the battery. The charge voltage (U max) must not be higher than 14.4 V (Volts).
Totally discharged batteries must not be given a quick charge.
NOTE: After reconnecting the battery, re-activate the vehicle's electrical equipment (radio, clock and convenience functions etc.) as explained in the Owner's Manual and check that it is working.