Battery System - Description

A single 12-volt battery is standard factory-installed equipment on this model. All of the components of the battery system are located in the front of the vehicle, just ahead of the left front wheel and tire assembly. The battery system for this vehicle covers the following related components:
- Battery - The storage battery provides a reliable means of storing a renewable source of electrical energy within the vehicle.
- Battery Cables - The battery cables connect the batteries positive and negative terminals to the vehicle electrical system.
- Battery Hold-down - The battery hold-down hardware secures the battery in the battery tray.
- Battery Heater Blanket - The battery heater blanket is used to improve battery cold start ability.
- Battery Tray - The battery tray provides a secure mounting location in the vehicle for the battery and in some applications, an anchor point for the battery hold-down hardware.

For battery system maintenance schedules and jump starting procedure, see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box. Optionally, refer to the Lubrication and Maintenance section for the recommended battery maintenance schedules and for the proper battery jump starting procedure. While battery charging can be considered a maintenance procedure.

The battery system is designed to provide a safe, efficient, reliable and mobile means of delivering and storing electrical energy. This electrical energy is required to operate the engine starting system, as well as to operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems for limited durations while the engine and/or the charging system are not operating. The battery system is also designed to provide a reserve of electrical energy to supplement the charging system for short durations while the engine is running and the electrical current demands of the vehicle exceed the output of the charging system. In addition to delivering, and storing electrical energy for the vehicle, the battery system serves as a capacitor and voltage stabilizer for the vehicle electrical system. It absorbs most abnormal or transient voltages caused by the switching of any of the electrical components or circuits in the vehicle.

INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended inspection procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules found the owner's manual, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.
1. Inspect the battery cable terminals for damage. Replace any battery cable that has a damaged or deformed terminal.
2. Inspect the battery tray and battery hold down hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
3. If equipped, slide the battery heater blanket off of the battery case. Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check the battery terminals for looseness. Batteries with damaged cases or loose terminals must be replaced.
4. If equipped, inspect the battery heater blanket for tears, cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any battery heater blanket that has been damaged.
5. If equipped, inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight glass for an indication of the battery condition. If the battery is discharged, charge as required. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery built-in indicator test procedures. Also refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charging procedures.