Battery Charging

A battery is considered fully charged when it will meet all the following requirements.
- It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least 12.4 Volts.
Open Circuit Volts = Percent Charge
11.7 Volts or less = 0%
12.0 Volts = 25%
12.2 Volts = 50%
12.4 Volts = 75%
12.6 Volts or more = 100%

- It passes the 15 Second load test.

Built-In Test Indicator Sight Glass:

- The built in test indicator dot is GREEN.

NOTE: The battery cannot be refilled with water, it must be replaced.

WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL. BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BATTERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable first, before charging battery to avoid damage to electrical systems. Lift the red battery boot cover from the positive cable clamp. Do not exceed 16.0 Volts while charging battery. Refer to the instructions supplied with charging equipment

Battery electrolyte may bubble inside of battery case while being charged properly If the electrolyte boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery damage may occur if charging is excessive.

Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from being damaged if improperly connected. If the battery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to operate. Refer to operating instructions provided with battery charger being used.

CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator appears green. Do not overcharge.

It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle to bring the green dot in the test indicator into view.

After the battery has been charged to 12.4 Volts or greater, perform a load test to determine cranking capacity. If the battery passes the load test, the battery is OK to use. If battery will not pass the load test, it must be replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery hold downs, tray, terminals, cables, posts, and top before completing service.

Charging Completely Discharged Battery
The following procedure should be used to recharge a completely discharged battery Unless procedure is properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly replaced.
Voltage = Hours
16.0 Volts maximum = up to 4 Hours
14.0 to 15.9 Volts = up to 8 Hours
13.9 Volts or less = up to 16 Hours

Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt Connected - Typical:

1. Measure the voltage at battery posts with a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 Volt. If below 10 Volts, charge current will be low, and it could take some time before it accepts a current in excess of a few milliamperes. Such low current may not be detectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
2. Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature polarity protection circuitry that prevents operation unless charger is connected to battery posts correctly A completely discharged battery may not have enough voltage to activate this circuitry This may happen even though the leads are connected properly.
3. Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage and current they provide. For the time required for the battery to accept measurable charger current at various voltages. If charge current is still not measurable after charging times, the battery should be replaced. If charge current is measurable during charging time, the battery may be good, and charging should be completed in the normal manner.

Visual Inspection

CAUTION: Do not allow baking soda solution to enter vent holes, as damage to battery can result.

1. Clean top of battery with a solution of warm water and baking soda.

Cleaning Battery:

2. Apply soda solution with a bristle brush and allow to soak until acid deposits loosen.
3. Rinse soda solution from battery with clear water and blot battery dry with paper toweling. Dispose of toweling in a safe manner. Refer to the WARNINGS on top of battery.
4. Inspect battery case and cover for cracks, leakage or damaged hold down ledge. If battery is damaged replace it.
5. Inspect battery tray for damage caused by acid from battery. If acid is present, clean area with baking soda solution.

Cleaning Battery Post:

6. Clean battery posts with a battery post cleaning tool.

Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal:

7. Clean battery cable clamps with a battery terminal cleaning tool. Replace cables that are frayed or have broken clamps.