A. Check Battery Condition

i) Visual Inspection:








1. If the battery has vent caps, check the electrolyte level. It should be above the top of the plates or at the indicated level within the cells. Add distilled or mineral free drinking water to raise the electrolyte level. Do not overfill.





2. Check for loose or corroded terminals and connectors. A solution of baking soda and water will clean most corrosion from the battery.





3. Inspect the battery case and cover for cracks and other physical damage.

4. Inspect the battery for electrolyte leakage.

5. Inspect for a loose or damaged hold-down.

NOTE:
If the battery shows any type of damage that cannot be cleaned or repaired, replace it.

ii) Load Test Procedure:

The following procedure utilizes a Volt Ampere Tester, (VAT-4O or equivalent) to perform the Load Test Procedure.





1. Connect the test leads as show in the figure.

NOTE:
Insure the battery is fully charged prior to conducting a load test.

2. Apply a 15O-170 amp load to the battery.

3. Maintain this load for 15 seconds while watching the voltmeter Turn off the control knob immediately after 15 seconds.

4. The voltage should not fall below 9.6 volts while the load is applied.

5. After the load is removed, recovery voltage should be a minimum of 11.2V.

NOTE:
If the voltage falls below 9.6 volts while the load is applied, conduct the Three Minute Charge Test.

iv) Three Minute Charge Test:

A three-minute charge test will determine if the discharged battery can be recharged or should be replaced. If the battery is to be tested in the vehicle, disconnect both battery cables to avoid damaging the generator and electrical system. If high voltage is recorded early in the test, stop the test and replace the battery. High internal resistance due to sulfation on poor internal connections will develop heat that can boil the electrolyte.





1. Connect the charger leads to the battery terminals, observing correct polarity (+) lead to (+) terminal and (-) lead to (-) terminal.

2. Connect a voltmeter across the battery, (+) lead to (+) terminal and (-) lead to (-) terminal.





3. Turn the charger on and adjust it for the highest charging rate but not exceeding 40 amps for a 12 volt battery. If the charger has a timer, set it for 3 minutes.

4. After 3 minutes, read the voltmeter with the charger charging. If it is 15.5 volts or less, the battery can be safely recharged. If it exceeds 5.5 volts, the battery should be replaced.