4. & 5. Storage and Maintenance of Batteries

4. MAINTENANCE OF BATTERIES IN DEALER LOT VEHICLES

The battery in every vehicle leaves the VPC fully charged. However, on vehicles without the battery master disconnect switch, it can be expected that due to small amounts of rest current draw and normal "self discharging", periodic recharging, approximately every four (4) weeks, is mandatory if the vehicle is not driven on a regular basis. A 75% charged battery requires recharging.

See also S.I. MBNA 54/32 (March 1990) and the attached Battery Service Record form (order no. S-2407-000) for additional information.

4.1. It is recommended that the battery be recharged when the vehicle is first received from the VPC, every four weeks thereafter and just prior to retail delivery (item 6.1 on Mechanical PDI and 3.21 on Sales PDI form). Vehicles equipped with a battery master disconnect switch should be handled in accordance with S.I. MBNA 54/41b.

4.2. Also, the battery electrolyte level should be checked (when required) as outlined in the Maintenance Manual (job no. 5410). On standard batteries, the battery is filled when the water stops draining through the overfill protection diaphragm. On low-maintenance batteries, the battery is filled when the electrolyte level reaches the bottom of the filler hole tube (low-maintenance batteries do not have overfill protection). Do not overfill a low-maintenance battery, this will degrade battery performance and may damage the surrounding area.

4.3. Coat battery positive + terminal and connector with a thin coat of MB Anti-Corrosion Wax. Excessive amounts will reduce the quality of the electrical connection.

5. STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF BATTERIES IN SPARE PARTS INVENTORY
With the introduction of wet" replacement batteries, it is no longer necessary to activate new batteries prior to use. However, "wet" replacement batteries require periodic maintenance. For instructions on properly activating "dry" batteries see section 5.4.

5.1. All wet" replacement batteries are shipped from the POC with a full charge. The battery will eventually "self-discharge" and must be periodically recharged while in inventory. BATTERIES MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 75% OR GREATER STATE OF CHARGE WHILE IN DEALER INVENTORY TO PREVENT INTERNAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY EXTENDED STORAGE.

5.2. A label is placed on the end of every battery carton indicating the month that the battery will require recharging. It is imperative that the stock of "wet" batteries be rotated, oldest battery sold first, to reduce charging requirements and to better maintain the battery's condition.

5.2.1. On the first day of the month indicated on the battery carton, the battery must be recharged. Charging instructions are provided on the carton (for more detailed instructions see section 3). Indicate a new date on the battery carton so that it is recharged in 2 months.

5.3. MBNA recommends that all local, state and federal regulations concerning the storage of "wet" batteries be complied with. It is the dealership's responsibility to ensure that proper facilities are made available for the storage of "wet" batteries.

WARNING!
Wet batteries contain sulfuric acid (UN2794) which is classified as a hazardous material requiring special storage. Sulfuric acid is poisonous and corrosive. Please read section 7 regarding battery safety information.

5.4. To activate a "dry" battery, fill the battery to the "MIN" mark with electrolyte having a specific gravity of 1.265 or 1.28. Dry batteries should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes after filling to allow the electrolyte to soak into the plates. Charge the battery at 15 amperes until the electrolyte specific gravity is above 1.250 (remember to compensate for temperature) and the battery electrolyte temperature is above 60° F (16° C). Add electrolyte, if necessary, to bring level up to "MAX" mark. The battery is now ready for service.