Battery - Diagnostic Troubleshooting Procedure: Overview
Date: August 2003Order No.: P-B-54.10/90
Supersedes:
Group: 54
SUBJECT:
MODEL 211
MODEL YEAR 2003
BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
DANGER
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid that can cause severe caustic burns to skin and eyes. Exercise strict caution when handling damaged lead-acid batteries (i.e. when removing them from accident-damaged vehicles) because of the sharp edges on the fractured housing and direct contact with the lead plates.
> Risk of explosion from gas-charging lead-acid batteries produces a highly explosive gas mixture
> Risk of poisoning and internal caustic burns from swallowing battery electrolyte
> Risk of caustic burns to the eyes and skin from battery electrolyte, electrolyte mist, and from handling damaged lead-acid batteries
> NO fire, sparks, open flames or smoking
> Wear acid-resistant gloves, clothing, and eye protection
> Pour battery electrolyte only into suitable, and appropriately marked, containers
Refer to WIS document AS54.10-Z-0001-01A for more detailed battery-handling information and precautions (including "Possible Hazards: Risk of explosion, risk of poisoning, injury hazard;"
"Protective measures/rules of conduct;" "First aid measures," Fire protection measures;"Warning instructions for lead-acid batteries").
WARNING
While performing battery tests or battery diagnostic procedures:
> DO NOT disconnect the battery
> DO NOT start the vehicle
> DO NOT jump start the vehicle
> DO NOT connect an external battery parallel
> DO NOT connect an external battery charger
Note:
It is important to perform tests and diagnostic procedures on batteries as quickly and efficiently as possible, as battery voltage rapidly decreases due to high rest current.