Battery - Care During Long Term Storage

90mitsubishi11 SUBJECT:

LONG TERM STORAGE -

BATTERY SERVICING
NO. TSB-90-16-001

DATE October, 1990

MODEL All
PURPOSE


This bulletin is issued to inform Mitsubishi Motors dealership personnel of the proper maintenance of vehicle batteries while in dealership storage. All vehicle batteries will self-discharge during extended storage. It is necessary to check the battery indicator sign/window at least 1 time per calendar month. If the indicator sign/window shows that charging is necessary, then the battery should be recharged immediately to prevent permanent battery damage.

Figure 1:

BATTERY CHECKING

Check the battery indicator sign/window (Figure 1). If the indicator is WHITE the battery needs to be recharged. If the indicator is BLUE the battery state of charge is satisfactory.


NOTE: It is suggested that the Service Department develop a means of identifying a vehicle that has had the battery charge condition checked during that month. For example: affix a small round colored label on the windshield to indicate that the vehicle has been checked. A Blue label may be used for the current month, a Green label for the next month. These labels are readily available from local office supply retailers and can easily be removed before delivery.
BATTERY CHARGING


CAUTION: Before charging a battery, always turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the key from the ignition switch. Then disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid possible damage to sensitive electronic components.

For best results, batteries should be charged while the electrolyte is at room temperature (55 degrees F - 85 degrees F). A battery that is extremely cold or has remained in a complete discharged condition may not accept current for several hours after beginning the charge cycle.

1. Verify that the battery charger is in the OFF position.

NOTE: If the battery charger is turned on before the charger cables are connected to the battery, a spark may occur and cause gases in the battery to ignite, causing severe battery damage and/or personal injury.

2. Connect the battery charger; Red cable (Positive) to the battery Positive (+) terminal; Black cable (Negative) to the battery Negative (-) terminal.

3. Charge the battery at an approximate 5 amp. rate until the indicator shows Blue.

4. Turn off the battery charger and remove the cables; Negative first followed by the Positive.

5. Reconnect the Negative battery cable.