Battery Description and Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Battery Caution Sticker

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury when working near a battery:

Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help.
Follow each step of the jump starting procedure in order.
Treat both the booster and the discharged batteries carefully when using the jumper cables.

Important: Because of the materials used in the manufacture of automotive lead-acid batteries, dealers and service shops that handle them are subject to various regulations issued by OSHA, EPA, DOT, and various state or local agencies. Other regulations may also apply in other locations. Always know and follow these regulations when handling batteries.

Batteries that are no longer wanted must be disposed of by an approved battery recycler and must never be thrown in the trash or sent to a landfill.

Batteries that are not part of the vehicle itself, not the battery under the hood, must only be transported on public streets for business purposes via approved hazardous material transportation procedures.

Battery storage, charging and testing facilities in repair shops must meet various requirements for ventilation, safety equipment, material segregation, etc.

The maintenance free battery is standard. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed except for 2 small vent holes in the side. These vent holes allow the small amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape.

The battery has 3 functions as a major source of energy:

Engine cranking
Voltage stabilizer
Alternate source of energy with generator overload

The battery specification label, example below, contains information about the following:

The test ratings
The original equipment catalog number
The recommended replacement model number

Fig 2: Identifying Equipment Model Number And Catalog Number

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.