Main Battery
- CHECK BATTERY (USE CONSULT)
Check the battery, using CONSULT. Refer to DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE .
Is the check result normal?
YES
GO TO STEP 2.
NO
Replace battery. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- CHECK BATTERY (USE EXP-800 NI OR GR8-1200 NI)
Check the battery, using EXP-800 NI OR GR8-1200 NI.
Is the check result normal?
YES
INSPECTION END (The battery is normal.)
NO
Replace battery. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
BATTERY DIAGNOSIS WITH EXP-800 NI OR GR8-1200 NI
To diagnose and confirm the condition of the battery, use the following special service tools:
- EXP-800 NI Battery and electrical diagnostic analyzer
- GR8-1200 NI Multitasking battery and electrical diagnostic station
Refer to the applicable instruction information for proper battery diagnosis procedures.
BATTERY DIAGNOSIS WITHOUT EXP-800 NI OR GR8-1200 NI
Check Electrolyte Level
Never allow battery fluid to come in contact with skin, eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. After touching a battery, never touch or rub your eyes until you have thoroughly washed your hands. If acid contacts eyes, skin or clothing, immediately flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Failure to do this may cause personal injury or damage to clothing or the painted surfaces.
- A battery will be completely discharged if it is left unattended for a long time and the specific gravity will become less than 1.100. This may result in sulphation on the cell plates.
- To determine if a battery has been "sulphated", note its voltage and current when charging it. As shown in the illustration, less current and higher voltage are observed in the initial stage of charging sulphated batteries.
- A sulphated battery may sometimes be brought back into service by means of a long, slow charge, 12 hours or more, followed by a battery capacity test.
SULPHATION
Specific Gravity Check
Check the charge condition of the battery.
Periodically check the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Keep a close check on charge condition to prevent over-discharge.
- Read hydrometer and thermometer indications at eye level.
- Use the chart below to correct your hydrometer reading according to electrolyte temperature.HYDROMETER TEMPERATURE CORRECTION
Battery electrolyte temperature [°C (°F)] Add to specific gravity reading 71 (160) 0.032 66 (150) 0.028 60 (140) 0.024 54 (130) 0.020 49 (120) 0.016 43 (110) 0.012 38 (100) 0.008 32 (90) 0.004 27 (80) 0 21 (70) - 0.004 16 (60) - 0.008 10 (50) - 0.012 4 (40) - 0.016 - 1 (30) - 0.020 - 7 (20) - 0.024 - 12 (10) - 0.028 - 18 (0) - 0.032 Corrected specific gravity Approximate charge condition 1.260 - 1.280 Fully charged 1.230 - 1.250 3/4 charged 1.200 - 1.220 1/2 charged 1.170 - 1.190 1/4 charged 1.140 - 1.160 Almost discharged 1.110 - 1.130 Completely discharged Charging The Battery
CAUTION:- Never "quick charge" a fully discharged battery.
- Keep the battery away from open flame while it is being charged.
- When connecting the charger, connect the leads first, then turn on the charger. Never turn on the charger first, as this may cause a spark.
- If battery electrolyte temperature rises above 55 °C (131 °F), stop charging. Always charge battery at a temperature below 55 °C (131 °F).
CHARGING RATES (STANDARD CHARGE)Approximate charge condition Charge current (A) Charge time (h) Fully charged 6 2 3/4 charged 2.5 1/2 charged 5 1/4 charged 7.5 Almost discharged 9 Completely discharged 10 CHARGING RATES (QUICK CHARGE)Approximate charge condition Charge current (A) Charge time (h) Fully charged - - 3/4 charged 16 0.5 1/2 charged 32 1/4 charged Almost discharged Completely discharged - - NOTE:The ammeter reading on your battery charger will automatically decrease as the battery charges. This indicates that the voltage of the battery is increasing normally as the state of charge improves. The charging amps indicated above refer to initial charge rate.
- If, after charging, the specific gravity of any two cells varies more than 0.050, the battery should be replaced.