Functional Description - Battery

Batteries are designed to store electrical energy in a chemical form. A standard 12 volt battery will typically have 6 cells connected in series that are made up of a positive and negative plate. Each cell will typically provide approximately 2.1 volts. As the battery discharges, the flow of electrons causes a chemical reaction between the sulfuric acid and the plates causing the plates to become sulfated with lead. Charging the battery will reverse the process, changing the plates back into spongy lead and lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.

The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen gas that is created when the battery is being charged or discharged. However, even with these vents, hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may arc internally and explode.

CHARGING AND TESTING THE BATTERY:  The battery should be charged one of two ways depending on the situation and reason for charging.

1. CHARGING USING THE GR8 BATTERY TESTER  - It was previously documented to never blind charge a vehicle at the pole clamp. However, if the vehicle is brought in with a battery issue or complaint, and the battery is being charged and tested using the GR8 Battery Tester, the tester should be connected directly to the Pole clamp at the negative Battery post. With the updates done on the GR8 Battery Tester, it will not test the battery correctly if connected and charged through the IBS. After performing any testing requiring blind charging, a battery has been replaced or after any repairs are made, the IBS learning curve should be initiated to allow the IBS to update quickly. See the IBS Component Functional Description for details on initiating the IBS learning curve. 
2. CHARGING USING A STANDARD BATTERY CHARGER  - This should only be performed if the vehicle was not brought in for a battery issue and the battery is depleted during service. The battery should be charged through the IBS. To do this the negative clamp on the charger should be placed on the negative cable attachment to the IBS, the Jump Post terminal if equipped, or a good chassis ground, NOT the Pole clamp at the negative Battery post. Without proper clamp placement, the IBS data will not update.