Visual Inspection
CAUTION:
Danger of injury!
Prior to handling or servicing batteries, read, understand and observe the Warnings and Safety Precautions → Warnings and Safety Precautions !
CAUTION:
In order to prevent damage to the battery or vehicle, observe battery type descriptions and notes →
Battery Types .
Battery checking sequence: Step 1 - Visual Inspection
Prior to performing any measurements or tests, perform a visual inspection of the battery exterior, battery terminals and secure mounting of battery.
Perform visual inspection and determine:
- If the battery case is damaged. Acid can leak out if the case is damaged. Leaking battery acid can cause severe damage to the vehicle. Acid that has leaked onto any part of the vehicle should be immediately treated with acid neutralizer or soap solution.
- If the battery terminals (battery wiring connections) are damaged. If battery terminals are damaged, contact with battery terminals clamps cannot be guaranteed. When connecting the battery pole shoes, keep in mind that the tightening torque from the "Electrical Equipment" article for the corresponding vehicle is used. If the battery post clamps are not correctly installed and secured, the wiring may burn. Severe malfunctions to the electrical system will result. Safe operation of the vehicle can no longer be guaranteed.
CAUTION:
- An improperly secured battery can lead to damage.
- Excessive vibration due to an improperly secured battery will reduce the battery service life, and the battery hold-down bracket could damage the battery housing and lead to electrolyte leakage.
- Check battery for secure fitting, if necessary tighten mounting bolt to specified tightening torque.
Batteries with "Magic Eye" indicator, proceed to battery checking sequence Step 2 - → Magic Eye Indicator, Checking
AGM batteries, proceed to battery checking sequence Step 2 - → Battery, Testing with Midtronics MCR340V