Battery Service

Chapter 31

Page 413

Charging and Discharging batteries gives off Hydrogen Gas--Very Flammable Dont make sparks or have open flame!

The Hindenburg Was Filled With Hydrogen!!!!!

Check Batterys Condition

Date of Manufacture Case Condition swelling, leaking, cracks, melting Cables, clamps, battery tray, and hold downs. Level of Electrolyte- check Magic eye (maintenance free), look at the side of case- (sometimes you can see level through side), remove caps and check levels.

Good

Low Bad Electrolyte

Magic Eye

Remove, Service, and Replace Battery

Refilling Battery with Water

Use clean filter water only- distilled water is the best. When levels are low, it is down on water. *Electrolyte doesn't evaporate.* Look carefully at the opening- there will be a line inside the opening that indicates proper level.

Cleaning Terminals and Clamps

Lead oxidation (black) Corrosion (white powder)

Sprays and Terminal Cleaner

Cleaning Case Tray and Stray Acid

A mix of baking soda and water will neutralize the acid. A 50/50 mix usually works well. Remove the battery and clean the tray, case, posts, cables, and clamps.

Removing and Replacing Battery

Shut off all electronics in the vehicle- this will reduce the chance for sparks. Remove NEGATIVE clamp FIRST then the positive next. Service battery-clean, replace water, etc Replace POSITIVE clamp FIRST the then negative

(Negative off first-----Negative on last)

Battery Tools
Clamp Puller

Hydrometer

Dont use hammer!

More Tools
Computer Memory Tool--- 9 volt battery Keep all electronics off

Clamp Spreaders

Battery Carrier

Clamp Bolt Pliers

Final Result

Hydrometer Tests
SPECIFIC GRAVITY of ELECTROLYTE

100% charge 1.265 75% charge 1.239 50% charge 1.200 25% charge 1.170 fully discharged 1.110
at 75 degrees

(Specific Gravity =Weight)

Voltage Test

Battery Testing

Jump Starting Safety

Need Heavy Cables--- Those tread-thin emergency type are not good enough. Set up as follows:

+
+

Jump Starting

Battery Drain Test

Test for key-off drains (parasitic drain) Place amp meter in series Make sure all lights, electronics, etc. are off. No more that 50 milli amps Test light substitute--

Should not light

*hood, trunk, glove box?

Battery Leakage Test

Place one clip on positive terminal Place other lead over all suspected places on battery you think may be acid. Voltage on meter =Leak

Your Job.

Complete chapter Questions 1-10 (review) and 1-5 (ASE-style). Page 430 Write on a separate paper and write out the complete question and your answer. ( do not write the other answer options). Complete the chapter worksheet (I will give it out). You may write on it. File all items in your note book. Notebooks will be graded in the future.