Certain electronic devices on the vehicle maintain a small
continuous current drain (parasitic load) on the battery. A battery that is
not used for an extended period of time will discharge. Eventually permanent
damage will result. Discharged batteries will also freeze in cold
weather. Refer to
Battery Hydrometer Displays Yellow Dot
.
Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage
In order to maintain the battery state of charge while storing the vehicle
for more than 30 days:
- Make sure that the green dot is visible in the built-in hydrometer.
- Disconnect the battery ground (negative) cable to protect the
battery from discharge by parasitic current drains. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
.
When the battery cannot be disconnected:
- Maintain a high state of charge.
- Establish a regular schedule for recharging the battery every
20-45 days.
- When a battery is found without a green dot visible in the hydrometer
refer to
Battery Hydrometer Displays Yellow Dot
.