| • | Use a charger, with an
end voltage of 16 V, equipped with a voltmeter that is accurate to
within 1 percent. |
| • | The ambient temperature should be 15-38°C (60-100°F).
A battery that is extremely cold will not accept measurable current for several
hours after starting the charger. |
| • | The charging area should be well ventilated. |
| • | Do not charge the battery when the built in hydrometer is clear
or yellow (C). Replace the battery if there is a cranking problem. |
| • | Do not charge a battery that appears to be frozen, replace it. |
| • | Batteries showing a green dot in the hydrometer (A) do not need
to be charged unless they have just been discharged (such as cranking the
engine). |
Charging Time Required
The time required to charge a battery will vary depending upon the following
factors:
| • | The size of the battery - A completely discharged, heavy-duty
battery requires more than twice the recharging time as a completely discharged,
light duty battery. |
| • | The temperature - The colder the battery, the more time
it takes to recharge. When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
the current accepted by the battery is very low at first. Then, as the battery
warms, the battery accepts a higher rate of current. |
| • | The charging capacity - The higher the charger amperage,
the less time it will take to charge the battery. |
| • | The state-of-charge - A completely discharged
battery requires more than twice as much charge time as a half charged battery.
Because the electrolyte is nearly pure water and a poor conductor in a completely
discharged battery, the battery accepts very low current at first. Later,
as the charging current causes the electrolyte acid content to increase,
the charging current also increases. |
Charging Procedure
Tools Required
GM P/N 12303040
Notice: Turn OFF the ignition when connecting or disconnecting the battery cables,
the battery charger or the jumper cables. Failure to do so may
damage the PCM or other electronic components.
- Do not charge a battery with a green hydrometer dot unless it
has just been discharged, such as in cranking.
- When charging side-terminal batteries while on-vehicle, use the
following procedure:
| 2.1. | Turn OFF the charger. |
| 2.2. | Connect the charger positive lead to the positive cable terminal
located in the engine compartment on the right side. |
| 2.3. | Connect the negative charger lead to a solid engine ground, such
as the generator mounting bracket. |
- When charging side-terminal
batteries out of vehicle, install battery side terminal adapters.
Tighten
Tighten the battery side terminal adapters to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).
- Make sure all battery terminals are clean and tight.
- Best results occur when charging a battery that is at room temperature.
A battery that is extremely cold may not accept current for several hours.
- Charge the battery until the hydrometer has a green dot.
- Inspect the battery every half hour after starting the battery
charger.
- Tap the hydrometer lightly to dislodge any air bubbles. The bubbles
may cause a false indication.
- After charging, load test the battery. Refer to
Battery Load Test
