Battery Description General
Caution: Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable and may explode violently if ignited by a spark or a flame. Battery acid is extremely corrosive and causes severe personal injury if the acid comes into contact with the skin, and blindness if the acid comes into contact with the eyes. In order to avoid severe personal injury, use extreme caution when servicing the battery or battery-related components.
The maintenance free battery is standard. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed except for two small vent holes in the side. These vent holes allow the small amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has three functions as a major source of energy:
| • | Engine cranking |
| • | Voltage stabilizer |
| • | Alternate source of energy with generator overload |
The battery specification label contains information about the following:
| • | The test ratings |
| • | The original model number |
| • | The recommended replacement model number |
| • | The cold cranking amps (CCA) |
Battery Description Ratings
A battery has two ratings:
| • | The reserve capacity |
| • | The cold cranking amps (CCA) |
The reserve capacity is an estimate of the maximum length of time it is possible to travel at night with a minimal electrical load and no generator output. Expressed in minutes, it is the approximate time the fully charged battery can support a 25 ampere load without the battery terminal voltage dropping below 10.5 volts at 27°C (80°F).
The CCA is expressed at a battery temperature of -18°C (0°F). The current rating is the minimum amperage which must be maintained by the battery for 30 seconds at this temperature, while meeting a minimum voltage requirement of 7.2 volts. This rating is a measure of CCA.
Battery Description Protection During Storage
Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid.
Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns.
Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working
near a battery, observe the following guidelines:
• Always shield your eyes. • Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible. • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks. • Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin. - Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly. - Get medical help.
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.
Certain electronic devices on the vehicle maintain a small continuous current drain (parasitic load) on the battery, such as a PCM or a BCM. 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 Description .
Do the following in order to maintain the battery state of charge while storing the vehicle for more than 30 days:
- Ensure that the green dot is visible in the built-in hydrometer.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable to protect the battery from discharge by parasitic current drains.
When it is time to reconnect the battery, use the following procedure:
- Lightly wire brush any oxidation from the contact face of the battery terminal and the battery post before reattaching the cable.
- Program the Transmitters. Refer to Transmitter Programming/Synchronization in Keyless Entry.
- Reset the clock and the push-button tuning radio before the vehicle is put back into service.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Tighten
Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).
Maintain a high state of charge when the battery cannot be disconnected.
Establish a regular schedule for recharging the battery every 20 to 45 days.
| • | When a battery is found without a green dot visible in the hydrometer, promptly recharge the battery. |
| • | To reduce charging time, use a battery charger that can produce a charging voltage of at least 16 volts. |
| • | Original equipment maintenance free batteries are not damaged by charging rates of 50 amps or more. |
| • | The battery will not be damaged as long as the battery does not spew acid from the vents or get hotter than 52°C (125°F). |
| • | Check the battery being charged every 45 to 60 minutes. |
| • | If gassing or overheating does occur, reduce the rate of charge, or stop. |
| • | Avoid overcharging by stopping one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer. |
Allow ample charging time. Refer to Battery Charging .
A battery that has remained in a discharged state for a long period of time is difficult to recharge or may be permanently damaged.
Battery Description Electrolyte Freezing
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific gravity, or the state of charge. The higher the state of charge, the lower the freezing point. Since freezing may ruin a battery, it should be kept charged. A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures as high as -7°C (20°F). As long as the green dot is visible in the hydrometer, the freezing point of the battery will be somewhere below -32°C (-25°F). A fully charged battery will not freeze until the temperature falls below -65°C (-85°F).
