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.

Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage

In order to maintain the battery state of charge while storing the vehicle for more than 30 days, use the following guidelines:

1. Make sure that the green dot is visible in the built-in hydrometer.

Caution: Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

2. 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, use the following guidelines:

1. Maintain a high state of charge.
2. Establish a regular schedule for recharging the battery every 20-45 days.
3. When a battery is found without a green dot visible in the hydrometer, refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot .

A battery that has remained in a discharged state for a long period of time is difficult to recharge or may be permanently damaged.

To reconnect the battery ground (negative) cable refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .