Charging
WARNING! Danger of explosion!
- Batteries produce explosive gases while being charged.
- Keep open flames and sparks away and DO NOT smoke near batteries.
- The battery charger MUST be turned off when connecting or disconnecting the cables at the battery.
- Battery cell caps must NOT be removed while charging.
- "Boosting" a sulfated battery with a high charging rate can cause an explosion.
- Ensure that the battery is charged in a well ventilated area.
- Precision tools must not be kept in the same room where batteries are being charged. Tools may corrode due to chemical reaction.
Special tools and test equipment
Battery charger: Christie Automotive 400 QDD or equivalent
Battery charger, connecting
NOTES:
- Always follow the battery charger operating instructions.
- Before charging, the battery must have a minimum temperature of 10 °C (50 °F).
- After charging, confirm battery no-load voltage and electrolyte specific gravity before installing in vehicle.
- Disconnect Ground (GND) terminal from battery negative (-) post.
- Disconnect positive B+ terminal from battery positive (+) post.
- Connect battery charger to battery; positive to positive (+), negative to negative (-).
CAUTION!
- Batteries are damaged by quick charging. It should only be used as a last alternative when slow charging is not possible.
- DO NOT allow the battery charging rate to exceed 17 volts.
- If the battery begins gassing (boiling) violently when charging, REDUCE the charging rate immediately.
Charging totally discharged batteries
WARNING! Never "quick charge" a totally discharged battery.
- Batteries that have not been used for long periods of time begin to self discharge (e.g. when vehicles are in storage) through consumers such as the clock. Under these conditions, the battery begins to sulfate and the surface area of the battery plates hardens.
- If a totally discharged battery is charged quickly ("quick charged" or "boost charged"), only a surface charge is accepted (if at all). The battery may even test OK immediately after charging. However, in this case the sulfating process continues inside the battery. Once a battery begins to sulfate, it's ability to further accept a routine charge (from the Generator) and provide adequate load and reserve performance will diminish until the battery malfunctions.
- On totally discharged batteries, the electrolyte (sulfuric acid/ water mixture) is almost all water. When these batteries are exposed to freezing temperatures permanent damage to the battery plates (and housing) results.
- Totally discharged batteries must only be slow charged and re-tested as described in the following:
- Charge totally discharged battery (no-load voltage less than 11.6 volts) for minimum of 24 hours (or more).
- Do not allow maximum charge current to exceed 10% of battery capacity, (e.g. for a 60Ah battery, max. charge current = 6 amps).
- Do not allow charging voltage to exceed 14.4 volts.
Quick charging/starting boost
CAUTION!
- Batteries are damaged by quick charging. It should only be used as a last alternative when slow charging is not possible.
- DO NOT allow the battery charging rate to exceed 17 volts.
- If the battery begins gassing (boiling) violently when charging, REDUCE the charging rate immediately.