Delco Freedom Battery - Storage and Testing
Bulletin 87-8-3Date Oct. '86
Ref. No. 87-014-8
SUBJECT: DELCO FREEDOM BATTERY STORAGE AND TESTING
MODELS AFFECTED: ALL
Recent service experience indicates that many of the batteries replaced under warranty were good, serviceable units which could have been recharged. This bulletin outlines the proper service procedures for storing and testing Delco Freedom batteries.
NOTICE: ALL BATTERIES GENERATE HYDROGEN GAS WHICH IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. IF IGNITED BY A SPARK OR FLAME, THE GAS MAY EXPLODE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING SPRAYING OF ACID, FRAGMENTATION OF THE BATTERY AND POSSIBLE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURIES. WEAR APPROVED EYE PROTECTION. BATTERY FLUID IS CORROSIVE ACID. FLUSH ANY CONTACTED AREA WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY AND THOROUGHLY.
1. Battery Storage
Today's vehicles have several electronic devices which result in very small but continuous current drains on their batteries, commonly referred to as "parasitic loads". Vehicles that are not used for an extended period of time may develop extremely discharged and/or permanently damaged batteries resulting from these parasitic loads. Discharged batteries can freeze at temperatures as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit causing permanent damage.
TO ALLEVIATE THIS CONDITION, THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED ON VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT GOING TO BE IN SERVICE WITHIN A 30-DAY PERIOD. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, BATTERIES SHOULD BE RECHARGED PERIODICALLY, EVERY 30-60 DAYS, UNTIL THE GREEN DOT IS VISIBLE.
NOTICE: THE IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE OFF WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING BATTERY CABLES OR CHARGERS. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY OVERSTRESS OR DAMAGE THE ECM OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
2. Testing The Battery
The cause of all no-start, slow cranking and/or frequently discharged battery conditions should be thoroughly diagnosed to avoid unnecessary replacement of Delco Freedom batteries. The battery should be charged and load tested in accordance with established service procedures as described in the shop manual before considering battery replacement.