Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage

NOTE: Always turn the ignition "OFF" when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

Some electronic devices on the vehicle impose small continuous current drains on the battery; this is commonly called "parasitic load". If the vehicle is not used for an extended time, these parasitic loads can discharge and eventually cause permanent damage to the battery.

Perform one of the following steps to help keep the battery in a charged state while storing the vehicle:
^ If vehicle is likely to be stored for over 30 days, be sure the green ball is visible, then disconnect the battery ground (negative) cable from the battery negative terminal (refer to "Battery Ground (Negative) Cable Disconnect/Connect"). This will protect the battery from being discharged by parasitic load due to the vehicle's electrical system components.
^ If the battery cannot be disconnected, establish a regular schedule of recharging the battery every 20-45 days to maintain a high state of charge. A battery that is allowed to remain in a discharged state for a long period of time will be difficult to recharge, and may even become permanently damaged if allowed to stay discharged. Any time a battery is found with the green ball not visible in the hydrometer, promptly recharge the battery.
When it is time to reconnect the battery ground (negative) cable to the battery, refer to "Battery Ground (Negative) Cable Disconnect/Connect".