Battery: Description and Operation

Battery:

The battery stores, stabilizes, and delivers electrical current to operate various electrical systems in the vehicle. The determination of whether a battery is good or bad is made by its ability to accept a charge. It also must supply high-amperage current for a long enough period to be able to start the vehicle.

The capability of the battery to store electrical current comes from a chemical reaction. This reaction takes place between the sulfuric acid solution (electrolyte) and the lead +/- plates in each cell of the battery. As the battery discharges, the plates react with the acid from the electrolyte. When the charging system charges the battery, the water is converted to sulfuric acid in the battery. The concentration of acid in the electrolyte is measured as specific gravity using a hydrometer. The original equipment (OE) battery is equipped with a hydrometer (test indicator) built into the battery cover. The specific gravity indicates the battery's state-of-charge. The OE battery is sealed and water cannot be added.

The battery is vented to release gases that are created when the battery is being charged and discharged. The battery top, posts, and terminals should be cleaned when other under hood maintenance is performed.

When the electrolyte level is below the top of the plates, Clear in the test indicator, the battery must be replaced. The battery must be completely charged, and the battery top, posts, and cable clamps must be cleaned before diagnostic procedures are performed.

Battery Heat Shield (THERMOGUARD)
A plastic bubble-wrap style thermogaurd slides over the battery case to enclose the sides of the battery.

The thermogaurd protects the battery from engine compartment temperature extremes.

Battery Ignition Off Draw (IOD)
A completely normal vehicle will have a small amount of current drain on the battery with the key out of the ignition. It can range from 5 to 25 milliamperes after all the modules time out.

If a vehicle will not be operated for approximately a 20 days, the IOD fuse should be pulled to eliminate the vehicle electrical drain on the battery. The IOD fuse is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper fuse. See fuse #15 (10 amp).Power and Ground Distribution