Introduction

This covers only battery diagnostic and service procedures. While battery charging can be considered a maintenance procedure, battery charging information is located. This was done because the battery must be fully-charged before any diagnosis can be performed.

Maintenance-Free Battery:

The factory-installed maintenance-free battery has non-removable battery vent caps. Water cannot be added to this battery. The chemical composition within the maintenance-free battery reduces battery gassing and water loss, at normal charge and discharge rates. Therefore, the battery should not require additional water in normal service.

If the battery electrolyte level becomes low, the battery must be replaced. However, rapid loss of electrolyte can be caused by an overcharging condition. Be certain to diagnose the charging system before returning the vehicle to service.

The factory-installed battery also has a built-in test indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condition. See Built-In Test Indicator in Starting and Charging/Procedures for more information.

It is important that the battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal discharge, overcharging, or early battery failure must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is replaced or returned to service.