Battery - Service/Charging Tips
TSB 05-9-1805/16/05
DISCHARGED BATTERY - CHARGING SERVICE TIPS
FORD:
1998-2000 Contour
1998-2002 Escort
1998-2006 Crown Victoria, Mustang, Taurus
2000-2006 Focus
2004-2005 Thunderbird
2005-2006 Five Hundred, Freestyle
2006 Fusion
1998-2003 Windstar
1998-2006 E-Series, Expedition, Explorer,
F-150, Ranger
1999-2006 F-53, F-Super Duty
2000-2005 Excursion
2001-2005 Explorer Sport Trac
2001-2006 Escape
2004-2006 Freestar
2005-2006 Escape Hybrid
2000-2006 F-650, F-750
LINCOLN:
1998-2002 Continental
1998-2006 Town Car
2000-2006 LS
2006 Zephyr
1998-2006 Navigator
2003-2005 Aviator
2006 Mark LT
MERCURY:
1998-2005 Sable
1998-2006 Grand Marquis
2005-2006 Montego
2006 Milan
1998-2006 Mountaineer
2004-2006 Monterey
2005-2006 Mariner
This article supersedes TSB 02-04-05 to update the vehicle lines and model years.
ISSUE
The Micro 490 Digital Battery Analyzer (Rotunda part number 162-00004) is extremely accurate if used properly and can distinguish the difference between good, defective, worn out, or discharged-only batteries. This TSB provides proper battery charging procedures for batteries that are identified as "discharged-only". Discharged-only batteries can be recharged using the procedures in this TSB without reducing battery life or charge capacity.
ACTION
Refer to Service Tips for battery charging.
SERVICE TIPS
NOTE
BATTERY CHARGERS HAVE IMPROVED GREATLY WITH THE ADDITION OF THE NEW GENERATION OF "PULSE CHARGERS". THESE NEW CHARGERS PULSE CURRENT INTO THE BATTERY THAT BREAKS DOWN THE SULFATION LAYER ON THE BATTERY PLATES, AND GENERALLY REDUCE CHARGING TIMES TO LESS THAN 1 HOUR.
The chart information summarizes two recommended methods of charging.
^ DEEPLY DISCHARGED - A battery that is drained over a prolonged period of time such as an unsold vehicle, to the point it is dead
^ SHALLOW DISCHARGE - A battery that is drained by leaving an accessory on for several hours or a few days, and has a very low charge
NOTE
COLD BATTERIES WILL NOT READILY ACCEPT A CHARGE. THEREFORE, BATTERIES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO WARM TO APPROXIMATELY 41°F (50 C) BEFORE CHARGING. THIS MAY REQUIRE 4 TO 8 HOURS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE.
A battery which has been completely discharged and left in that condition for a prolonged time (such as an unsold vehicle) may be slow to accept a charge initially, and in some cases may not accept a charge at the normal charger setting. When batteries are in this condition, charging can be started by use of the "dead battery" feature on chargers so equipped. Follow charger manufacturer's instructions for use of dead battery switch. If switch is the spring-loaded type, it may need to be held in the ON position for up to 3 minutes.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
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