Flow of Diagnosis
WARNING:- BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. ALSO, SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR BATTERIES TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
- BATTERIES NORMALLY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES WHICH CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. THEREFORE, DO NOT ALLOW FLAMES, SPARKS OR LIGHTED SUBSTANCES TO COME NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR WORKING NEAR A BATTERY, ALWAYS SHIELD YOUR FACE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES. ALWAYS PROVIDE VENTILATION.
- WHEN LIFTING A PLASTIC-CASED BATTERY, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE END WALLS COULD CAUSE ACID TO SPEW THROUGH THE VENT CAPS RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR TO THE BATTERY. LIFT WITH A BATTERY CARRIER OR WITH YOUR HANDS ON OPPOSITE CORNERS.
1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the concern.
2. Inspect to determine if one of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply:
VISUAL INSPECTION CHART
Mechanical
- Battery
- Generator drive belt
- Generator pulley
Electrical
- Battery charge
- Fuse(s) power distribution box: mega fuse (175 A), in-line mini fuse (20 A); fuse junction panel: Fuse 19 (10 A)
- Electrical connectors
- Electrical connections
- Battery charge warning indicator
- Other electrical systems malfunctions
3. If the inspection reveals obvious concern(s) that can be readily identified, service as required.
4. Measure the open circuit battery voltage. If the battery voltage is less than 12.0 volts, test and recharge the battery before continuing with diagnosis.
5. Observe charging system warning indicator status under the following conditions:
1 The charging system warning indicator will illuminate with the ignition switch in RUN and the engine OFF.
2 The charging system warning indicator will be OFF with the engine running.
3 The charging system warning indicator will be OFF with the ignition switch OFF.
6. Check the battery voltage before and after starting the engine to determine if the battery voltage increases. The chart shows the Normal Charging System Voltages.
7. If the concern(s) remains after the inspection determine the symptom(s) and go to the Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures