Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage

Certain electronic devices on the vehicle maintain a small continuous current drain (parasitic load) on the battery, such as the PCM or the VCM. A battery this not used for an extended period of time will discharge. Eventually permanent damage will result. Discharged batteries will also freeze in cold weather.
^ Do the following in order to maintain the battery state of charge while storing the vehicle for more than 30 days:
- Ensure that the green dot is visible in the built-in hydrometer.
- Disconnect the battery negative cable to protect the battery from discharge by parasitic current drains.
^ When it is time to reconnect the battery, use the following procedure:

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

- Lightly wire brush any oxidation from the contract face of the battery terminal and the battery post before reattaching the battery negative cable.

Tighten
Tighten the battery negative cable bolt to 15 N.m (11 lb ft).

- Reset the clock and the push-button tuning radio before the vehicle is put back into service.
^ Maintain a high state of charge when the battery cannot be disconnected.
^ Establish a regular schedule for the recharging the battery every 20 - 45 days.
- When a battery is found without a green dot visible in the hydrometer, promptly recharge the battery.
- To reduce charging time, use a battery charger that can produce a charging voltage of at least 16 Volts.
- Original equipment maintenance free batteries are not damaged by charging rates of 50 Amps or more.
- The battery will not be damaged as long as the battery does not spew acid from the vents or get hotter than 52°C (125°F).
- Check the battery being charged every 45 - 60 minutes.
- If gasses or overheating does occur, reduce the rate of charge, or stop if necessary.
- Avoid overcharging by stopping one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer.
^ Allow ample charging time. Refer to Battery Charging. Service and Repair
^ A battery that has remained in a discharged state for long period of time is difficult to recharge or may be permanently damaged.