Delco Freedom Battery - Charging and Testing Procedures

83jaguar01

January 1, 1983
ITEM: J83/07

MODEL: XJ6 AND VANDEN PLAS
SUBJECT: DELCO FREEDOM BATTERY-CHARGING AND TESTING PROCEDURES


Dealers are reminded of the importance of observing the correct Charging and testing procedures for all Delco Freedom batteries.

The following information was originally contained in Jaguar Technical Service Bulletin J81/09, issued in March-April, 1981.



In view of the importance of the subject, the procedures are repeated in the following:

The battery contains a built in hydrometer which indicates at a glance the state of charge. A visible green dot indicates that the battery is in a satisfactory state of charge. If the hydrometer appears all dark with no green dot visible, the battery should be recharged.
The following electrical load test and charging procedure information is provided by the battery manufacturer.

LOAD TEST

Carry out test only if green dot is visible.

1. Remove surface charge by connecting a 300 amp load for 15 seconds.

2. Connect voltmeter and apply a 250 amp load, read voltage after 15 seconds with load connected, then turn off load. The following voltages under load apply:

Temperature 70~F and above 50~F 30~F 15~F 0~F
Voltage 9.6 9.4 9.1 8.8 8.5

NOTE: Battery temperature should be estimated by touch and ambient temperature conditions.

CHARGING

The following basic rules apply to any Freedom Battery charging situation:

- Do not charge a battery if the hydrometer is clear or light yellow; replace the battery.

- Charge rates between 3 and 50 amperes are generally satisfactory for any Freedom battery as long as spewing of electrolyte does not occur or the battery does not feel excessively hot (over 125~F, 52~C). If spewing occurs or temperature exceeds 125~F, the charging rate must be reduced or temporarily halted to permit cooling. Battery temperature can be estimated by touching or feeling the battery case.

- The battery is sufficiently charged when the green dot in the built-in hydrometer is visible. No further charging is required. Shake or tilt the battery at hourly intervals during charging to mix the electrolyte and see if the green dot appears. A slow charge not exceeding 20 amps is generally recommended for fully charging a battery.


TEMPURATURE

Example: A longer time will be needed to charge any battery at 0~F than at 80~F. When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery, the current accepted by the battery will be very low at first, then in time the battery will accept a higher rate as the battery warms. A cold battery may not accept current for several hours after starting the charger.

STATE OF CHARGE

Example: A completely discharged battery requires more than twice as much time and charge as a one-half charged battery. Because the electrolyte is nearly pure water and a poor conductor in a completely discharged state.
the current accepted is very low at first. Later, as the charging current causes the electrolyte acid content to increase, the charging current will likewise increase.

DEALERS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE DELCO FREEDOM BATTERY WILL ACCEPT A CHARGE EVEN WHEN COMPLETELY DISCHARGED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WE STRESS THE FACT THAT SEVERAL HOURS OF CHARGING TIME WILL BE NECESSARY BEFORE A CHARGING RATE IS ACCEPTED. THE RECOVERY CAPABILITIES OF THE FREEDOM BATTERY ARE SUPERIOR TO A CONVENTIONAL TYPE BATTERY.