Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Battery: Description and Operation

BATTERY

The battery is a 12-volt direct current source connected in a negative ground system. The battery case is sealed and includes one vent hose to release gases to the outside of the vehicle. This vent hose must be attached at all times. New batteries must be of the same vented design. The battery contains a built-in hydrometer with a green dot in the hydrometer eye indicating the battery is OK. A yellow dot, a red dot, or if there is no dot visible, means the battery needs to be charged and tested. The battery has three major functions:
- engine cranking power source
- voltage stabilizer for the electrical system
- temporary power when electrical loads exceed the generator output current