Battery, Maintenance Free - Characteristics of MF Type
88mazda03Category 5
Applicable Model/s All Models
Subject
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY
Bulletin No. 013/88
Issued 4/11/88
Revised
DESCRIPTION
The maintenance free (MF) type calcium-based batteries have been installed in Mazda vehicles since the 1983 model year. This Service Bulletin describes the characteristics of the batteries and charging procedure.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MF TYPE CALCIUM-BASED BATTERY
CHARGING PROCEDURE
1. If battery becomes discharged in a short time (e.g., when customer leaves the car with headlights or dome light on, etc.), it does not generate sulphation.
In this case, recharge it by slow charging (trickle) for ten (10) hours. [5 - 6A x 10 Hr = 50 - 60 AH]
2. If battery is gradually discharged while customer uses a vehicle because of high electric load, or if new vehicle is in more than three (3) month inventory after the production, the battery may sometimes generate gradual sulphation.
In this case, recharge it with the boost range of the battery charger at 20 - 30A for two (2) hours. [20 - 30A x 2 Hr = 40 - 60 AH] The MF type of battery can recover its original performance by boost charging even if it is sulphated. This is one of the advantages of the MF batteries.
CAUTION:
When recharging the battery according to the procedures described above, the following cautions must be observed.
1. The battery must be removed from the car and put in an airy place.
2. Do not bring a fire, cigarettes, sparks, flame, etc. close to the battery.
3. Watch the battery during charging and reduce the charging rate, if the battery cells begin gassing (boiling) violently or if the temperature of electrolyte of any cell exceeds 120~F (49~C).
4. Wear the safety glasses when checking the battery conditions during charging.
5. Unhook the battery charger in the following order.
a) Turn off the battery charger main switch.
b) Unhook the negative clamp from the negative terminal.
c) Unhook the positive clamp from the positive terminal.
INDICATOR SIGN
The indicator sign located at the top surface of the battery, does not turn white from blue to indicate the necessity of recharge until the battery is discharged 80% and the specific gravity decreases to 1.150/20~C (68~F).