Battery - Diagnostic and Charging Procedures
BULLETIN NO.: 003/93Issued: 9/15/93
Revised:
Category
G
Applicable Model/s
ALL Models
Subject:
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURES
APPLICABLE MODELS/VINS
All Mazda vehicles
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles in dealer inventory require periodic battery inspection and if necessary, supplemental charging.
NOTE:
If the vehicle's maintenance free battery is excessively discharged, conventional charging procedures will not return the battery to full power.
This bulletin contains the following:
Inspection Recommendations
Diagnostic Procedures
Charging Information
Warranty Information
Battery Diagnostic Check Sheet
INSPECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
AT WHOLESALE DELIVERY
1. Measure the voltage with a digital voltmeter.
2. If the voltage is 12.4V or more, the battery is in normal condition.
3. If the voltage is less than 12.4V, the battery requires a quick charge prior to load testing. Quick charge by setting the charge rate of the battery charge to the "highest" or "boost" position. Refer to the table as shown.
4. Load test the battery. Refer to the table shown for minimum voltage specifications.
5. If not within specification, contact your DCSM for authorization prior to replacing the battery. See warranty information.
6. Do not install the "ROOM" fuse. This will minimize the drainage on the battery from the CPU, instrument panel, etc.
NOTE:
Remove "ROOM" fuse on Navajo and B-Series vehicles.
VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY
Measure the battery voltage at least once per month. If the voltage is less than 12.4V, perform a quick charge according to the table shown.
RETAIL DELIVERY
1. Measure the battery voltage.
2. If the voltage is 12.4V or more, the battery is in normal condition and the vehicle may be delivered.
3. If the voltage is less than 12.4V perform a quick charge according to the table shown prior to delivery.
NOTE:
Reinstall the ROOM fuse just prior to delivery. This will decrease the amount of "key off" voltage that is drained from the battery.
If the battery voltage measured less than 12.4V, driving the vehicle will not sufficiently charge the battery.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
Because of their design, maintenance free batteries must not be diagnosed using procedures developed for lead storage batteries. This will provide a false reading and result in unnecessary replacement.
The table shown should be followed when diagnosing maintenance free batteries.
CHARGING INFORMATION
The chart shown gives specific charging amps, charging times and test load amps for 1993 model year vehicles and their original batteries. Refer to the applicable workshop manual for other model years.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
The information below outlines when charging or replacement is covered under warranty.
1. WHOLESALE DELIVERY INSPECTION
Charging - Testing is not covered under warranty and is considered part of normal dealer processing responsibility. Boost charging is covered. This will require completion of the inspection sheet. Replacement - Requires DCSM authorization. Additionally, the diagnostic check sheet must be completed and attached to the repair order. If the inspection sheet is not attached, the claim may be denied.
2. VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY
Battery problems that occur after the wholesale delivery inspection are not subject to warranty. Maintenance of vehicles in dealer inventory is the responsibility of the dealer.
If the battery problem results from defects in material/manufacturing, replacement is covered with the authorization of the DCSM. Check the battery according to the diagnostics described in this bulletin and complete the battery diagnostic check sheet. Attach the diagnostic check sheet to the repair order.
3. AFTER RETAIL
Charging - Not covered under normal warranty unless accompanied by a related repair. Replacement - The battery is covered under normal warranty if it is judged defective after diagnosing - and charging according to the procedures listed in this bulletin. A battery diagnostic check sheet must be completed and attached to the repair order.
BATTERY CHECK SHEET FOR INVENTORY VEHICLES