Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

WARNING:

^ HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN GASES ARE PRODUCED DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. THIS GAS MIXTURE CAN EXPLODE IF FLAMES, SPARKS OR LIGHTED TOBACCO ARE BROUGHT NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR USING A BATTERY IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE, ALWAYS PROVIDE VENTILATION, PROTECT YOUR FACE AND SHIELD YOUR EYES.

^ KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. ALSO, SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR THE BATTERY TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN MINUTES. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, DRINK LARGE QUANTITIES OF MILK OR WATER, FOLLOWED BY MILK OF MAGNESIA, A BEATEN EGG, OR VEGETABLE OIL. CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.

Before performing charging or starting system tests on the vehicle, note the complaint such as slow cranking, battery discharged, top of battery wet, charging system indicator does not illuminate, or is always illuminated. This information will aid in isolating the part of the system causing the concern.

Before beginning the battery check or charging system check, perform the following inspections:

1. Verify customer concern by operating the vehicle.
2. Check the battery posts and battery cable terminals for clean and tight connections. If the battery cables are corroded, disconnect the battery cables and clean them.
3. Check the generator (GEN) for clean and tight wiring connections.
4. Check the drive belt tension. If the drive belt tension is OK, proceed to the Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures