Charging

WARNING: Do not bring an open flame close to the battery at this time.

CAUTION:
- Prior to charging, corroded terminals should be cleaned with a brush and common baking soda solution.
- Be careful since battery electrolyte overflows while charging the battery.
- Observe instructions when handling battery charger.
- Before charging the battery on vehicle, disconnect battery ground terminal. Failure to follow this rule may damage alternator's diodes or other electrical units.

1. NORMAL CHARGING
Charge the battery at current value specified by manufacturer or at approximately 1/10 of battery's ampere-hour rating.

2. QUICK CHARGING
Quick charging is a method in which the battery is charged in a short period of time with a relatively large current by using a quick charger. Since a large current flow raises electrolyte temperature, the battery is subject to damage if the large current is used for prolonged time. For this reason, the quick charging must be carried out within a current range that will not increase the electrolyte temperature above 40 °C (104 °F). It should be also remembered that the quick charging is a temporary means to bring battery voltage up to a fair value and, as a rule, a battery should be charged slowly with a low current.

CAUTION:
- Observe the items in 1. NORMAL CHARGING.
- Never use more than 10 amperes when charging the battery because that will shorten battery life.

3. JUDGMENT OF BATTERY IN CHARGED CONDITION
1. Specific gravity of electrolyte is held at a specific value in a range from 1.250 to 1.290 for more than one hour.
2. Voltage per battery cell is held at a specific value in a range from 2.5 to 2.8 volts for more than one hour.




4. CHECK HYDROMETER FOR STATE OF CHARGE