Checking

Battery condition, checking






Weak battery can be caused by:
- Generator belt slipping (replace belt when glazed)
- ground straps corroded, loose or broken
- Generator or voltage regulator defective
- Generator warning light bulb burned out
- poor ground connection between warning light socket and circuit board

Battery terminals and cables should be coated with acid resistant grease and cleaned to prevent corrosion and ensure good contact.

Visual checks
- check for
- cracked or leaking case
- loose or corroded terminals
- low electrolyte level. If. electrolyte is low, refill with distilled water and fast charge battery for (several minutes after cells begin gassing (boiling)

CAUTION: Do not expose fully discharged battery to freezing temperature because battery will be damaged by freezing.

Hydrometer test (specific gravity) (for batteries with removable caps)
- test electrolyte in all cells
- average specific gravity should be at least 1.225
- correct for electrolyte temperature if necessary
- for every 10°F above 80°F add .004 to hydrometer reading
- for every 10°F below 80°F subtract .004 from hydrometer reading

If specific gravity is above 1.225
- load test battery

If specific gravity is below 1.225
- recharge battery

If specific gravity varies by more than .050 between cells
- replace battery