Battery
The sealed battery is standard on all cars. There are no vent plugs in the cover.
The battery is completely sealed, except for 2 small vent holes in the sides.
These vent holes allow the small amount of gas produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has the following advantages over conventional batteries:
| • | No water addition for the life of the battery |
| • | Overcharge protection--If too much voltage is applied to the battery,
it will not accept as much current as a conventional battery. In a conventional battery,
the excess voltage will still try to charge the battery, leading to gassing, which
causes liquid loss. |
| • | Not as liable to self-discharge as compared to a conventional battery--This
is particularly important when a battery is left standing for long periods of time. |
| • | More power available in a lighter and smaller case |
The battery has 3 major functions in the electrical system:
- The battery provides a source of energy for cranking the engine.
- The battery acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system.
- The battery can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical
demand exceeds the output of the generator.
Ratings
A battery has 2 ratings:
- A reserve capacity rating designated at 27°C (80°F), which is
the time a fully charged battery will provide 25 amperes current flow at or
above 10.5 volts.
- A cold cranking amp rating determined under testing at -18°C
(0°F), which indicates the cranking load capacity.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity is the maximum length of time it is possible to travel
at night with the minimum electrical load and no generator output. Expressed in minutes,
reserve capacity, or RC rating, is the time required for a fully charged battery,
at a temperature of 27°C (80°F) and being discharged at a current of 25 amperes,
to reach a terminal voltage of 10.5 volts.
Cold Cranking Amperage
The cold cranking amperage test is expressed at a battery temperature of -18°C
(0°F). The current rating is the minimum amperage, which must be maintained by
the battery for 30 seconds at the specified temperature, while meeting a minimum
voltage requirement of 7.2 volts. This rating is a measure of cold cranking
capacity.
The battery is not designed to last indefinitely. However, with proper care,
the battery will provide many years of service.
If the battery tests well, but fails to perform satisfactorily in service for
no apparent reason, the following factors may point to the cause of the trouble:
| • | Vehicle accessories are left ON overnight. |
| • | Slow average driving speeds are used for short periods. |
| • | The vehicle's electrical load is more than the generator output, particularly
with the addition of aftermarket equipment. |
| • | Defects in the charging system, such as electrical shorts, a slipping
generator belt, a faulty generator, or a faulty voltage regulator |
| • | Battery abuse, including failure to keep the battery cable terminals clean
and tight, or a loose battery hold-down clamp |
| • | Mechanical problems in the electrical system, such as shorted or pinched
wires |
Built-In Hydrometer
The sealed battery has a built-in, temperature-compensated hydrometer
in the top of the battery. This hydrometer is to be used with the following diagnostic
procedure:
- When observing the hydrometer, make sure that the battery has a clean
top.
- Under normal operation, 3 indications can be observed:
| • | Green dot visible--Any green appearance is interpreted as a green
dot, meaning the battery is ready for testing. |
| • | Dark green dot is not visible--If there is a cranking complaint,
the battery should be tested. The charging and electrical systems should also be inspected
at this time. |
| • | Clear or bright yellow--This means the fluid level is
below the bottom of the hydrometer. This may have been caused by excessive or prolonged
charging, a broken case, excessive tipping, or normal battery wear. Finding a battery
in this condition may indicate high charging by a faulty charging system. Therefore,
the charging and the electrical systems may need to be inspected if a cranking complaint
exists. If the cranking complaint is caused by the battery, replace the battery. |
