Battery: Testing and Inspection
12 Volt Battery TestWARNING: A battery can explode if you do not follow the proper procedure, causing serious injury to anyone nearby. Follow all procedures carefully and keep sparks and open flames away from the battery.
NOTE: If the IMA battery level gauge (BAT) indicates zero in the following cases:
- When the battery is removed
- When the gauge assembly is removed
- When the No. 16 (30 A) or No. 18 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box is removed.
Remove the No. 15 (40 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
Start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm without load (in Park or neutral) until the BAT indicates at least three segments.
Then reinstall the No. 15 (40 A) fuse.
Use either a JCI or Bear ARBST tester, and follow the manufacturer's procedures. If you don't have one of these computerized testers, follow this conventional test procedure:
1. Be sure the temperature of the electrolyte is between 70 °F (21 °C) and 100 °F (38 °C).
2. Inspect the 12 V battery case for cracks or leaks.
- If the case is damaged, replace the battery.
- If the case looks OK, go to step 3.
3. Check the indicator EYE.
- If the EYE indicates the battery is charged, go to step 4.
- If the EYE indicates a low charge, go to step 7.
4. Apply a 300 A load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge.
5. Wait 15 seconds, then apply a test load of 280 A for 15 seconds.
6. Record battery voltage.
- If voltage is above 9.6 V, the battery is OK.
- If voltage is below 9.6 V, go to step 7.
7. Charge the battery on High (40 A) until the EYE shows the battery is charged, plus an additional 30 minutes. If the battery charge is very low, it may be necessary to bypass the charger's polarity protection circuitry.
- If the EYE indicates the battery is charged within three hours, the battery is OK.
- If the EYE indicates the battery is not charged within three hours, replace the battery.