Battery Charging

1. Before charging a discharged battery, inspect and if necessary repair the following conditions:
- Loose accessory drive belt.
- Pinched or grounded wiring harness to the generator.
- Loose wiring harness connections at the generator.
- Loose or corroded connections at battery, starter motor solenoid, or engine ground.
- Carry out generator charging checks.
- Excessive battery quiescent drain.

Battery Charging - Maintenance-Free Batteries

WARNING:
KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. BATTERIES CONTAIN SULPHURIC ACID, AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES OR CLOTHING. SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR THE BATTERY TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND SEEK PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

WARNING:
BATTERIES NORMALLY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES WHICH CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY, THEREFORE DO NOT ALLOW FLAMES, SPARKS, OR LIGHTED SUBSTANCES TO COME NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR WORKING NEAR A BATTERY ALWAYS SHIELD YOUR FACE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES. ALWAYS PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

1. Cold batteries will not readily accept a charge. Therefore, batteries should be allowed to warm up to approximately 15 °C (59 °F) before charging. This may require 12 hours at room temperature depending on the initial temperature and battery size.
2. A battery which has been completely discharged may be slow to accept a charge initially and in some cases may not accept a charge at the normal charger setting. When batteries are in this condition, charging can be started by use of the 'dead battery' switch, which is fitted to certain types of battery chargers.
3. To determine whether a battery is accepting a charge, follow the battery charger manufacturer's instructions. When using the 'dead battery' switch, if the switch is of the spring-loaded type, it should be held in the ON position for up to three minutes.
4. After releasing the 'dead battery' switch and with the charger still operating, measure the battery voltage. If the voltage is 12 volts or higher, the battery may be accepting a charge and may be capable of being recharged. If the temperature of the battery is below 15 °C (59 °F) the battery may require charging for up to two hours before the charge rate is high enough to show on the charger ammeter. It has been found that all non - damaged batteries can be charged by this procedure. If a battery cannot be charged by this procedure, it should be replaced.
5. A rapid recharge procedure has been developed for recharging batteries that have passed the No - Load Test and only need a recharge. This can be due to in-service no-start battery failures (vehicle will not crank due to low battery state of charge) or battery discharged in vehicle due to key-off loads.
6. The battery can be rapidly recharged by using either of the following methods:
1. Perform a two hour charge using a constant current of 20 amps (manual setting on charger).
2. Perform a two hour charge using a constant voltage (automatic setting on charger).