Storage, Testing, Diagnosis, and Charging Procedure

I. BATTERY STORAGE

Today's vehicles have several electronic devices which result in very small but continuous current drains on their batteries, commonly referred to as "parasitic loads". Vehicles that are not used for an extended period of time may develop extremely discharged and/or permanently damaged batteries resulting from these parasitic loads. Discharged batteries can freeze at temperatures as high as 20 degrees Fahrenheit causing permanent damage.

TO ALLEVIATE THIS CONDITION, THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE, SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED ON VEHICLES WHICH ARE NOT GOING TO BE IN SERVICE WITHIN A 30-DAY PERIOD. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, BATTERIES SHOULD BE RECHARGED PERIODICALLY, EVERY 30-60 DAYS, UNTIL THE GREEN DOT IS VISIBLE.

NOTICE: THE IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE OFF WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING BATTERY CABLES OR CHARGERS. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY OVERSTRESS OR DAMAGE THE ECM OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

II. TESTING THE BATTERY

The cause of all no-start, slow cranking and/or frequently discharged battery conditions should be thoroughly diagnosed to avoid unnecessary replacement of Delco Freedom batteries. The battery should be charged and load tested in accordance with established service procedures as described in the Service Manual before considering battery replacement.
III. DIAGNOSIS AND CHARGING PROCEDURE

The following information will explain the characteristics of the Delco Freedom battery and the effects of parasitic loads (small constant drains on the battery due to standard and optional equipment). The effect of outside temperatures on battery power and proper battery charging and testing procedures are also discussed.

Read all this information; try recharging a deeply discharged battery, review training materials if necessary, and become convinced that Delco batteries are GOOD batteries. Most deeply discharged batteries CAN be recharged if proper procedures are followed.

Examples of conditions causing low charged or discharged batteries are:

- Extended storage of vehicles

- Batteries being less than adequately charged when received

- Extended cranking periods due to plug fouling

- Driver habits

- Incorrect interpretation of the charge indicator

- Inability to determine the correct ampere-hour charging rate for a discharged battery

- Burned out charge/gen light bulb causing "No Charge" condition

- Charging system problems

- Continuous current draw on the battery thru increased parasitic drain