Spiral Plate Battery Charging: Notes

Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine utilize a unique spiral plate battery. This battery has a maximum charging voltage that must not be exceeded in order to restore the battery to its full potential, failure to use the following spiral plate battery charging procedure could result in damage to the battery or personal injury.

Battery charging is the means by which the battery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A battery is fully-charged when:

Micro 420 battery tester indicates battery is OK.
Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts or above.
Battery passes Load Test multiple times.

WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS OR LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable before charging a battery. Charge the battery directly at the battery terminals. Do not exceed 14.4 volts while charging a battery.

CAUTION: The battery should not be hot to the touch. If the battery feels hot to the touch, turn off the charger and let the battery cool before continuing the charging operation. Damage to the battery may result.

After the battery has been charged to 12.6 volts or greater, perform a load test to determine the battery cranking capacity. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING THE MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER) for the proper battery test procedures. If the battery passes a load test, return the battery to service. If the battery will not pass a load test, it is inoperative and must be replaced.

Clean and inspect the battery hold downs, tray, terminals, posts, and top before completing battery service. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING) for the proper battery system cleaning procedures, and (Refer to ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - INSPECTION) for the proper battery system inspection procedures.