Battery System: Battery: Description
A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery (Fig 1 ) is standard factory-installed equipment on this model. Male post type terminals made of a soft lead material protrude from the top of the molded plastic battery case to provide the means for connecting the battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery positive terminal post is visibly larger in diameter than the negative terminal post, for easy identification. The letters POS and NEG are also molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to their respective positive and negative terminal posts for additional identification confirmation. Refer to BATTERY CABLES for more information on the battery cables that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical system.
This battery is designed to provide a safe, efficient and reliable means of storing electrical energy in a chemical form. This means of energy storage allows the battery to produce the electrical energy required to operate the engine starting system, as well as to operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems for limited durations while the engine and/or the charging system are not operating. The battery is made up of six individual cells that are connected in series. Each cell contains positively charged plate groups that are connected with lead straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively charged plate groups that are connected with lead straps to the negative terminal post. Each plate consists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-conductive material are inserted between the positive and negative plates to prevent them from contacting or shorting against one another. These dissimilar metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and water solution called an electrolyte.
Some factory installed batteries have a built-in test indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condition. For more information on the use of the built-in test indicator, refer to STANDARD PROCEDURES . The factory installed low-maintenance battery has removable battery cell caps. Distilled water can be added to this battery. The battery is not sealed and has vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical composition of the metal coated plates within the low-maintenance battery reduces battery gassing and water loss, at normal charge and discharge rates. Therefore, the battery should not require additional water in normal service. If the electrolyte level in this battery does become low, distilled water must be added. However, rapid loss of electrolyte can be caused by an overcharging condition. Be certain to diagnose the charging system after replenishing the water in the battery for a low electrolyte condition and before returning the vehicle to service. Refer to CHARGING for additional information.
For battery maintenance schedules and jump starting procedures, see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box. While battery charging can be considered a maintenance procedure, the battery charging procedures and information are located in STANDARD PROCEDURES . This was done because the battery must be fully charged before any battery diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURES for the proper battery charging procedures.