BATTERY — How to Handle Battery
EL-16prose procedureTop a wet/dirty battery before testing — leakage paths across a contaminated case can give false low-charge readings.
How to Handle Battery
METHODS OF PREVENTING OVER-DISCHARGE
NOTE
The following precautions must be taken to prevent over-discharging a battery.
• The battery surface (particularly its top) should always be kept clean and dry. If the top surface of a battery is wet with electrolyte or water, leakage current will cause the battery to discharge. Always keep the battery clean and dry.
• When the vehicle is not going to be used over a long period of time, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Check the charge condition and electrolyte level of the battery at service intervals.
• The electrolyte level should not normally require topping-up during vehicle life; a low electrolyte level may indicate a faulty battery or alternator, check these components for condition and operation and replace defective items.
CHECKING ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
WARNING
Do not allow battery fluid to come in contact with skin, eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces. After touching a battery, do not touch or rub your eyes until you have thoroughly washed your hands. If the acid contacts the eyes, skin or clothing, immediately flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
NOTE
Normally the battery does not require additional water. However, when the battery is used under severe conditions, adding distilled water may be necessary during the battery life.
• Remove cell caps.
• Add distilled water up to the MAX level when the battery is in a high state of charge.
• Overtopping may lead to electrolyte leakage.