General Information

- Follow these basic rules when charging a battery:

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.

NOTE: Do not use the boost, jump start, crank, or an equivalent setting that may be available on the battery charger for prolonged charging of the battery. Using such settings may damage the battery due to overheating, excessive gassing, or spewing of electrolyte from the vents.

- Batteries showing a green dot in the hydrometer (1) do not need to be charged unless they have just been discharged (such as cranking the engine).
- Batteries showing a black or dark dot in the hydrometer (2) can be charged.
- Do not charge the battery (3). Replace the battery if the built in hydrometer is clear or light yellow and there is a cranking problem. A clear or light yellow hydrometer indicates a low electrolyte level in the battery.
- To keep charge time to a minimum, use a charger capable of an end voltage of at least 16 volts and equipped with a voltmeter that is accurate to within 1 percent.
- Do not use boost, jump start, crank, or an equivalent setting for prolonged charging of the battery. Undesirable and potentially dangerous spewing of gasses or electrolyte through the vent holes may occur.
- The ambient temperature should be 15-38°C (60-100°F). A battery that is extremely cold will not accept measurable current for several hours after starting the charger.
- The charging area should be well ventilated.
- Do not charge a battery that appears to be frozen. Replace any frozen battery.
- Check the battery being charged every 30 minutes to avoid overcharging the battery.
- If during charging the battery feels hot, 52°C (125°F), or if gassing or spewing of the electrolyte through the vent holes occurs, discontinue the charging or reduce the charging rate.
- Stop charging within one hour after the green dot appears in the hydrometer.