Battery Charging

A battery is completely charged when it has:

^ 12.4 volts or more open circuit voltage

^ sufficient cranking capacity (minimum 9.6 volts when loaded for 15 seconds to 50% of cold cranking amperage rating at 21°C 70°F).

A green dot, in the test indicator on the top of the battery, indicates the battery is charged enough for further testing. A black dot indicates the battery voltage state of charge is below 75%. A yellow or bright color dot indicates the battery has excessively low electrolyte level. The battery cannot be refilled or charged, it must be replaced.


Warning: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL. BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE.

Warning: EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER BATTERY, DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY.

Warning: DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY, CASING MAY FRACTURE.

Warning: POISON, CAUSES SEVERE BURNS. BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID, AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Caution: Disconnect the vehicle's battery negative cable before charging battery to avoid damage to electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 volts while charging battery.

Battery electrolyte will bubble inside of case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte boils violently or is discharged from the vent holes while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or turn off charger and evaluate battery condition.

Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity (+ to + /- to -) sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from being damaged if improperly connected. If the battery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to operate. Refer to operating instructions provided with battery charger being used.


Caution: Charge battery until test indicator appears green. Do not overcharge.


It may be necessary to jostle the battery or vehicle to bring the green dot into view in the test indicator when the state-of-charge has reached 12.4 volts.

After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or greater, perform a load test to determine cranking capacity. If the battery will endure a load test, return the battery to use. If battery will not endure a load test, it must be replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery hold downs, tray, terminals, posts, and top before completing service, see Group 8B, Battery Starter Service.