Battery Charging

WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL. BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BATTERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Disconnect Battery Negative Cable:

CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable first, before charging battery to avoid damage to electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 Volts while charging battery. Refer to the instructions supplied with charging equipment

NOTE: The battery cannot be refilled with water, it must be replaced.

Battery Open Circuit Voltage
Open Circuit Volts Charge Percentage
11.7 Volts or less 0 %
12.0 Volts 25 %
12.2 Volts 50 %
12.4 Volts 75 %
12.6 Volts or more 100 %

A battery is considered fully charged when it will meet all the following requirements.
- It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least 12.4 Volts. Refer to Battery Open Circuit Voltage table within Battery Open Circuit Voltage Test.
- It passes the 15 seconds load test, refer to the Load Test Temperature chart.

Built-In Test Indicator Sight Glass:

- The built in test indicator dot is GREEN.

Battery electrolyte will bubble inside of battery 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. Evaluate battery condition. Battery damage may occur if charging is excessive.

Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity 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 jiggle the battery or vehicle to bring the green dot in the test indicator into view.

After the battery has been charged to 12.4 Volts or greater, perform a load test to determine cranking capacity Refer to Battery Load Test. If the battery passes the 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, cables, posts, and top before completing service.

NOTE: On some models you will need to perform the LED reset procedure after charging or replacing the battery. LEDs Flashing - A/C Calibration/Diagnostics and Cooldown Test