Battery Cleaning and Inspection
CLEANINGThe following information details the recommended cleaning procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules found in this owner's manual, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical:
1. Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 1).
2. Clean the battery tray and battery holddown hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any exposed bare metal.
Fig. 2 Clean Battery - Typical:
3. If the removed battery is to be reinstalled, clean the outside of the battery case and the top cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2). Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells through the vent holes. If the battery is being replaced, refer to Battery System Specifications for the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm that the replacement battery is the correct size and has the correct ratings for the vehicle.
4. Clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film.
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical:
5. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended inspection procedures for the battery and related components. In addition to the maintenance schedules found in this owner's manual, it is recommended that these procedures be performed any time the battery or related components must be removed for vehicle service.
1. Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for damage. Replace any battery cable that has a damaged or deformed terminal clamp.
2. Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
3. Slide the thermal guard off of the battery case, if equipped. Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage that could result in electrolyte leaks. Also, check the battery terminal posts for looseness. Batteries with damaged cases or loose terminal posts must be replaced.
4. Inspect the battery thermal guard for tears, cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace any battery thermal guard that has been damaged.
5. Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight glass for an indication of the battery condition. If the battery is discharged, charge as required. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).