Built-In Indicator Test

Built-In Test Indicator:

A test indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of the battery case provides visual information for battery testing. Like a hydrometer, the built in test indicator measures the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte. The test indicator reveals the battery state-of-charge; however, it will not reveal the cranking capacity of the battery. A load test must be performed to determine the battery cranking capacity. Refer to Load Test for the proper battery load testing procedures.

WARNING:
- IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

- EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BATTERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

- THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID,WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

- IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SERVICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING CELL CAPS.

Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.) that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to obtain correct indications from the built-in test indicator, it is important that the battery be level and have a clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to view the indicator. Do not use open flame as a source of additional light.

Built-In Test Indicator Sight Glass:

To read the built in test indicator, look into the sight glass and note the color of the indicator. The battery condition that each color indicates is described in the following list:

- Green - Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-charge. The battery is adequately charged for further testing or return to service. If the starter will not crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-charged battery, the battery must be load tested. Refer to Load Test for the proper battery load testing procedures.

- Black or Dark - Indicates 0% to 75% battery state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged and must be charged until a green indication is visible in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer to Battery Charging procedures. Also refer to Abnormal Battery Discharging for the possible causes of the discharged battery condition.

- Clear or Bright - Indicates a low battery electrolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is below the test indicator. A maintenance-free battery with non-removable cell caps must be replaced if the electrolyte level is low. Water must be added to a low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps before it is charged. Refer to Battery Charging procedures. A low electrolyte level may be caused by an overcharging condition. Refer to Charging System diagnosis and testing procedures.