Battery: Testing and Inspection

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION:
- Check that the battery cables are connected to the correct terminals.
- Disconnect the battery cables when the battery is given a quick charge.
- Do not perform tests with a high voltage insulation resistance tester.
- Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running.




1. CHECK BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.

Maintenance-Free Battery:
If under the lower level, replace the battery (or add distilled water if possible) and check the charging system.

Except Maintenance-Free Battery:
If under the lower level, add distilled water.




2. Except Maintenance-Free Battery:
CHECK BATTERY SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Check the specific gravity of each cell.

Standard specific gravity: 1.25 - 1.29 at 20 °C (68 °F).

If the specific gravity is less than specification, charge the battery.

3. Maintenance-Free Battery:
CHECK BATTERY VOLTAGE
a. After having driven the vehicle and in the case that 20 minutes have not passed after having stopped the engine, turn the ignition switch ON and turn on the electrical system (headlight, blower motor, rear defogger etc.) for 60 seconds to remove the surface charge.
b. Turn the ignition switch OFF and turn off the electrical systems.




c. Measure the battery voltage between the negative (-) and positive (+) terminals of the battery.

Standard voltage: 12.5 - 12.9 V at 20 °C (68 °F)

If the voltage is less than specification, charge the battery.






HINT: Check the indicator as shown in the illustration.

4. CHECK BATTERY TERMINALS, FUSIBLE LINK AND FUSES
a. Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
b. Check the fusible link and fuses for continuity.