Battery How To:

How To: Install a Battery

  •  Disconnect ground cable first (this is usually the negative cable) then disconnect cable to starter
  • Remove battery – note position of positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. Mark the cables for correct connection to replacement battery
  • Clean terminals and cable connections with a wire brush. Broken connections and frayed or cut cables should be replaced
  •  Install the replacement battery in the same position as the old one. Secure battery with the hold down assembly.
  •  Make sure the terminals do not touch any metal mounting, engine or body parts
  • Connect cables tightly. Connect the ground cable last to avoid sparks.  

How To: Check the Condition on your Battery

  • Carefully, examine the battery externally.
    •  Watch for terminal corrosion on the battery and make sure all connections are clean and tight.
    •  If you see any cracks or holes in the container, cover or vents, we recommend you have your battery replaced.
  • During regular service intervals, ask your technician to test your battery. This type of test can be performed quickly by most automotive service centers. These tests will determine your batteries health by measuring its “State-Of- Charge”.

Determining State-Of-Charge

12.75 & Above 100% Charged

12.60 to 12.74 85% to 100% Charged

12.40 to 12.59 75% to 85% Charged

12.20 to 12.39 50% to 75% Charged

12.00 to 12.19 25% to 50% Charged

11.99 & Below Fully Discharged

Note: The state of charge listed is an approximation. The relationship between state of charge and voltage vary by CCA rating and case size.

 

How To: Jump Start a Vehicle

  • When jump-starting a vehicle, never lean over the battery and always wear proper eye protection.
  •  Inspect both batteries before connecting booster cables. Never jump-start a damaged battery.
  • Inspect vent caps to ensure they are tight and level.
  • Both ignition switches must be in the “OFF” position and the vehicles cannot be touching each other.
  • Turn off all electrical equipment (radio, defroster, windshield wipers, lights, etc.) For other specific information, please refer to the vehicle owner’s manual.
  • Each step in the procedure "Jump Starting an Engine"' must be followed with extreme care or it could result in:
    • Bodily injury due to a gush of electrolyte through the vents,
    • Bodily injury or damage to the vehicles due to explosion of one of the batteries,
    • Damage to the electrical system of either or both cars.

1. Connect positive (+) booster cable to positive (+) terminal of discharged battery.

2. Connect other end of positive (+) cable to positive (+) terminal of assisting battery.

3. Connect negative (-) cable to negative (-) terminal of assisting battery.

4. MAKE FINAL CONNECTION OF NEGATIVE (-) CABLE TO ENGINE BLOCK OF STALLED VEHICLE, AWAY FROM BATTERY.

5. Start vehicle and remove cables in REVERSE order of connection.

 

How To: Safely Charge a Battery

Before beginning the charging operation, read the instructions that come with the charger. Never attempt to charge a battery without first reviewing the instructions for the charger being used. In addition to the charger manufacturer’s instructions, these general precautions should be followed.

•         Always charge batteries in a well-ventilated area and wear proper eye protection.

•         Turn the charger and timer “OFF” before connecting the leads to the battery to avoid dangerous sparks.

•         Never try to charge a visibly damaged or frozen battery

•         Connect the charger leads to the battery; red positive (+) lead to the positive (+) terminal and black negative (-) lead to the negative (-) terminal. If the battery is still in the vehicle, connect the negative lead to the engine block to serve as a ground. (If the vehicle is positive grounded, connect the positive lead to the engine block)

•         Make sure that the leads to the connections are tight

•         Set the timer, turn the charger on, and slowly increase the charging rate until the desire ampere value is reached

•         If the battery becomes hot or if violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs, reduce the charging rate or temporarily discontinue the charge

•         Always turn the charger “OFF” before removing charger leads from the battery to avoid dangerous sparks.

 

How To: Safely Handle Battery Acid

Battery acid, or electrolyte, is a solution of sulfuric acid and water that can destroy clothing and burn the skin. Use extreme caution when handling electrolyte and keep an acid-neutralizing solution – such as baking soda or house-hold ammonia mixed with water- readily available. When handling battery acid:

•         Always wear proper eye, face, and hand protection

•         If the electrolyte is splashed into an eye, immediately force the eye open and flood it with clean, cool water for at least 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.

•         If electrolyte is taken internally, drink large quantities of water or milk. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician immediately.

•         Neutralize any electrolyte that spills on a vehicle or in the work area with baking soda. After neutralizing, rinse the contaminated area clean with water.

To prepare electrolyte of a desired specific gravity, always pour the concentrated acid slowly into the water; DO NOT pour water into the acid. Always stir the water while adding small amounts of acid. If noticeable heat develops, allow the solution to cool before continuing to add acid.