Battery Charging: Notes
Battery charging is the means by which the battery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A battery is fully-charged when:
- Midtronics (special tool #GR8-1220KIT-CHRY, AGM Battery Tester/Charger Station) tester indicates battery is OK.
- All of the battery cells are gassing freely during battery charging.
- Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts or above.
Never exceed twenty amperes when charging a cold (-1° C [30° F] or lower) battery. The battery may arc internally and explode. Personal injury and/or vehicle damage may result.
If the battery shows signs of freezing, leaking, loose posts, 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.
Always disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable before charging a battery. Do not exceed sixteen volts while charging a battery. Damage to the vehicle electrical system components may result.
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the battery case during normal battery charging. Electrolyte boiling or being discharged from the battery vents indicates a battery overcharging condition. Immediately reduce the charging rate or turn off the charger to evaluate the battery condition. Damage to the battery may result from overcharging.
After the battery has been charged to 12.65 volts or greater, perform a load test to determine the battery cranking capacity, for the proper battery load test procedures. Refer to BATTERY TESTING . If the battery will endure a load test, return the battery to service. If the battery will not endure a load test, it is inoperative and must be replaced.
Clean and inspect the battery hold down, tray, terminals, posts, and top before completing battery service. For the proper battery system cleaning and inspection procedures, refer to CLEANING and INSPECTION .