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:
- The Midtronics (special tool #GR8-1220KIT-CHRY, AGM Battery Tester/Charger Station) tester indicates battery is GOOD.
- All of the battery cells are gassing freely during battery charging.
- An 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 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 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 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.
The battery should not be hot to the touch. If the battery feels hot to the touch, turn off the charger and let the battery cool before continuing the charging operation. Damage to the battery may result.
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, STANDARD PROCEDURE . 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.