Battery Test
WARNING:
DO NOT
charge, boost, load test or add electrolyte/water when battery built-in hydrometer "eye" is Yellow or other bright color. Personal injury may occur.
NOTE:
Perform visual check before proceeding. If battery shows signs of freezing, leakage, loose battery posts, or low electrolyte/water level, DO NOT
test battery. After each repair, perform TEST CH-VER, CHARGING VERIFICATION .
- If battery has a built-in hydrometer, and "eye" color is Green, go to step 3). If "eye" is Yellow or other bright color, replace battery. If "eye" is dark in color, charge battery and go to step 3).
- If battery does not have a built-in hydrometer, turn ignition and all accessories off. Using voltmeter, check battery voltage across battery posts. If voltage is 12 volts or more, go to next step. If voltage is less than 12 volts, charge or replace battery and go to next step.
- Disconnect battery cables, and check terminals and posts. Clean terminals and posts if necessary. Connect a load tester to battery posts. Remove any surface charge by applying 300-amp load for 15 seconds, then turn off load. Wait minimum 15 seconds to allow battery to stabilize. Apply another load equal to 50 percent of battery cold cranking rating for 15 seconds and record minimum voltage reading.
- Determine battery operating temperature and check battery minimum voltage specification. See MINIMUM VOLTAGE SPECIFICATION table. If voltage is not to specification, replace battery. If voltage reading is to specification, reconnect battery cables and proceed to TEST TC-1A, CHECKING SYSTEM FOR DTCS under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTS.
MINIMUM VOLTAGE SPECIFICATION
| Battery Temperature | Minimum Voltage |
|---|---|
| 70°F (21°C) Or More | 9.6 Volts |
| 60°F (16°C) | 9.5 Volts |
| 50°F (12°C) | 9.4 Volts |
| 40°F (4°C) | 9.3 Volts |
| 30°F (-1°C) | 9.1 Volts |
| 20°F (-7°C) | 8.9 Volts |
| 10°F (-12°C) | 8.7 Volts |
| 0°F (-18°C) | 8.5 Volts |