CHRYSLER SERVICE MANUAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM—95
Section
VI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERIES
1.
TESTING THE 12-VOLT BATTERY (FIG. 1)
NOTE:
The battery cable terminals should be tight on
battery posts to insure good contact. Battery
posts and terminals that are corroded should be
disconnected, terminals and clamp cleaned with
a soda solution and a stiff brush. After clean-
ing, apply a thin coating of petrolatum.
a. Specific Gravity Test
Test specific gravity of battery with an accurate
hydrometer. Where electrolyte level is too low
to make a test, add battery water but do not at-
tempt to test gravity until battery has been re-
turned to service operation for at least four
hours of normal driving.
The specific gravity of electrolyte will vary 4
points (.004) with every 10 degree F. change in
temperature. Subtract 4 points (.004) for each
10 degrees below, and add .004 for each 10 de-
grees above 80 degrees F. Readings must be
corrected to 80 degrees F. before interpreting,
as follows:
TERMINALS
CASE
ELEMENT REST-
SEDIMENT SPACED ^^ 56x553
Fig.
1 -Typical 12-Volt Battery (Cut-Away View)
A fully-charged battery has a specific gravity
reading of 1.260 to 1.300 (all batteries for use
in temperate climates).
A battery that has a specific gravity reading
of 1.230 or less, and all cells reading evenly
within 15 specific gravity points (.015) of each
other, requires recharging.
A battery that has a specific gravity reading
which varies more than 15 points between any
two cells should be recharged and high rate dis-
charge tester or other suitable method used to
check battery before discarding battery as un-
suitable for use.
b.
Voltage Tests
(1) Battery Cell Tester (Open-Circuit Voltmeter)
To make battery test, contact the meter prods
(Tool MT-379) to proper cell terminals (red
to positive, black to negative), using caution
not to connect across more than one cell. The
point of prod will have to be pushed through
sealing compound to make contact with buried
link for each cell reading.
NOTE
Freshly charged batteries have a "surface
charge" which causes high and inaccurate read-
readings unless properly dissipated. If battery
is in vehicle, turn headlights on for one to three
minutes to remove surface charge. Then turn
lights off and wait several minutes before taking
another reading.
The individual cell readings should not vary
more than 0.05 volt between any two cells. A
battery varying more than 0.05 volt between
any two cells should be recharged and high rate
discharge tester or other suitable method used
to check battery before discarding battery as
unsuitable for use.
(2) High Rate Discharge Test of Capacity
(Fig. 2)
Satisfactory capacity tests can be made only
MyMopar.com
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