ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
185
Test indicator
Battery
post cleaning tool
making or breaking any connection. Poor connections are
a common cause of electrical arcs that cause explosions.
Care and Inspection
The following battery maintenance information applies
to unsealed, wet
-
cell batteries. Although some of the pro
-
cedures also apply to other types of batteries, consult the
battery manufacturer for specific recommendations.
1.
Disconnect both battery cables (negative first, then
positive) and remove the battery hold
-
down or retainer
clamp. See
Figure
1
for a typical open installation and
Figure
2
for a typical enclosed installation.
NOTE
Some batteries have a carry strap built in
for use in Step
2.
See
Figure
3.
2.
Attach a battery carrier or carrier strap to the terminal
posts and lift the battery from the battery tray. Remove the
battery from the engine compartment.
3.
Check the entire battery case for cracks or other dam
-
age.
4.
If the battery has removable vent caps, cover the vent
holes in each cap with small pieces of masking tape.
NOTE
Keep cleaning solution out of the battery
cells in Step
5,
or the electrolyte will be seri
-
ously weakened.
5.
Scrub the top of the battery with a stiff bristle brush,
using a baking soda and water solution
(Figure
4).
Rinse
the battery case with clear water and wipe it dry with a
clean cloth or paper towels. Remove the masking tape
from the filler cap vent holes, if so equipped.
6.
Inspect the battery tray or container in the engine com
-
partment for corrosion. Remove and clean it, if necessary,
with the baking soda and water solution. Rinse it with
clear water and wipe it dry, then reinstall.
7.
Clean the battery cable clamps with a stiff wire brush
or one of the many tools made for this purpose
(Figure
5).
The same tool is used for cleaning the battery posts
(Fig
-
ure
6).
8.
Reposition the battery on the battery tray or container
and remove the carrier or strap. Install and tighten the
hold
-
down device.
9.
Reinstall the positive battery cable, then the negative
battery cable.
CA
UTION
Be sure the battery cables are connected to
their proper terminals. Reversing
thepolar-
ity can damage the alternatol:
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