BATTERY INSPECTION

BME011718520W03

Warning
• Since battery acid is toxic, be careful when handling the battery.
• Since battery acid is highly corrosive, be careful not to allow it to contact clothing or the vehicle.
• In case battery acid contacts skin, eyes, or clothing, flush it immediately with running water. Especially if the acid gets in the eyes, flush with water for more than 15 min and get prompt medical attention.

Electrolyte gravity

1. Measure the electrolyte gravity using a hydrometer.

• If it is less than the specification, recharge the battery. (See BATTERY RECHARGING.)
Standard electrolyte gravity
1.22-1.29 [20 °C {68 °F}]

Battery

1. Inspect the battery in the following procedure.

Step

Inspection

Result

Action

1
Measure open circuit voltage of battery.
12.4 V or more
Go to Step 3.
Less than 12.4 V
Go to the next step.
2
Quick charge for 30 min and recheck voltage.
12.4 V or more
Go to the next step.
Less than 12.4 V
Replace the battery.
3
Apply load test (see load test chart) to battery using a battery load tester and record battery voltage after 15 s. Is voltage more than specification?
Yes
Battery normal.
No
Replace the battery.

Load test chart

Battery

Load (A)

55D23L
180
80D26L
195
95D31L
250
115D31L
320

Battery positive voltage with load

Approx. battery temp.

Minimum voltage (V)

21 °C {70 °F}
9.6
15 °C {60 °F}
9.5
10 °C {50 °F}
9.4
4 °C {40 °F}
9.3
-1 °C {30 °F}
9.1
-7 °C {20 °F}
8.9
-12 °C {10 °F}
8.7
-18 °C {0 °F}
8.5

Back-up Current

1. Verify that the ignition switch is off and that the ignition switch has been removed.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Caution
• Operating electrical loads while measuring the back-up current can damage the circuit tester.

3. Measure the back-up current between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable.

(1) If the current exceeds the maximum, remove the fuse in the main fuse block and the fuse block one by one while measuring the back-up current.
(2) Inspect and repair harnesses and connectors on the fuse where the current has been reduced.
Maximum back-up current
20 mA