1995 JEEP CHEROKEE load capacity

AXLE NOISE/VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Driveline Snap........................... 19
Gear and Bearing Noise.................... 18
General Information....................... 18Low Speed Knock......................... 19
Vibration................................ 19
GENERAL INFORMATION
Axle bearing problem conditions are usually caused
by:
²Insufficient or incorrect lubricant
²Foreign matter/water contamination
²Incorrect bearing preload torque adjustment
²Incorrect backlash (to tight)
When serviced, the bearings must be cleaned thor-
oughly. They should be dried with lint-free shop tow-
els.Never dry bearings with compressed air.
This will overheat them and brinell the bearing
surfaces. This will result in noisy operation af-
ter repair.
Axle gear problem conditions are usually the result
of:
²Insufficient lubrication
²Incorrect or contaminated lubricant
²Overloading (excessive engine torque) or exceeding
vehicle weight capacity
²Incorrect clearance or backlash adjustment
Insufficient lubrication is usually the result of a
housing cover leak. It can also be from worn axle
shaft or pinion gear seals. Check for cracks or porous
areas in the housing or tubes.
Using the wrong lubricant will cause overheating
and gear failure. Gear tooth cracking and bearing
spalling are indicators of this.
Axle component breakage is most often the result
of:
²Severe overloading
²Insufficient lubricant
²Incorrect lubricant
²Improperly tightened components
Overloading occurs when towing heavier than rec-
ommended loads. Component breakage can occur
when the wheels are spun excessively. Incorrect lu-
bricant quantity contributes to breakage. Loose dif-
ferential components can also cause breakage.
Incorrect bearing preload or gear backlash will not
result in component breakage. Mis-adjustment will
produce enough noise to cause service repair before a
failure occurs. If a mis-adjustment condition is not
corrected, component failure can result.
Excessive bearing preload may not be noisy. This
condition will cause high temperature which can re-
sult in bearing failure.
GEAR AND BEARING NOISE
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant. Incorrect backlash, tooth contact, or worn/dam-
aged gears can cause noise.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The range is 30 to 40 mph, or above 50 mph.
The noise can also occur during a specific type of
driving condition. These conditions are acceleration,
deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, accelerate the vehicle to the
speed range where the noise is the greatest. Shift
out-of-gear and coast through the peak-noise range.
If the noise stops or changes greatly, check for insuf-
ficient lubricant. Incorrect ring gear backlash, or
gear damage can cause noise changes.
Differential side and pinion gears can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise in straight-ahead driving. These gears are
loaded during vehicle turns. If noise does occur dur-
ing vehicle turns, the side or pinion gears could be
worn or damaged. A worn pinion gear mate shaft can
also cause a snapping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion gear bear-
ings can all produce noise when worn or damaged.
Bearing noise can be either a whining, or a growling
sound.
Pinion gear bearings have a constant-pitch noise.
This noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion
bearing noise will be higher because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs the pinion rear bearing is
the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is heard
during a coast, front bearing is the source.
Worn, damaged differential bearings usually pro-
duce a low pitch noise. Differential bearing noise is
similar to pinion bearing. The pitch of differential
bearing noise is also constant and varies only with
vehicle speed.
2 - 18 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

AXLE SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL 30 FRONT AXLE
Axle Type........................................................Hypoid
Lubricant................SAE Thermally Stable 80W-90
Lube Capacity
YJ .....................................................1.65 L (3.76 pts.)
XJ .....................................................1.48 L (3.13 pts.)
Axle Ratio...................................3.07 3.55 3.73 4.10
DifferentialSide Gear Clearance .0.12-0.20mm (0.005-0.008 in.)
Ring Gear
Diameter .....................................18.09 cm (7.125 in.)
Backlash.........................0-0.15 mm (0.005-0.008 in.)
Pinion Std. Depth...................92.1 mm (3.625 in.)
Pinion Bearing Preload
Original Bearing ..................1-2 Nzm (10-20 in. lbs.)
New Bearing ......................1.5-4 Nzm (15-35 in. lbs.)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
XJ FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut ......................................11 Nzm (8 ft. lbs.)
Lower Nut ....................................23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.)
Suspension Arm Upper
Front Nut .....................................74 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.)
Rear Nut ......................................89 Nzm (66 ft. lbs.)
Suspension Arm Lower
Front and Rear Nut ..................115 Nzm (85 ft. lbs.)
Stabilizer Bar
Clamp Bolt ...................................54 Nzm (40 ft. lbs.)
Link Upper Nut ..........................36 Nzm (27 ft. lbs.)
Link Lower Nut ..........................95 Nzm (70 ft. lbs.)
Track Bar
Ball Stud Nut ..............................81 Nzm (60 ft. lbs.)
Axle Bracket Bolt ......................100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.)
Track Bar Bracket
Bolts............................................125 Nzm (92 ft. lbs.)
Nut ..............................................100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.)
Support Bolts ...............................42 Nzm (31 ft. lbs.)
YJ FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut ......................................13 Nzm (9 ft. lbs.)Lower Nut ....................................61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
Stabilizer Bar
Clamp Bolt ...................................41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.)
Link Nut ......................................61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
Track Bar
Frame Bracket Nut.................142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.)
Axle Bracket Nut ......................100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.)
Spring
U-Bolt Nut .................................122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.)
Front Shackle Bolt ..................135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.)
Rear Pivot Bolt........................142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.)
MODEL 30 AXLE
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Fill Hole Plug...........................34 Nzm (25 ft. lbs.)
Diff. Cover Bolt........................41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.)
Bearing Cap Bolt.....................61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
Ring Gear Bolt.............95-122 Nzm (70-90 ft. lbs.)
Shift Motor Bolt.........................11 Nzm (8 ft. lbs.)
Axle Nut.................................237 Nzm (175 ft. lbs.)
Wheel Brg. Bolt......................102 Nzm (75 ft. lbs.)
Lower Ball Stud.....................108 Nzm (80 ft. lbs.)
Upper Ball Stud.....................101 Nzm (75 ft. lbs.)
ABS Sensor Bolt......................11 Nzm (96 in. lbs.)
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 49

AXLE NOISE/VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
Driveline Snap........................... 10
Gear and Bearing Noise..................... 9
General Information........................ 9
Limited Slip Differential..................... 10Low Speed Knock......................... 10
Rear Axle Alignment....................... 10
Vibration................................ 10
GENERAL INFORMATION
Axle bearing problem conditions are usually caused
by:
²Insufficient or incorrect lubricant
²Foreign matter/water contamination
²Incorrect bearing preload torque adjustment
²Incorrect backlash (to tight)
When serviced, the bearings must be cleaned thor-
oughly. They should be dried with lint-free shop tow-
els.Never dry bearings with compressed air.
This will overheat them and brinell the bearing
surfaces. This will result in noisy operation af-
ter repair.
Axle gear problem conditions are usually the result of:
²Insufficient lubrication
²Incorrect or contaminated lubricant
²Overloading (excessive engine torque) or exceeding
vehicle weight capacity
²Incorrect clearance or backlash adjustment
Insufficient lubrication is usually the result of a
housing cover leak. It can also be from worn axle
shaft or pinion gear seals. Check for cracks or porous
areas in the housing or tubes.
Using the wrong lubricant will cause overheating
and gear failure. Gear tooth cracking and bearing
spalling are indicators of this.
Axle component breakage is most often the result of:
²Severe overloading
²Insufficient lubricant
²Incorrect lubricant
²Improperly tightened components
Overloading occurs when towing heavier than rec-
ommended loads. Component breakage can occur
when the wheels are spun excessively. Incorrect lu-
bricant quantity contributes to breakage. Loose dif-
ferential components can also cause breakage.
Incorrect bearing preload or gear backlash will not
result in component breakage. Mis-adjustment will
produce enough noise to cause service repair before a
failure occurs. If a mis-adjustment condition is not
corrected, component failure can result.
Excessive bearing preload may not be noisy. This
condition will cause high temperature which can re-
sult in bearing failure.
GEAR AND BEARING NOISE
GEAR NOISE
Axle gear noise can be caused by insufficient lubri-
cant. Incorrect backlash, tooth contact, or worn/dam-
aged gears can cause noise.
Gear noise usually happens at a specific speed
range. The range is 30 to 40 mph, or above 50 mph.
The noise can also occur during a specific type of
driving condition. These conditions are acceleration,
deceleration, coast, or constant load.
When road testing, accelerate the vehicle to the
speed range where the noise is the greatest. Shift
out-of-gear and coast through the peak-noise range.
If the noise stops or changes greatly, check for insuf-
ficient lubricant. Incorrect ring gear backlash, or
gear damage can cause noise changes.
Differential side and pinion gears can be checked
by turning the vehicle. They usually do not cause
noise in straight-ahead driving. These gears are
loaded during vehicle turns. If noise does occur dur-
ing vehicle turns, the side or pinion gears could be
worn or damaged. A worn pinion gear mate shaft can
also cause a snapping or a knocking noise.
BEARING NOISE
The axle shaft, differential and pinion gear bear-
ings can all produce noise when worn or damaged.
Bearing noise can be either a whining, or a growling
sound.
Pinion gear bearings have a constant-pitch noise.
This noise changes only with vehicle speed. Pinion
bearing noise will be higher because it rotates at a
faster rate. Drive the vehicle and load the differen-
tial. If bearing noise occurs the pinion rear bearing is
the source of the noise. If the bearing noise is heard
during a coast, front bearing is the source.
Worn, damaged differential bearings usually pro-
duce a low pitch noise. Differential bearing noise is
similar to pinion bearing. The pitch of differential
bearing noise is also constant and varies only with
vehicle speed.
Axle shaft bearings produce noise and vibration
when worn or damaged. The noise generally changes
when the bearings are loaded. Road test the vehicle.
Turn the vehicle sharply to the left and to the right.
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 9

AXLE SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL 35 AXLE
Axle Type...............................Semi-Floating Hypoid
Lubricant................SAE Thermally Stable 80W-90
Lubricant Trailer Tow.............Synthetic 75W-140
Lube Capacity..............................1.66 L (3.50 pts.)
Axle Ratio................................3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10
Differential
Bearing Preload ............................0.1 mm (0.004 in.)
Side Gear Clearance ............0-0.15 mm (0-0.006 in.)
Ring Gear
Diameter .......................................19.2 cm (7.562 in.)
Backlash.........................0-0.15 mm (0.005-0.008 in.)
Pinion Std. Depth...................96.8 mm (3.813 in.)
Pinion Bearing Preload
Original Bearing ....................1-2Nzm (10-20 in. lbs.)
New Bearing .......................1.5-4Nzm (15-35 in. lbs.)
8 1/4 AXLE
Axle Type................................Semi-floating, hypoid
Lubricant...............................................SAE 75W-90
Lube Capacity................................2.08 L (4.4 pts.)
Axle Ratios.........................................3.07 3.55 4.10
Differential
Side Gear Clearance ..................0.12 mm (0.005 in.)
Case Flange Runout ..................0.07 mm (0.003 in.)
Bearing Preload ...........................95 Nzm (70 ft. lbs.)
Ring Gear
Diameter .......................................20.95 cm (8.25 in.)
Backlash....................0.12-0.20 mm (0.005-0.008 in.)
Runout .......................................0.127 mm (0.005 in.)
Pinion Bearing
Preload ....................................1-2 Nzm (10-20 in.lbs.)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
XJ REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Shock Absorber
Upper Bolt ...................................23 Nzm (17 ft. lbs.)
Lower Nut ....................................62 Nzm (46 ft. lbs.)
Stabilizer Bar
Clamp Bolt ...................................54 Nzm (40 ft. lbs.)
Link Upper Bolt ............................12 Nzm (9 ft. lbs.)
Link Lower Nut ..........................74 Nzm (55 ft. lbs.)
Spring
U-Bolt Nut ...................................70 Nzm (52 ft. lbs.)
Front Pivot Bolt ......................148 Nzm (109 ft. lbs.)
Upper Shackle Bolt .................148 Nzm (109 ft. lbs.)
Lower Shackle Bolt ...................108 Nzm (80 ft. lbs.)
YJ REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut ....................................61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
Lower Nut ....................................61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.)
Track Bar
Frame Bracket Nut.................142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.)
Axle Bracket Nut ....................142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.)Spring
U-Bolt Nut .................................122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.)
Rear Shackle Bolts..................136 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.)
Front Pivot Bolt ......................142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.)
MODEL 35 AXLE
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Fill Hole Plug...........................34 Nzm (25 ft. lbs.)
Diff. Cover Bolt........................41 Nzm (30 ft. lbs.)
Bearing Cap Bolt.....................77 Nzm (57 ft. lbs.)
Pinion Nut...............292-427 Nzm (215-315 ft. lbs.)
Ring Gear Bolt.............95-122 Nzm (70-90 ft. lbs.)
RWAL/ABS Sensor Bolt.........24 Nzm (18. ft. lbs.)
8 1/4 AXLE
DESCRIPTION ................................................TORQUE
Diff. Cover Bolt........................47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.)
Bearing Cap Bolt.....................95 Nzm (70 ft. lbs.)
Pinion Nut.............................285 Nzm (210 ft. lbs.)
Ring Gear Bolt.........................95 Nzm (70 ft. lbs.)
RWAL/ABS Sensor Bolt.........24 Nzm (18. ft. lbs.)
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 51

TANK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
(1) Remove the tube clamp at the tank and remove
tube.
(2) On YJ models, remove the windshield washer
reservoir and its mounting bracket.
(3) Remove the tank mounting bolts and remove
tank.
(4) Reverse the preceding steps for installation.
RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP
All radiators are equipped with a pressure cap.
This cap releases pressure at some point within a
range of 83-110 kPa (12-16 psi). The pressure relief
point (in pounds) is engraved on top of the cap (Fig.
25).
The cooling system will operate at pressures
slightly above atmospheric pressure. This results in a
higher coolant boiling point allowing increased radi-
ator cooling capacity. The cap (Fig. 25) contains a
spring-loaded pressure relief valve. This valve opens
when system pressure reaches the release range of
83-110 kPa (12-16 psi).
A vent valve in the center of the cap allows a small
coolant flow through the cap when coolant is below
boiling temperature. The valve is completely closed
when boiling point is reached. As coolant cools, it
contracts and creates a vacuum in the cooling sys-
tem. This causes the vacuum valve to open and cool-
ant in reserve/overflow tank to be drawn through
connecting hose into radiator. If the vacuum valve is
stuck shut, radiator hoses will collapse on cool-down.A rubber gasket seals the radiator filler neck. This
is done to maintain vacuum during coolant cool-down
and to prevent leakage when system is under pres-
sure.RADIATOR CAP-TO-FILLER NECK SEALÐ
PRESSURE RELIEF CHECK
With radiator cap installed on filler neck, remove
coolant reserve/ overflow tank hose from nipple on
filler neck. Connect a hand operated vacuum pump
to nipple. Operate pump until a reading of 47-to-61
kPa (14-to-18 in. Hg) appears on gauge. If the read-
ing stays steady, or drops slightly and then remains
steady, the pressure valve seal is good. Replace radi-
ator cap if reading does not hold.
WARNING: THE WARNING WORDS -DO NOT OPEN
HOT- ON THE RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP (FIG. 25)
ARE A SAFETY PRECAUTION. WHEN HOT, PRES-
SURE BUILDS UP IN COOLING SYSTEM. TO PRE-
VENT SCALDING OR INJURY, THE RADIATOR CAP
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED WHILE THE SYSTEM
IS HOT AND/OR UNDER PRESSURE.
There is no need to remove the radiator capex-
ceptfor the following purposes:
(1) To check and adjust antifreeze freeze point.
(2) To refill system with new antifreeze.
(3) For conducting service procedures.
Fig. 24 Reserve/Overflow TankÐXJ ModelsÐWith
Right Hand Drive
Fig. 25 Radiator Pressure Cap
JCOOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURES 7 - 25

charged. However, even with these vents, hydrogen
gas can collect in or around the battery. If hydrogen
gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it can ignite.
If the electrolyte level is low, the battery could arc
internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced when the electrolyte level is
low.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ASSIST BOOST,
CHARGE, OR TEST BATTERY WHEN ELECTRO-
LYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE PLATES.
PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
BATTERY RATINGS
Currently, there are 2 commonly accepted methods
for rating and comparing battery performance. These
ratings are called Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA),
and Reserve Capacity (RC). Be certain that a replace-
ment battery has CCA and RC ratings that equal or
exceed the original equipment specification for the
vehicle being serviced. See Battery Classifications
and Ratings charts in Specifications at the back of
this group.
COLD CRANKING AMPERAGE
The Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) rating speci-
fies how much current (in amperes) the battery can
deliver for 30 seconds at -17.7ÉC (0ÉF). Terminal volt-
age must not fall below 7.2 volts during or after the
30 second discharge. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
RESERVE CAPACITY
The Reserve Capacity (RC) rating specifies the
time (in minutes) it takes for battery terminal volt-
age to fall below 10.2 volts at a discharge rate of 25
amps. RC is determined with the battery fully-
charged at 26.7ÉC (80ÉF). This rating estimates how
long the battery might last after a charging system
failure, under minimum electrical load.
DIAGNOSIS
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts, and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned before diagnostic procedures are performed.
Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Ser-
vice for more information.
The condition of a battery is determined by two cri-
teria:
(1)State-Of-ChargeThis can be determined by
viewing the built-in test indicator, by checking spe-
cific gravity of the electrolyte (hydrometer test), or by
checking battery voltage (open circuit voltage test).(2)Cranking CapacityThis can be determined
by performing a battery load test, which measures
the ability of the battery to supply high-amperage
current.
If the battery has a built-in test indicator, use this
test first. If it has no test indicator, but has remov-
able cell caps, perform the hydrometer test first. If
cell caps are not removable, or a hydrometer is not
available, perform the open circuit voltage test first.
The battery must be charged before proceeding
with a load test if:
²the built-in test indicator has a black or dark color
visible
²the temperature corrected specific gravity is less
than 1.235
²the open circuit voltage is less than 12.4 volts.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty
and further testing is not required. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the load test is
faulty and must be replaced.
Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. See Charging
Completely Discharged Battery.
A battery is fully-charged when:
²all cells are gassing freely during charging
²a green color is visible in the sight glass of the
built-in test indicator
²three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
1-hour intervals, indicate no increase in specific grav-
ity
²open circuit voltage is 12.4 volts or greater.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnor-
mal battery discharging:
(1) Corroded battery posts and terminals.
(2) Loose or worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system, possibly due to equipment installed
after manufacture or repeated short trip use.
(4) Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
(5) Faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw. See Ignition-Off Draw in this group
for diagnosis.
(6) Faulty charging system.
(7) Faulty or incorrect battery.
BUILT-IN TEST INDICATOR
A test indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of
the battery case, provides visual information for bat-
tery testing (Fig. 1). It is important when using the
test indicator that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass to see correct indications. Additional
light may be required to view indicator.
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3

the specific gravity for temperature variation. Test
the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each battery
cell.
Example: A battery is tested at -12.2ÉC (10ÉF) and
has a specific gravity of 1.240. Determine the actual
specific gravity as follows:
(1) Determine the number of degrees above or be-
low 26.7ÉC (80ÉF):
26.6ÉC - -12.2ÉC = 38.8ÉC (80ÉF - 10ÉF = 70ÉF)
(2) Divide the result from step 1 by 5.5 (10):
38.8ÉC/5.5 = 7 (70ÉF/10 = 7)
(3) Multiply the result from step 2 by the temper-
ature correction factor (0.004):
7 x 0.004 = 0.028
(4) The temperature at testing was below 26.7ÉC
(80ÉF); therefore, the temperature correction is sub-
tracted:
1.240 - 0.028 = 1.212
The corrected specific gravity of the battery in this
example is 1.212.
If the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235, but
variation between cells is more than 50 points
(0.050), the battery should be replaced.
If the specific gravity of one or more cells is less
than 1.235, charge the battery at a rate of approxi-
mately 5 amperes. Continue charging until 3 consec-
utive specific gravity tests, taken at 1-hour intervals,
are constant. If the cell specific gravity variation is
more than 50 points (0.050) at the end of the charge
period, replace the battery.
When the specific gravity of all cells is above 1.235,
and cell variation is less than 50 points (0.050), the
battery may be load tested.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open circuit voltage (no load) test will
show state-of-charge of a battery. This test can be
used in place of the hydrometer test if a hydrometer
is not available, or for maintenance-free batteries
with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test or load test,
completely charge battery as described in Bat-
tery Charging in this group.
Test battery open circuit voltage as follows:
(1) Before measuring open circuit voltage the sur-
face charge must be removed from the battery. Turn
headlamps on for 15 seconds, then allow up to 5 min-
utes for voltage to stabilize.
(2) Remove both battery cables, negative first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (refer to instructions provided with voltmeter)
measure open circuit voltage (Fig. 3).
See Open Circuit Voltage chart. This voltage read-
ing will indicate state-of-charge, but will not reveal
cranking capacity. If a battery has an open circuit
voltage reading of 12.4 volts or greater, it may be
load tested. A battery that will not endure a load test
is faulty and must be replaced.
LOAD TEST
A battery load test will verify battery cranking ca-
pacity. The test is based on the Cold Cranking Am-
perage (CCA) rating of the battery. See Battery
Classifications and Ratings chart in Specifications, at
the back of this group.
WARNING: IF BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZ-
ING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR LOW ELECTRO-
LYTE LEVEL, DO NOT LOAD TEST. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Before performing load test, the battery must
be FULLY-CHARGED.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative first. Bat-
tery top and posts should be clean.
(2) Connect a suitable volt-ammeter-load tester
(Fig. 4) to the battery posts (Fig. 5). Refer to operat-
ing instructions provided with the tester being used.
Check the open circuit voltage (no load) of the bat-
tery. Open circuit voltage must be 12.4 volts or
greater.
(3) Rotate the load control knob (carbon pile rheo-
stat) to apply a 300 amp load for 15 seconds, then re-
turn the control knob to OFF (Fig. 6). This will
remove the surface charge from the battery.
(4) Allow the battery to stabilize to open circuit
voltage. It may take up to 5 minutes for voltage to
stabilize.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
Fig. 3 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
8A - 6 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

WARNING: POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. BATTERY
CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH
SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN EVENT OF CON-
TACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHIL-
DREN.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the battery negative
cable before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical system components. Do not exceed 16.0
volts while charging battery.
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside battery case
during normal battery charging. If the electrolyte
boils, or is discharged from the vent holes while
charging, immediately reduce charging rate or turn
OFF charger and evaluate battery condition.
Battery should not be hot to the touch. If the
battery feels hot to the touch, turn OFF
charger and let battery cool before continuing
charging operation.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing circuitry. This circuitry protects the charger
and/or battery from being damaged if improperly con-
nected.
If the battery state-of-charge is too low for the po-
larity sensing circuitry to detect, the charger will not
operate. This makes it appear that the battery will
not accept charging current. Refer to instructions
provided with the battery charger being used to by-
pass the polarity sensing circuitry.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. If the battery will endure a load test, return
the battery to use. If the battery will not endure a
load test, it must be replaced.
Clean and inspect battery holddowns, tray, termi-
nals, posts, and top before completing service. Refer
to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Service for
more information.
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary, de-
pending upon the following factors:(1)Battery CapacityÐA completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the recharging
time of a small capacity battery.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 20 AMPS WHEN
CHARGING A COLD (-1ÉC/30ÉF) BATTERY. PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
(2)TemperatureÐA longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18ÉC (0ÉF) than at 27ÉC (80ÉF).
When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
current accepted by the battery will be very low at
first. As the battery warms, it will accept a higher
charging current rate.
(3)Charger CapacityÐA charger that supplies
only 5 amperes will require a longer charging time. A
charger that supplies 20 amperes or more requires a
shorter charging time.
(4)State-Of-ChargeÐA completely discharged
battery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless this proce-
dure is properly followed, a good battery may be
needlessly replaced.
(1) Measure voltage at battery posts with a voltme-
ter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 8). If the reading
is below 10 volts, the charge current will be low. It
could take some time before the battery accepts a
current greater than a few milliamperes. Such low
current may not be detectable on ammeters built into
many chargers.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable. Connect
charger leads. Some battery chargers are equipped
BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Fig. 8 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt Connected
8A - 8 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ