1997 SUBARU LEGACY battery

1. Precaution

Before disassembling or reassembling parts, always
disconnect battery ground cable. When repairing
radio, control modules, etc. which are provided with
memory functions, record memory contents before
disconnecting battery ground cable. Otherwise, these
contents are cancelled upon disconnection.

Reassemble parts in reverse order of disassembly
procedure unless otherwise indicated.

Adjust parts to specifications contained in this
manual if so designated.

Connect connectors and hoses securely during
reassembly.

After reassembly, ensure functional parts operate
smoothly.
CAUTION:

Airbag system wiring harness is routed near the
electrical parts and switch.

All Airbag system wiring harness and connectors
are colored yellow. Do not use electrical test equip-
ment on these circuit.

Be careful not to damage Airbag system wiring har-
ness when servicing the ignition key cylinder.
G6M0102
2. Battery
A: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. BATTERY
1) Disconnect the positive (+) terminal after disconnecting
the negative () terminal of battery.
2) Remove flange nuts from battery rods and take off bat-
tery holder.
3) Remove battery.
Tightening torque:
3.4±1.0 N⋅m (0.35±0.1 kg-m, 2.5±0.7 ft-lb)
NOTE:

Clean battery cable terminals and apply grease to retard
the formation of corrosion.

Connect the positive (+) terminal of battery and then the
negative () terminal of the battery.
4
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Precaution - 2. Battery

1. Precaution

Before disassembling or reassembling parts, always
disconnect battery ground cable. When repairing
radio, control modules, etc. which are provided with
memory functions, record memory contents before
disconnecting battery ground cable. Otherwise, these
contents are cancelled upon disconnection.

Reassemble parts in reverse order of disassembly
procedure unless otherwise indicated.

Adjust parts to specifications contained in this
manual if so designated.

Connect connectors and hoses securely during
reassembly.

After reassembly, ensure functional parts operate
smoothly.
CAUTION:

Airbag system wiring harness is routed near the
electrical parts and switch.

All Airbag system wiring harness and connectors
are colored yellow. Do not use electrical test equip-
ment on these circuit.

Be careful not to damage Airbag system wiring har-
ness when servicing the ignition key cylinder.
G6M0102
2. Battery
A: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. BATTERY
1) Disconnect the positive (+) terminal after disconnecting
the negative () terminal of battery.
2) Remove flange nuts from battery rods and take off bat-
tery holder.
3) Remove battery.
Tightening torque:
3.4±1.0 N⋅m (0.35±0.1 kg-m, 2.5±0.7 ft-lb)
NOTE:

Clean battery cable terminals and apply grease to retard
the formation of corrosion.

Connect the positive (+) terminal of battery and then the
negative () terminal of the battery.
4
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Precaution - 2. Battery

B: INSPECTION
1. BATTERY
1) External parts
Check for the existence of dirt or cracks on the battery
case, top cover, vent plugs, and terminal posts. If
necessary, clean with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Apply a thin coat of grease on the terminal posts to prevent
corrosion.
2) Electrolyte level
Check the electrolyte level in each cell. If the level is below
MIN LEVEL, bring the level to MAX LEVEL by pouring dis-
tilled water into the battery cell. Do not fill beyond MAX
LEVEL.
WARNING:

Electrolyte has toxicity; be careful handling the
fluid.

Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Especially
at contact with eyes, blush with water for 15 minutes
and get prompt medical attention.

Batteries produce explosive gasses. Keep sparks,
flame, cigarettes away.

Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed space.

For safety, in case an explosion does occur, wear
eye protection or shield your eyes when working near
any battery. Never lean over a battery.

Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin, fabrics, or
paint-work because battery fluid is corrosive acid.

To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings, metal
watch-bands, and other metal jewelry. Never allow
metal tools to contact the positive battery terminal and
anything connected to it while you are at the same time
in contact with any other metallic portion of the vehicle
because a short circuit will be caused.
5
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
2. Battery

G6M0103
3) Specific gravity of electrolyte
Measure specific gravity of electrolyte using a hydrometer
and a thermometer.
Specific gravity varies with temperature of electrolyte so
that it must be corrected at 20°C (68°F) using the follow-
ing equation:
S
20= St + 0.0007 x (t 20)
S
20:Specific gravity corrected at electrolyte tempera-
ture of 20°C (68°F)
St :Measured specific gravity
t :Measured temperature °C
Determine whether or not battery must be charged,
according to corrected specific gravity.
Standard specific gravity: 1.220 — 1.290 [at 20°C
(68°F)]
Measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the bat-
tery will disclose the state of charge of the battery. The
relation between the specific gravity and the state of
charge is as shown in figure.
C: CHARGING
WARNING:

Do not bring an open flame close to the battery at
this time.
CAUTION:

Prior to charging, corroded terminals should be
cleaned with a brush and common baking soda solu-
tion.

Be careful since battery electrolyte overflows while
charging the battery.

Observe instructions when handling battery
charger.

Before charging the battery on vehicle, disconnect
battery ground terminal. Failure to follow this rule may
damage generator’s diodes or other electrical units.
1. NORMAL CHARGING
Charge the battery at current value specified by manufac-
turer or at approximately 1/10 of battery’s ampere hour
rating.
2. QUICK CHARGING
Quick charging is a method in which the battery is charged
in a short period of time with a relatively large current by
using a quick charger.
Since a large current flow raises electrolyte temperature,
the battery is subject to damage if the large current is used
for prolonged time. For this reason, the quick charging
must be carried out within a current range that will not
increase the electrolyte temperature above 40°C (104°F).
It should be also remembered that the quick charging is a
temporary means to bring battery voltage up to a fair value
and, as a rule, a battery should be charged slowly with a
low current.
6
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
2. Battery

CAUTION:

Observe the items in 1. NORMAL CHARGING 6-2
[W2C1].

Never use more than 10 amperes when charging the
battery because that will shorten battery life.
3. JUDGMENT OF BATTERY IN CHARGED
CONDITION
1) Specific gravity of electrolyte is held at a specific value
in a range from 1.250 to 1.290 for more than one hour.
2) Voltage per battery cell is held at a specific value in a
range from 2.5 to 2.8 volts for more than one hour.
4. CHECK HYDROMETER FOR STATE OF CHARGE
Hydrometer indicator State of charge Required action
Green dot Above 65% Load test
Dark dot Below 65% Charge battery
Clear dot Low electrolyteReplace battery.* (If
cranking complaint)
*: Check electrical system before replacement.
B6M0236
3. Ignition Switch
A: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. IGNITION SWITCH
1) Remove screws, separate upper column cover and
lower column cover.
2) Remove instrument panel lower cover.
B6M0333
3) Disconnect ignition switch connector from body har-
ness.
4) Using a drift and hammer, hit the torn bolt head to
loosen and remove the ignition switch.
B6M0334A
5) When installing, tighten the connecting bolt until its
head twists off.
7
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
2. Battery - 3. Ignition Switch

CAUTION:

Observe the items in 1. NORMAL CHARGING 6-2
[W2C1].

Never use more than 10 amperes when charging the
battery because that will shorten battery life.
3. JUDGMENT OF BATTERY IN CHARGED
CONDITION
1) Specific gravity of electrolyte is held at a specific value
in a range from 1.250 to 1.290 for more than one hour.
2) Voltage per battery cell is held at a specific value in a
range from 2.5 to 2.8 volts for more than one hour.
4. CHECK HYDROMETER FOR STATE OF CHARGE
Hydrometer indicator State of charge Required action
Green dot Above 65% Load test
Dark dot Below 65% Charge battery
Clear dot Low electrolyteReplace battery.* (If
cranking complaint)
*: Check electrical system before replacement.
B6M0236
3. Ignition Switch
A: REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. IGNITION SWITCH
1) Remove screws, separate upper column cover and
lower column cover.
2) Remove instrument panel lower cover.
B6M0333
3) Disconnect ignition switch connector from body har-
ness.
4) Using a drift and hammer, hit the torn bolt head to
loosen and remove the ignition switch.
B6M0334A
5) When installing, tighten the connecting bolt until its
head twists off.
7
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
2. Battery - 3. Ignition Switch

G6M0111
2. HEADLIGHT RELAY
Check continuity between terminals as indicated in table
below, when connecting the battery to terminal No. 1 and
No. 3.
When current flows.Between terminals
No. 2 and No. 4Continuity exists.
When current does not flow.Between terminals
No. 2 and No. 4Continuity does not
exist.
Between terminals
No. 1 and No. 3Continuity exists.
G6M0113
3. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT RELAY
Check continuity between terminals (indicated in table
below) when terminal No. 1 is connected to battery and
terminal No. 2 is grounded.
When current flows.Between terminals
No. 3 and No. 4Continuity exists.
When current does not flow.Between terminals
No. 3 and No. 4Continuity does not
exist.
Between terminals
No. 1 and No. 2Continuity exists.
13
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
4. Headlight

G6M0114
Check continuity between terminals (indicated in table
below) when terminal No. 1 is connected to battery and
terminal No. 2 is grounded.
When current flows.Between terminals
No. 3 and No. 5Continuity does not
exist.
Between terminals
No. 3 and No. 4Continuity exists.
When current does not flow.Between terminals
No. 3 and No. 5Continuity exists.
Between terminals
No. 3 and No. 4Continuity does not
exist.
Between terminals
No. 1 and No. 2Continuity exists.
14
6-2SERVICE PROCEDURE
4. Headlight