2001 CHRYSLER VOYAGER load capacity

material protrude from the top of the molded plastic
battery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is visibly larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post, for easy identification.
The lettersPOS
andNEGare also molded into the
top of the battery case adjacent to their respective
positive and negative terminal posts for additional
identification confirmation. Refer toBattery Cables
in the index of this service manual for the location of
more information on the battery cables that connect
the battery to the vehicle electrical system.
This battery is designed to provide a safe, efficient
and reliable means of storing electrical energy in a
chemical form. This means of energy storage allows
the battery to produce the electrical energy required
to operate the engine starting system, as well as to
operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems
for limited durations while the engine and/or the
charging system are not operating. The battery is
made up of six individual cells that are connected in
series. Each cell contains positively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to the
positive terminal post, and negatively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to the
negative terminal post. Each plate consists of a stiff
mesh framework or grid coated with lead dioxide
(positive plate) or sponge lead (negative plate). Insu-
lators or plate separators made of a non-conductive
material are inserted between the positive and nega-
tive plates to prevent them from contacting or short-
ing against one another. These dissimilar metal
plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and water
solution called an electrolyte.
Some factory-installed batteries have a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. For more information on the use of the built-in
test indicator, refer toStandard Procedures The
factory-installed low-maintenance battery has
removable battery cell caps.Distilled water can
be added to this battery. The battery is not sealed
and has vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical
composition of the metal coated plates within the
low-maintenance battery reduces battery gassing and
water loss, at normal charge and discharge rates.
Therefore, the battery should not require additional
water in normal service. If the electrolyte level in
this battery does become low, distilled water must be
added. However, rapid loss of electrolyte can be
caused by an overcharging condition. Be certain to
diagnose the charging system after replenishing the
water in the battery for a low electrolyte condition
and before returning the vehicle to service. Refer to
Charging Systemfor additional information.The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be
found on the original equipment battery label. Be
certain that a replacement battery has the correct
Group Size number, as well as CCA, and RC or AH
ratings that equal or exceed the original equipment
specification for the vehicle being serviced. Refer to
Battery Specificationsin this group for the loca-
tion of the proper factory-installed battery specifica-
tions. Battery sizes and ratings are discussed in more
detail below.
Group Size
²The outside dimensions and terminal placement
of the battery conform to standards established by
the Battery Council International (BCI). Each bat-
tery is assigned a BCI Group Size number to help
identify a correctly-sized replacement.
Cold Cranking Amperage
²The Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) rating spec-
ifies how much current (in amperes) the battery can
deliver for thirty seconds at -18É C (0É F). Terminal
voltage must not fall below 7.2 volts during or after
the thirty second discharge period. The CCA required
is generally higher as engine displacement increases,
depending also upon the starter current draw
requirements.
Reserve Capacity
²The Reserve Capacity (RC) rating specifies the
time (in minutes) it takes for battery terminal volt-
age to fall below 10.5 volts, at a discharge rate of 25
amperes. RC is determined with the battery fully-
charged at 26.7É C (80É F). This rating estimates how
long the battery might last after a charging system
failure, under minimum electrical load.
Ampere-Hours
²The Ampere-Hours (AH) rating specifies the cur-
rent (in amperes) that a battery can deliver steadily
for twenty hours, with the voltage in the battery not
falling below 10.5 volts. This rating is also sometimes
identified as the twenty-hour discharge rating.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-7
BATTERY (Continued)

battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored.
The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may
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 if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned and inspected before diagnostic procedures
are performed. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for
the proper cleaning procedures, and Battery System
Inspection for the proper battery inspection proce-
dures. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
battery charging procedures.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS ARE IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
The condition of a battery is determined by two cri-
teria:
²State-Of-Charge- This can be determined by
checking the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte
(built-in indicator test or hydrometer test), or by
checking the battery voltage (open-circuit voltage
test).
²Cranking Capacity- This can be determined
by performing a battery load test, which measures
the ability of the battery to supply high-amperage
current.
First, determine the battery state-of-charge. This
can be done in one of three ways. If the battery has a
built-in test indicator, perform the built-in indicator
test to determine the state-of-charge. If the battery
has no built-in test indicator but does have remov-
able cell caps, perform the hydrometer test to deter-
mine the state-of-charge. If the battery cell caps are
not removable, or a hydrometer is not available, per-
form the open-circuit voltage test to determine the
state-of-charge. Refer to open-circuit voltage test in
the Standard Procedures section of this group.
Second, determine the battery cranking capacity by
performing a load test. The battery must be charged
before proceeding with a load test if:
²The battery built-in test indicator has a black or
dark color visible.
²The temperature corrected specific gravity of the
battery electrolyte is less than 1.235.
²The battery open-circuit voltage is less than 12.4
volts.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty,
and must be replaced. Further testing is not
required. A fully-charged battery must be load tested
8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

to determine its cranking capacity. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the load test, is
faulty and must be replaced.
NOTE: Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. Refer to Standard
Procedures for the proper battery charging proce-
dures.
A battery is fully-charged when:
²All battery cells are gassing freely during charg-
ing.
²A green color is visible in the sight glass of the
battery built-in test indicator.
²Three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
one-hour intervals, indicate no increase in the spe-
cific gravity of the battery electrolyte.
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.4 volts
or greater.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECKING BATTERY
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
The following procedure can be used to check the
electrolyte level in the battery.
(1) Remove the battery caps.
(2) Look through the battery cap holes to deter-
mine the level of the electrolyte in the battery. The
electrolyte should be approximately 1 centimeter
above the battery plates or until the hook inside the
battery cap holes is covered.
(3) Add only distilled water until the electrolyte
level is approx. one centimeter above the plates.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BATTERY
CHARGING
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A
battery is fully-charged when:
²All of the battery cells are gassing freely during
battery charging.
²A green color is visible in the sight glass of the
battery built-in test indicator.
²Three hydrometer tests, taken at one-hour inter-
vals, indicate no increase in the temperature-cor-
rected specific gravity of the battery electrolyte.
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.4 volts
or above.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED TWENTY AMPERES
WHEN CHARGING A COLD (-1É C [30É F] OR
LOWER) BATTERY. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTER-
NALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR
VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, DO NOTTEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH
REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH
OF THE CELL CAPS IS IN PLACE AND TIGHT
BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SER-
VICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING
CELL CAPS.
CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the bat-
tery negative cable before charging a battery. Do
not exceed sixteen volts while charging a battery.
Damage to the vehicle electrical system compo-
nents may result.
CAUTION: Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the
battery case during normal battery charging. Elec-
trolyte boiling or being discharged from the battery
vents indicates a battery overcharging condition.
Immediately reduce the charging rate or turn off the
charger to evaluate the battery condition. Damage
to the battery may result from overcharging.
CAUTION: The battery should not be hot to the
touch. If the battery feels hot to the touch, turn off
the charger and let the battery cool before continu-
ing the charging operation. Damage to the battery
may result.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures. If the battery
will endure a load test, return the battery to service.
If the battery will not endure a load test, it is faulty
and must be replaced.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-9
BATTERY (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST
An indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of the
battery case provides visual information for battery
testing (Fig. 7). Like a hydrometer, the built-in indi-
cator measures the specific gravity of the battery
electrolyte. The specific gravity of the electrolyte
reveals the battery state-of-charge; however, it will
not reveal the cranking capacity of the battery. A load
test must be performed to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to
obtain correct indications from the built-in indicator,
it is important that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to
view the indicator.Do not use open flame as a
source of additional light.
To read the built-in indicator, look into the sight
glass and note the color of the indication (Fig. 8). The
battery condition that each color indicates is
described in the following list:
²Green- Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-
charge. The battery is adequately charged for further
testing or return to service. If the starter will not
crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-
charged battery, the battery must be load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
load test procedures.
²Black or Dark- Indicates 0% to 75% battery
state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged
and must be charged until a green indication is visi-
ble in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the
battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer
to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charg-
ing procedures. Also refer to Diagnosis and Testingfor more information on the possible causes of the
discharged battery condition.
²Clear or Bright- Indicates a low battery elec-
trolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is
below the built-in indicator. Distilled water must be
added to a low-maintenance battery with removable
cell caps before it is charged. Refer to Standard Pro-
cedures for the proper battery filling procedures. A
low electrolyte level may be caused by an overcharg-
ing condition. Refer to Charging System for the
proper charging system diagnosis and testing proce-
dures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HYDROMETER TEST
The hydrometer test reveals the battery state-of-
charge by measuring the specific gravity of the elec-
trolyte.This test cannot be performed on
maintenance-free batteries with non-removable
cell caps.If the battery has non-removable cell caps,
refer to Diagnosis and Testing for alternate methods
of determining the battery state-of-charge.
Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of
the battery electrolyte to the density of pure water.
Pure water has a specific gravity of 1.000, and sulfu-
ric acid has a specific gravity of 1.835. Sulfuric acid
makes up approximately 35% of the battery electro-
lyte by weight, or 24% by volume. In a fully-charged
battery the electrolyte will have a temperature-cor-
rected specific gravity of 1.260 to 1.290. However, a
specific gravity of 1.235 or above is satisfactory for
the battery to be load tested and/or returned to ser-
vice.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. Then
remove the battery cell caps and check the electrolyte
level. Add distilled water if the electrolyte level is
below the top of the battery plates. Refer to Battery
System Cleaning for the proper battery inspection
procedures.
Fig. 7 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC RODFig. 8 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-11
BATTERY (Continued)

See the instructions provided by the manufacturer
of the hydrometer for recommendations on the cor-
rect use of the hydrometer that you are using.
Remove only enough electrolyte from the battery cell
so that the float is off the bottom of the hydrometer
barrel with pressure on the bulb released. To read
the hydrometer correctly, hold it with the top surface
of the electrolyte at eye level (Fig. 9).
CAUTION: Exercise care when inserting the tip of
the hydrometer into a battery cell to avoid damag-
ing the plate separators. Damaged plate separators
can cause early battery failure.
Hydrometer floats are generally calibrated to indi-
cate the specific gravity correctly only at 26.7É C (80É
F). When testing the specific gravity at any other
temperature, a correction factor is required. The cor-
rection factor is approximately a specific gravity
value of 0.004, which may also be identified as four
points of specific gravity. For each 5.5É C above 26.7É
C (10É F above 80É F), add four points. For each 5.5É
C below 26.7É C (10É F below 80É F), subtract four
points. Always correct the specific gravity for temper-
ature variation.
EXAMPLE:A battery is tested at -12.2É C (10É F)
and has a specific gravity of 1.240. Determine the
actual specific gravity as follows:(1) Determine the number of degrees above or
below 26.7É C (80É F):26.6É C - -12.2É C = 38.8É C
(80É F - 10É F = 70É F)
(2) Divide the result from Step 1 by 5.5É C (10É
F):38.8É C45.5ÉC=7(70É F410ÉF=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 26.7É C
(80É F); therefore, the temperature correction factor
is subtracted:1.240 - 0.028 = 1.212
(5) The corrected specific gravity of the battery cell
in this example is 1.212.
Test the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each
battery cell. If the specific gravity of all cells is above
1.235, but the variation between cells is more than
fifty 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 approximately
five amperes. Continue charging the battery until
three consecutive specific gravity tests, taken at one-
hour intervals, are constant. If the cell specific grav-
ity variation is more than fifty 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 the cell variation is less than fifty points (0.050),
the battery may be load tested to determine its
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery charging procedures.
(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
Turn on the headlamps for fifteen seconds, then
allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to
stabilize.
(2) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age (Fig. 10).
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking
capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
Fig. 9 Hydrometer - Typical
1 - BULB
2 - SURFACE COHESION
3 - SPECIFIC GRAVITY READING
4 - TEMPERATURE READING
5 - HYDROMETER BARREL
6 - FLOAT
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMRS
BATTERY (Continued)

battery load test procedures.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TABLE
Open Circuit Voltage Charge Percentage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.4 volts 75%
12.6 volts or more 100%
STANDARD PROCEDURE - LOAD TEST
A battery load test will verify the battery cranking
capacity. The test is based on the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating of the battery. To determine
the battery CCA rating, see the label affixed to the
battery case or refer to Battery Specifications for the
proper factory-installed specifications.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery charging procedures.
(1) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first. The battery top and posts should be
clean. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the
proper cleaning procedures.
(2) Connect a suitable volt-ammeter-load tester
(Fig. 11) to the battery posts (Fig. 12). See the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
tester you are using. Check the open-circuit voltage
(no load) of the battery. Refer to Standard Procedures
for the proper battery open-circuit voltage test proce-
dures. The battery open-circuit voltage must be 12.4
volts or greater.
(3) Rotate the load control knob (carbon pile rheo-
stat) to apply a 300 ampere load to the battery for
fifteen seconds, then return the control knob to the
Off position (Fig. 13). This will remove the surface
charge from the battery.
Fig. 10 Testing Open-Circuit Voltage - TypicalFig. 11 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester - Typical
Fig. 12 Volt-Ammeter-Load
1 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - POSITIVE CLAMP
Fig. 13 Remove Surface Charge from Battery
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-13
BATTERY (Continued)

BATTERY CABLES
DESCRIPTION
The battery cables are large gauge, stranded cop-
per wires sheathed within a heavy plastic or syn-
thetic rubber insulating jacket. The wire used in the
battery cables combines excellent flexibility and reli-
ability with high electrical current carrying capacity.
Refer toWiring Diagramsin the index of this ser-
vice manual for the location of the proper battery
cable wire gauge information.
A clamping type female battery terminal made of
soft lead is die cast onto one end of the battery cable
wire. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are
installed at the open end of the female battery termi-
nal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals are crimped
onto the opposite end of the battery cable wire and
then solder-dipped. The battery positive cable wires
have a red insulating jacket to provide visual identi-
fication and feature a larger female battery terminal
clamp to allow connection to the larger battery posi-
tive terminal post. The battery negative cable wires
have a black insulating jacket and a smaller female
battery terminal clamp.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
wire harness, which may include portions of the wir-
ing circuits for the generator and other components
on some models. Refer toWiring Diagramsin the
index of this service manual for the location of more
information on the various wiring circuits included in
the battery wire harness for the vehicle being ser-
viced.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a path back to the battery for electrical
current generated by the charging system for restor-
ing the voltage potential of the battery. The female
battery terminal clamps on the ends of the battery
cable wires provide a strong and reliable connection
of the battery cable to the battery terminal posts.
The terminal pinch bolts allow the female terminal
clamps to be tightened around the male terminal
posts on the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals
secured to the opposite ends of the battery cable
wires from the female battery terminal clamps pro-
vide secure and reliable connection of the battery
cables to the vehicle electrical system.The battery positive cable terminal clamp is die
cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the Intelligent Power
Module (IPM), and the other wire has an eyelet ter-
minal that connects the battery positive cable to the
B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor sole-
noid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp is
also die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire
has an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the left side of the engine cylinder block. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the left front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLE
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cable. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
PLE:When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging and load test procedures.
²Fully engage the parking brake.
RSBATTERY SYSTEM8F-17

(3)Add only distilled wateruntil the electrolyte
is above the hooks inside the battery cells (Fig. 4).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SPIRAL PLATE
BATTERY CHARGING
Battery charging is the means by which the bat-
tery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A
battery is fully-charged when:
²Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.65 volts
or above.
²Battery passes Load Test multiple times.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS OR LOW
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST, ASSIST-
BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY MAY ARC
INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY
AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the bat-
tery negative cable before charging a battery. Do
not exceed 14.4 volts while charging a battery.
CAUTION: The battery should not be hot to the
touch. If the battery feels hot to the touch, turn off
the charger and let the battery cool before continu-
ing the charging operation. Damage to the battery
may result.After the battery has been charged to 12.6 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures. If the battery
will endure a load test, return the battery to service.
If the battery will not endure a load test, it is faulty
and must be replaced.
Clean and inspect the battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, posts, and top before completing battery
service. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the
proper battery system cleaning procedures, and Bat-
tery System Inspection for the proper battery system
inspection procedures.
CHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY ± SPIRAL PLATE 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 the voltage at the battery posts with a
voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 5). If the
reading is below ten volts, the battery charging cur-
rent will be low. It could take some time before the
battery accepts a current greater than a few milliam-
peres. Such low current may not be detectable on the
ammeters built into many battery chargers.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Connect the battery charger leads. Some bat-
tery chargers are equipped with polarity-sensing cir-
cuitry. This circuitry protects the battery charger and
the battery from being damaged if they are improp-
erly connected. If the battery state-of-charge is too
low for the polarity-sensing circuitry to detect, the
battery charger will not operate. This makes it
appear that the battery will not accept charging cur-
rent. See the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the battery charger for details on how to
bypass the polarity-sensing circuitry.
Fig. 4 HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS -
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY ONLY
1 - TOP OF BATTERY
2 - HOOK INSIDE BATTERY CELLS
Fig. 5 Voltmeter - Typical
RGBATTERY SYSTEM - RG ONLY8Fa-3
BATTERY (Continued)