09 Maintenance and servicing
Battery 09
226
Battery maintenance
Driving habits and conditions, climate, the
number of starts, etc., all affect the service life
and function of the battery. In order for your
battery to perform satisfactorily, keep the fol-
lowing in mind:
Check the fluid level in each cell in the battery
every 24 months or every 15,000
1 miles
(24,000 km), whichever is sooner.
•Use a screw driver to open the caps or
cover and a flashlight to inspect the level.
•If necessary, add distilled water. The level
should never be above the indicator.
•The fluid level should be checked if the
battery has been recharged.
•After inspection, be sure the cap over each
battery cell or the cover is securely in
place.
•Check that the battery cables are correctly
connected and properly tightened.
•Never disconnect the battery when the
engine is running, or when the key is in the
ignition. This could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
•The battery should be disconnected from
the vehicle when a battery charger is used
directly on the battery.
•To help keep the battery in good condition,
the vehicle should be driven for at least 15
minutes a week or connected to a charger
with an automatic charging function.
•If the battery is fully discharged a number
of times, this may shorten its service life.
Keeping the battery fully charged helps
prolong its service life.
•The service life of a battery is affected by
factors such as driving conditions and cli-
mate. Extreme cold may also further
decrease the battery’s starting capacity.
•Because the battery’s starting capacity
decreases with time, it may be necessary
to recharge it if the vehicle is not driven for
an extended period of time or if the vehicle
is usually only driven short distances.
•
WARNING
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the state of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
Battery symbols
Wear protection goggles
See owner’s manual for
details
Keep away from children
Corrosive
1More frequently in warm climates.
