SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery
(Fig. 4) is standard factory-installed equipment on
this model. Refer to Battery Specifications for the
proper specifications of the factory-installed batteries
available on this model. Male post type terminals
made of a soft lead 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 physi-
cally larger in diameter than the negative terminal
post to ensure proper battery connection. The letters
POS and NEG are also molded into the top of the
battery case adjacent to their respective positive and
negative terminal posts for identification confirma-
tion (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
CABLES - DESCRIPTION).
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 con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-
conductive material are inserted between the positive
and negative plates to prevent them from contacting
or shorting against one another. These dissimilar
metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and
water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed battery has a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
built-in indicator test procedures. The factory-in-
stalled low-maintenance battery has removable
battery cell caps. Water can be added to this bat-
tery. 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 ser-
vice. If the electrolyte level in this battery does
become low, 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 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - VENT
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
TJ
BATTERY SYSTEM
8F - 7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)