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Chrysler Crossfire. Manual - part 185

SPECIAL TOOLS

Micro 420 Battery Tester

BATTERY SYSTEM

8F - 7

BATTERY

DESCRIPTION

A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery (3)
is standard factory-installed equipment 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 (2) is visibly larger in diameter than the
negative terminal post (4), for easy identification. The
symbols + and – are also molded into the top of the
battery case adjacent to their respective positive and
negative terminal posts for additional identification
confirmation. Refer to Battery Cables in the index of
this service manual for the location of more informa-
tion on the battery cables that connect the battery to
the vehicle electrical system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/CABLES - DESCRIPTION).

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). 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 low-maintenance battery has removable battery cell caps (1). Distilled water can be added to
this battery. The battery is not sealed and has a vent (5). 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 overcharg-
ing condition. Be certain to diagnose the charging system after replenishing the water in the battery for a low elec-
trolyte condition and before returning the vehicle to service. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING -
DESCRIPTION).

For battery maintenance schedules and jump starting procedures, see the owner’s manual in the vehicle glove box.
Optionally, refer to Maintenance Schedules and Jump Starting, Towing and Hoisting in the index of this service man-
ual for the location of the recommended battery maintenance schedules and the proper battery jump starting pro-
cedures. While battery charging can be considered a maintenance procedure, the battery charging procedures and
information are located in the service procedures section of this service manual. This was done because the battery
must be fully-charged before any battery diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

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 reaction occurs. This reaction causes the battery to discharge electrical
current from its terminals. As the battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes place within each cell. The
sulfuric acid in the electrolyte combines with the plate materials, causing both plates to slowly change to lead sul-
fate. 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 terminals.

8F - 8

BATTERY SYSTEM

As the plate materials become more similar chemically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the voltage 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 elec-
tron 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 current 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 dis-
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 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 whenever 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 terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected before diag-
nostic procedures are performed. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning procedures (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING), and Battery System Inspection (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BAT-
TERY SYSTEM - INSPECTION) for the proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Standard Procedure for the
proper battery charging procedures. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).

MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER

The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is designed to help dealership technicians diagnose the cause of a defec-
tive battery. Follow the instruction manual supplied with the tester to properly diagnose a vehicle. If the instruction
manual is not available refer to the standard procedure in this section, which includes the directions for using the
Micro 420 battery tester.

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 BATTERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY
RESULT.

WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID CON-
TACT 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.

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 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 Pro-
cedure for the proper battery charging procedures. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY
- STANDARD PROCEDURE).

STANDARD PROCEDURE

CHARGING BATTERY

Battery charging is the means by which the battery can be restored to its full voltage potential. A battery is fully-
charged when:

•

Micro 420 electrical system tester indicates battery is OK.

•

All of the battery cells are gassing freely during battery charging.

BATTERY SYSTEM

8F - 9

•

Three hydrometer tests, taken at one-hour intervals, indicate no increase in the temperature-corrected specific
gravity of the battery electrolyte.

•

Open-circuit voltage of the battery is 12.4 volts or above.

WARNING: NEVER EXCEED TWENTY AMPERES WHEN CHARGING A COLD (-1° C [30° F] OR LOWER) BAT-
TERY. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.

WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZING, LEAKING, 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 BATTERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY
RESULT.

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 SERVICE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT FROM LOOSE OR MISSING CELL CAPS.

CAUTION: Always disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable before charging a battery. Do not
exceed sixteen volts while charging a battery. Damage to the vehicle electrical system components may
result.

CAUTION: Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the battery case during normal battery charging. Electrolyte
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 continuing 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 Procedure for the proper battery load test procedures (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BAT-
TERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE). 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 (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM - CLEANING), and Battery System Inspection for the proper battery system inspection procedures (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - INSPECTION).

CHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY

The following procedure should be used to recharge a completely discharged battery. Unless this procedure is prop-
erly followed, a good battery may be needlessly replaced.

8F - 10

BATTERY SYSTEM

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