BATTERY TEST & CHARGING PROCEDURES

ACOelco
FILLER CAP BATTERY MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY
VISUAL INSPECTION
1 When physical damage is present, replace
battery. If none, check electrolyte levels.
CRACKED OR
1 VISUAL INSPECTION
When physical damage is present, replace
battery and look for cause.
CRACKED OR
BROKEN COVER
BROKEN COVER

CRACKED OR CRACKED OR
BROKEN CONTAINER BROKEN CONTAINER
SEVERE CORROSION Check for cracked or broken case or cover. Check
terminal area for loose or broken parts.
Fluid should be above top of plates in all cells. If so,
proceed to step 2. (Be sure no spark or open flame is
I
near while caps are off. If not, add water, replace vent
caps and charge battery for 15 minutes at 15-25 amps to
mix electrolyte. Proceed to step 2. HYDROMETER CHECK

SPECIFIC GRAVITY CHECK

2 MARINE SA TTERY

Indicator is a temperature-compensated

2 Hydrometer reading of all cells should be

at least 1.225 and show less than 0.050
between high and low, at electrolyte
hydrometer. In normal operation, one of two

HYDROMETER
indications appears:
Green dot visible.
GREEN Battery is ready for
temperature of 80 F.
CHARGE. Proceed to
EXAMPLE: HYDROMETER
flOAT step 3.
Cll2-1125
Cfll 1-1 240
Cfu ]-12., DOT ~ load test. DO NOT
CUl<4-12$&

Replace battery if hydrometer is clear or light

t~tt:::~
YMIATtOH
~POlMTS yellow and if a cranking complaint exists that is
BATTERY caused by the battery.
WORN OUT
HYDROMETER Dark - No Dot
ALL Visible.
DARK
Recharge until green
More than 0.050 difference: replace battery. Less than dot shows. Shake or
0.050, but some cells read less than 1.225: recharge tilt battery to obtain
battery*. Replace vent caps, use rate less than 50- green dot. A battery
amps, until all cells measure proper specific gravity. (if that has set in a com-
charging won't bring up specific gravity, replace pletely discharged
battery.l condition or is
extremely cold may
not accept current for
several hours after
starting the charger.

NOTE: Not all batteries may be equipped to allow for the following tests - please use as available and necessary.

24
 ACDelco BATTERY TEST & CHARGING PROCEDURES

3 Electrical Load Test

Measuring voltage tells only part of the story. A load test should also be performed to accurately determine a battery's
condition. One of the most common ways of conducting a load test is with a carbon pile load tester. Batteries can be tested

I
inside or outside of the vehicle. (This should be done by a qualified technician only).

TEMPERATURE
CHECK

below. If a blue haze or smoke is seen in any cells during the test, replace the
battery.
For Filler Cap Batteries: Remove vent caps first, then proceed as directed

For Maintenance Free Batteries: Follow directions below. For ACOeico heavy-duty
batteries with threaded stud terminals, attach clamp between lead pad and bottom of terminal
hex nut.

If the battery is in the vehicle, remove the battery cables. Always remove the negative cables first.
Make sure the terminals are free of dirt or corrosion. This can be done with a wire brush or special cleaning tool.
Connect a voltmeter and the load tester across the battery terminals. Side post batteries may require test adapters.
Never use a bolt for testing purposes.
If the battery has been recharging or is in a vehicle with a functioning recharging system, apply a 300-amp load across
the terminals for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge.
Set the tester to Vz CCA value.
Apply the load to the battery for 15 seconds.
Atthe end of the 15 seconds, with the load still applied, read the voltage.
The voltage output greatly depends on the temperature of the battery, as shown in the chart below. Therefore, it is necessary
to determine the battery temperature by touch and by the temperature of the surrounding air the battery was exposed to
during the last few hours.
Temperature Min. Voltage Temperature Min. Voltage
70 F and Above 9.6 15 F 8.8
50 F 9.4 0 F 8.5
30 F 9.1 Below 0 F 8.0
Service technicians often use automatic battery testers which can test the starting and charging systems as well as the
battery.
During a battery load test, the tester will place a load on the battery to simulate a high discharge rate for about 15 seconds,
then release to let the battery recover.
The tester will then apply the load again. The tester uses a number of variables including temperature, recovery voltage, and
other electrical factors to accurately diagnose the battery.

Conductance Testers
When using a conductance type battery tester on side terminal and top stud batteries, certain procedures must be followed to
properly assess the battery being tested in order to achieve accurate results. This is pllrticularly important on batteries with
higher CCA ratings.
Conductance is a measurement of a battery's current producing capability. This technology can help accurately identify
batteries that have reduced performance after being in service. Conductance type battery testers should never be used on a
new, never installed battery to determine state of health, state of charge, or CCA rating. New batteries will develop their full
performance capabilities only after a period of cycling in a vehicle.

25
 BATTERY TEST & CHARGING PROCEDURES ACOelco
To check the condition of a new battery prior to installation, ACDeico recommends only measuring open circuit voltage
(OCV).An OCVof 12.24Vis adequate to provide the power requirements for starting most vehicles under most conditions.
1. Make sure the battery in the tester is not weak or inaccurate readings may result. If the tester indicates low OCVon
the batteries being tested when compared to a known good DVOM, or the tester indicates low CCA on the batteries
being tested, replace the battery in the tester and test again.
2. When testing side terminal or top stud batteries with a conductance tester, always use lead terminal adapters, such
as those provided with most testers. Make sure the terminal adapter makes good contact with the lead pad of the

I battery or inaccurate readings will result. Basic hand tools may be needed to ensure the terminal is tight.
3. Never use steel bolts/nuts/washers, etc., when testing a side terminal battery with a conductance tester.
4. Never clamp the tester's leads directly to the studs when testing a top stud battery with a conductance tester.
5. ACDeico ST-1201side terminal/top stud adapters are for the charging and load testing of batteries only. They should
not be used when testing a side terminal or top stud battery with a conductance tester. Inaccurate readings will result
due to the coating on the ST-1201adapters.

Charging ACDeico 50-Series Maintenance-Free Batteries

Water never needs to be added to maintenance-free batteries. The battery cover is sealed and has no filler caps.
Small vent holes allow any gases produced to escape. Special battery plates minimize gassing at normal charging
currents and also limit the possibility of overcharge damage.

NOTICE
Do not tip a maintenance free battery beyond a 450 angle in any direction.
This would allow electrolyte to leak from vent holes.
CALIFORNIA
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
Batteries, battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain LEAD and
LEAD COMPOUNDS - chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.
WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING!
CAUTION
All lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. If ignited by a
flame or spark, the gas may explode violently. When working near batteries, always wear
safety glasses, remove watches or jewelry, and avoid causing sparks with tools.
If splashed with acid, immediately flush area with water and seek medical attention.

Charging Procedure
Service bulletins are available for specific battery charging procedures. Fast charging at a high rate of current is
not recommended; it may shorten battery life. Slow charging is preferred. General guidelines for charging ACDeico
Batteries are given here.

1. Use terminal adapter tools when charging or testing stud or side-terminal batteries outside of the vehicle.
2. Connect charger leads to the terminal studs/nuts when charging or testing stud or side-terminal batteries in
the vehicle.
3. Charge rates between three and 10 amps are acceptable as long as the battery terminal voltage does not
exceed 16 volts, the electrolyte doesn't spew from the vent holes, or the battery does not feel excessively hot
(> 1250 F). Estimate the battery temperature by feeling the case. Reduce the charging rate, as needed, to
reduce terminal voltage, electrolyte gassing or excessive heating.
4. Lightly tap the hydrometer on the battery with the handle of a screwdriver at regular intervals to mix the
electrolyte and to dislodge any air bubbles. Look to see if a green dot appears in the hydrometer eye. When
you see the dot, the battery is charged at least 65%. In the absence of a hydrometer, use the Amp-Hr table
provided. .
5. Battery charging requires a charge current (in amperes) for a period of time (in hours). For example, a 10 amp
charging rate for five hours would be a 40 ampere hour charge to the battery. General guidelines are:
The battery load tests less than 200 amps: 50 amp hour charge
The battery load tests greater than 200 amps: 75 amp hour charge
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 ACDelco BATTERY TEST & CHARGING PROCEDURES
6. The time required for a proper charge will vary according to:
Battery size or capacity
Electrolyte temperature
State of charge
Battery age or condition
Charger capacity

Estimated Charging Hours

@1O amps current *
300 36.0 11.7
14.0
9.3
0.8
6.5
2.7
5.0
4.7
1.1
20.0
24.0
28.0
32.0
12.0
23.3
10.0
13.3
16.3
7.0
21.0
15.0
3.0
22.0
25.7
11.0
14.7
21.3
10.7
16.0
26.7
16.7
18.7
2.3
18.0
29.3
18.3
8.0
6.7
9.0
7.3
0.9
4.8
4.3
4.0
2.8
5.6
6.4
7.5
5.3
8.5
2.4
3.6
7.2
8.4
6.7
8.0
1.9
1.2
1.7
9.6
8.3
00
0.7
0.5
3.3
2.0
3.2
3.7
2.1
1.3
1.6
6.0
275
250
225
200
Amp 175 Reserve
hours 150 Capacity
125
100 180
90 162
80 144
70 126
60 108
50 90
40 72
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
(12.00) (12.05) (12.10) (12.20) (12.30) (12.40) (12.50) (12.60) (12.70) (12.84)

% State of Charge
(OCV)

*Assumes charger has constant voltage (15.0-16.0) and current steps down as SOC approaches 100%. Charging efficiency
estimated to be 75%. Results may vary.

NOTE: Not all batteries may be equipped to allow for the following tests - please use as available and necessary.

Charging ACDeico Filler Cap Batteries

A dry-charge battery has charged plates but contains no electrolyte. These batteries can be stored for long
periods but must be filled and charged prior to service.
A wet-charge battery has charged plates and is filled with electrolyte. These batteries lose their charge in storage
and must be periodically recharged.

NOTICE
Leave dry-charge batteries in their original shipping cartons; store at 60 F or higher.
Periodic recharging is needed on wet-charge batteries, especially when storage is above 60 F.
Store these in cool areas.

The state of charge on filler cap batteries must be checked by measuring the strength of the electrolyte. Specific
gravity (exact weightl of the electrolyte provides a measure of its strength. Pure water is lighter than the correct
mixture of acid and water. A hydrometer is used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each battery
cell. These readings, adjusted for the temperature of the electrolyte, are used to determine the battery's state of
charge.

CAUTION
All lead-acid batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. If ignited by a flame
or spark, the gas may explode violently. When working near batteries, always wear safety
glasses, remove watches or jewelry, and avoid causing sparks with tools. If splashed with
acid, immediately flush area with water and seek medical attention.

27
BATTERY TEST & CHARGING PROCEDURES ACOelco
Charging Procedure
Service bulletins are available for specific battery charging procedures. Fast charging at a high rate of current is
not recommended; it may shorten battery life. Slow charging is preferred. General guidelines for charging
ACDeico filler cap batteries are given here.

NOTICE
During charging, leave flame arrester vent caps in place. Remove sealed caps and place a cloth
over the vent holes to allow gassing.

1. When charging or testing sealed-terminal (nonpost typel batteries, use terminal adapters when the batteries
are removed from the vehicle. Connect charger clamps to battery studs/nuts when the batteries are in vehicle.
2. The battery terminal voltage does not exceed 15 volts, the electrolyte doesn't spew from the vent holes, or the
battery does not feel excessively hot (>125 Fl. The charging current may need to be reduced or temporarily
stopped to prevent damage to the battery.
3. The battery is fully charged when, after two hours of charging at a low rate, all cells are gassing freely and no
change in the electrolyte's specific gravity is noted. Specific gravity should be at least 1.230.
Batteries may function, even with specific gravity below 1.230.
Emergency boost charging must be followed by full charging.
4. Battery charging requires a charge current (in amperesl for a period of time (in hoursl.
5. The time required for a proper charge will vary according to:
Battery size or capacity
Electrolyte temperature
State of charge
Battery age or condition
Charger capacity

NOTICE
After charging has been completed, add water to adjust the electrolyte level in each cell to the
bottom of the split ring.
NOTE: Not all batteries may be equipped to allow for the following tests - please use as available and necessary.
ACOelco BATTERY TEST & CHARGING PROCEDURES
The Adapter Kit ST-1201 is available from ACDelco. It The time required for a charge will vary because:
is recommended that this adapter kit, or equivalent,
be used in charging sealed-terminal batteries when Size
large ofHeavy-
Battel! uty
- Example: A completely
Battery requires discharged
more than twice the
they are out of the vehicle.
recharging as a completely discharged small
When the sealed-terminal battery is in the vehicle, Passenger Car Battery.
connect the charger's leads to the studs or nuts at the
Temperature - Example: A longer time will be needed to
battery's terminals. Post-type batteries need no
charge any battery at OF than at 80F. When a fast
adapters.
charger is connected to a cold battery, the current
The following basic rules apply to most ACDeico accepted by the battery will be very low at first, then in
Battery charging situations: time, the battery will accept a higher rate as the battery
warms.
Charge rates between 3 and 10 amperes are
generally satisfactory for any maintenance free State-of-Charge - Example: A completely discharged
battery as long as spewing of electrolyte does not battery requires more than twice as much charge as a
occur or the battery does not feel excessively hot one-half-charged battery. Because the electrolyte is
(over 125F, 52C). If spewing occurs or nearly pure water and a poor conductor in a completely
temperature exceeds 125F, the charging rate discharged battery, the current accepted is very low at
must be reduced or temporarily halted to permit first. Later, as the charging current causes the
cooling. electrolyte acid content to increase, the charging
current will likewise increase.
Battery temperature can be estimated by
touching or feeling the battery case. Charger Capacity - Example: A charger which can
The battery is sufficiently charged when the supply only 5 amperes will require a much longer period
green dot in the built-in hydrometer is visible. No of charging than a charger that can supply 30 amperes
or more.
further charging is required. Shake or tilt the
battery at hourly intervals during charging to mix
the electrolyte and see ifthe green dot appears.
For batteries that d(). not have any eye, stop
charging when the charge current goes down to
1-2 amperes or after the calculated end time has
been reached. Test the battery using the
recommended conductance tester or a load
tester.

ACDeico Hydrometer (if equipped)

GREEN DOT DARK CLEAR

@ (f) ~

65% OR BELOW
ABOVE 65%
STATE OF STATE LOW-LEVEL
CHARGE OF CHARGE ELECTROLYTE

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