Inspecting Your Battery

[navylife59]

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
1. CHECK BATTERY CONDITION

NOTICE:
If the battery is weak or if the engine is difficult to start, perform the following procedures.
(a) Check the battery for damage and deformation. If severe damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.
(b) Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.

(1) For maintenance-free batteries:
• If the electrolyte quantity is below the lower line, replace the battery.
• If the electrolyte quantity is above the lower line, check the battery voltage when cranking the engine. If the voltage is less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.

HINT:

Before checking the battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).

(2) For non-maintenance-free batteries:
• If the electrolyte quantity is below the lower line, add distilled water to each cell. Then, recharge the battery and check the electrolyte's specific gravity.

Standard specific gravity:
1.25 to 1.29 at 20°C (68°F)

If the electrolyte quantity is above the lower line, check the battery voltage when cranking the engine. If the voltage is less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.

HINT:
Before checking the battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).

2. INSPECT BATTERY TERMINAL AND FUSE
(a) Visually check the battery terminals.
(1) Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
(b) Visually check the fusible link and fuses.
(1) Check that there is continuity between the fusible links, high current fuses and regular fuses.

B]Note:[/B] For information on how to check your alternator, read here