The following procedure should be used to recharge a very low or completely discharged battery. Unless the procedure is properly followed, a perfectly good battery may be needlessly replaced. 1. Measure voltage at battery terminals with J 39200 digital multimeter. If voltage is below 11 volts, charge current will be very low and it could… Read More »
Refer to Figures 2, 3» 4, and 5 When it is necessary to charge the battery, the following basic rules must be followed (figure 3): 1. Use a charger with an end of charge voltage of 16.0 volts and equipped with a voltmeter that is accurate within 1 percent. 2. Ambient (surrounding) temperature should be… Read More »
If the vehicle exhibits a low or dead battery after an overnight period, or discharges over a period of 2 or 3 days, the electrical system should be tested for an excessive electrical drain. This is referred to as “parasitic current drain.” If a battery needs recharging and no cause is evident, test the vehicle… Read More »
Tools Required: GM P/N 12303040 (or equivalent) Battery Terminal Adapters J 39200 Digital Multimeter The following procedure should be used for testing batteries (figure 3): 1. VISUAL INSPECTION • Check for obvious damage, such as a cracked or broken case or cover, that could permit loss of electrolyte. If obvious damage is noted, replace the… Read More »
DESCRIPTION An auxiliary battery is available for pickup models. The auxiliary battery mounts to the left front of the engine compartment and is connected through a relay on the left wheelwell to the battery junction block on the right side of the cowl in the engine compartment. The relay is activated and grounded through the… Read More »
Molded into the top of the maintenance-free battery is a built-in temperature compensated hydrometer (figure 4). Use this hydrometer with the following diagnostic procedure. When observing the hydrometer, make sure the battery has a clean top. A light may be required in some poorly-lit areas. Under normal operation, one of three indications can be observed:… Read More »
CAUTION: Follow all safety precautions. Refer to figure 3. Some electronic devices on the vehicle impose small continuous current drains on the battery; this is commonly called “parasitic load.” If the vehicle is not used for an extended time, these parasitic loads can discharge and eventually cause permanent damage to the battery. Discharged batteries can… Read More »
The battery carrier and hold-down clamp should be clean and free from corrosion before installing the battery. The carrier should be in sound condition so it will hold the battery securely and keep it level. Make sure there are no parts in the carrier before installing the battery. To prevent the battery from shaking in… Read More »
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific gravity. Since freezing may ruin a battery, protect it against freezing by keeping it in a charged condition. As long as the green dot shows in the built-in hydrome ter, the battery will not freeze unless the temperature drops below -32° 0 (-25° F). A fully… Read More »
The battery is not designed to last indefinitely; however, with proper care, it will provide many years of service. If the battery tests good, but fails to perform satisfactorily in service’for no apparent reason, the following are some important factors that may point to the cause of trouble: 1. Vehicle accessories left on overnight. 2.… Read More »