BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. ALSO, SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR BATTERIES TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
BATTERIES NORMALLY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES WHICH CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. THEREFORE, DO NOT ALLOW FLAMES, SPARKS OR LIGHTED SUBSTANCES TO COME NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR WORKING NEAR A BATTERY, ALWAYS SHIELD YOUR FACE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES. ALWAYS PROVIDE VENTILATION.
WHEN LIFTING A PLASTIC-CASED BATTERY, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE END WALLS COULD CAUSE ACID TO SPEW THROUGH THE VENT CAPS RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR TO THE BATTERY. LIFT WITH A BATTERY CARRIER OR WITH YOUR HANDS ON OPPOSITE CORNERS.
NOTE: Test the charging system with a fully charged, properly operating battery. Check the testing equipment and instructions. If the testing equipment is malfunctioning or the instructions for use are incorrect, use the equipment on a vehicle known to be operating properly.
Perform a visual inspection using the following procedure:
Check the battery posts and battery cable terminals for clean and tight connections. Remove the battery cables (if corroded); clean and install them securely.
Check for clean and tight wiring connections at the Generator (GEN) , voltage regulator and engine.
Check the drive belt tension; refer to Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories.
Isolating the Concern
Isolate the battery, the charging system, and the electrical circuits to correctly identify the area where the difficulty lies. Check the battery before performing any electrical system diagnosis.
Open circuits or other wiring concerns can prevent the generator from operating normally.
Battery Check
Refer to Battery for Battery Condition Test. Check the battery to see if it can accept and hold a charge; refer to Component Tests. If the battery is good, then the charging system should be checked to see that it can keep the battery charged. See: Component Tests and General Diagnostics\Battery Tests
Drain Testing
Refer to Component Tests. Following are some of the most common current drain problems:
Interior lamp stays on continuously.
Electronic component malfunctions.
Generator Check
Check the generator to see if it is producing the proper output current and voltage. Refer to the Component Tests. If the generator does not meet specification, use the Symptom Chart to determine the correct test procedure for troubleshooting the charging system.
Visual Inspection Chart
If an obvious cause for a malfunction is found, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.
