Operator`s manual
29
SECTION 7
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
nicant decreases in performance. However, the design of
many standard constant-voltage chargers may not permit
it to recognize a battery with a voltage below 10.5 volts.
If the OCV is less than 10.5 volts, take the following steps
to get the OPTIMA battery to accept a charge:
A Begin the process by connecting a good battery to the
charger.
B Connect the discharged OPTIMA battery (below 10.5 volts
OCV) in a parallel connection with the good battery as
shown. Turn the charger on.
C If the discharged OPTIMA battery voltage increases to 10.5
volts or higher, remove it from the parallel connection and
go to step 4 (charging/testing).
D If the OPTIMA battery voltage does not increase within
one hour, fail the battery.
The RBR (Return Battery Report) can include the descrip-
tion “Failed Step 3D” as reason for warranty return.
STEP 4 If the OCV is between 10.5 and 12.55, connect the
battery to a constant-voltage charger, such as a (1) parallel
charger or (2) single battery 5/15/50-type roll-around shop
charger for no more than 5 minutes to see if it accepts a
charge.
A If it accepts equal to or greater than 5 amps, follow the
“constant charge” or “constant current” charging recom-
mendations below or those on the Interstate “Approximate
Charge Times · Key Shop Procedures” chart.
B If it does not accept 5 amps, do not charge the battery. Fail
the battery based on this test.
The RBR can include the description “Failed Step 4B” as
reason for warranty return.
After the battery is fully charged, go to Step 5 to load test
the battery.
Note:
1. 12V batteries received at severely low voltages of less than
8 volts may require 50% longer charging times (50% more
Amp-Hour input).
2. During the charge process, batteries that are hot to the touch
(>120°F) should be removed from charge. If this occurs
on a series charger, the 12V battery may have a terminal
voltage greater than 16 volts.
If it occurs on a constant voltage charger, fail the battery.
STEP 5 If the OCV is 12.55 volts or higher, load test the
battery following Battery Council International (BCI)
load procedure. (A load test @ 1/2 the CCA for 15 sec is
required to pass or fail the battery for warranty considera-
tion.)
Ventilate area when charging. Keep away from spark,
heat, cigarettes or open ame.
Cleaning the Battery Terminals and Cable Connections
Clean the battery terminals and cable connections every 100
hours. Remove the black NEGATIVE (-) cables rst. Make
sure you reconnect the NEGATIVE (-) cables to the NEGA-
TIVE (-) post and the red POSITIVE (+) cables to the POSI-
TIVE (+) posts. Damage to the electrical system will occur
if the cables are reversed.
Cleaning the Battery
Clean the top of the battery every 250 hours with a mixture of
baking soda and water. Before cleaning the battery, remove
it from the vehicle and make sure the pod vents are in place
(non-sealed batteries only). Soak a cloth in the soda/water
mixture and scrub the top of the battery. After the foaming has
stopped, ush with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.