Fig DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

REMOVAL
USE THE DRB SCAN TOOL TO REPROGRAM
THE NEW POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
(PCM) WITH THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL IDEN-
TIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) AND THE VEHI-
CLES ORIGINAL MILEAGE. IF THIS STEP IS
NOT DONE, A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE
(DTC) MAY BE SET.
The PCM is located in the engine compartment
attached to the dash panel (Fig. 5).
To avoid possible voltage spike damage to the
PCM, ignition key must be off, and negative battery
cable must be disconnected before unplugging PCM
connectors.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
(2) Remove cover over electrical connectors. Cover
snaps onto PCM.
(3) Carefully unplug the three 32±way connectors
(four 38±way connectors if equipped with NGC) from
PCM (Fig. 6).
(4) Remove three PCM mounting bolts (Fig. 6) and
remove PCM from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
USE THE DRB SCAN TOOL TO REPROGRAM
THE NEW POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
(PCM) WITH THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL IDEN-
TIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) AND THE VEHI-
CLES ORIGINAL MILEAGE. IF THIS STEP ISNOT DONE, A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE
(DTC) MAY BE SET.
(1) Install PCM and 3 mounting bolts to vehicle.
(2) Tighten bolts. Refer to torque specifications.
(3) Check pin connectors in the PCM and the three
32±way connectors (four 38±way connectors if
equipped with NGC) for corrosion or damage. Also,
the pin heights in connectors should all be same.
Repair as necessary before installing connectors.
(4) Install three 32±way connectors (four 38±way
connectors if equipped with NGC).
(5) Install cover over electrical connectors. Cover
snaps onto PCM.
(6) Install negative battery cable.
(7)The 5.7L V-8 engine is equipped with a
fully electronic accelerator pedal position sen-
sor. If equipped with a 5.7L, also perform the
following 3 steps:
(a) Connect negative battery cable to battery.
(b) Turn ignition switch ON, but do not crank
engine.
(c) Leave ignition switch ON for a minimum of
10 seconds. This will allow PCM to learn electrical
parameters.
(d) The DRB IIItScan Tool may also be used to
learn electrical parameters. Go to the Miscella-
neous menu, and then select ETC Learn.
Fig. 5 PCM LOCATION
1 - COWL GRILL
2 - PCM
3 - COWL (RIGHT-REAR)
Fig. 6 PCM REMOVAL / INSTALLATION
1 - THREE 32-WAY CONNECTORS WITH JTEC (FOUR 38-WAY
CONNECTORS WITH NGC)
2 - PCM MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - PCM
4 - PCM MOUNTING SCREWS (3)
8E - 12 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

(2) Use the DRBIIItscan tool and select THEFT
ALARM, SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select PROGRAM IGNITION KEY'S.
(4) Enter secured access mode by entering the
vehicle four-digit PIN.
NOTE: A maximum of eight keys can be learned to
each SKIM. Once a key is learned to a SKIM, it (the
key) cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
(5) If ignition key programming is unsuccessful,
the DRBIIItscan tool will display one of the follow-
ing messages:
(a) Programming Not Attempted - The DRBIIIt
scan tool attempts to read the programmed key
status and there are no keys programmed into
SKIM memory.
(b) Programming Key Failed (Possible Used Key
From Wrong Vehicle) - SKIM is unable to program
key due to one of the following:
²Faulty ignition key transponder.
²Ignition key is programmed to another vehicle.
(c) 8 Keys Already Learned, Programming Not
Done - SKIM transponder ID memory is full.
(6) Obtain ignition keys to be programmed from
customer (8 keys maximum).
(7) Using the DRBIIItscan tool, erase all ignition
keys by selecting MISCELLANEOUS and ERASE
ALL CURRENT IGN. KEYS.
(8) Program all ignition keys.
Learned Key In Ignition - Ignition key transponder
ID is currently programmed in SKIM memory.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from
steering column.
(3) Disconnect the steering column wire harness
connector from the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module
(SKIM)(4) Remove the screw that secures the SKIM to
the steering column (Fig. 7).
(5) Release the SKIM antenna ring retaining clips
from around the ignition switch lock cylinder housing
and remove the SKIM.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If the SKIM is replaced with a new unit, a
DRBIIITscan tool MUST be used to initialize the
new SKIM and to program at least two Sentry Key
transponders before the vehicle can be operated
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECU-
RITY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Position the SKIM antenna ring around the
ignition switch lock cylinder housing.
(2) Install the SKIM antenna ring retaining clips.
(3) Install the screw that secures the SKIM to the
steering column.
(4) Connect the steering column wire harness con-
nector to the SKIM.
(5) Position both the upper and lower shrouds onto
the steering column.
(6) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 7 Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM)
1 - SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (SKIM)
2 - STEERING COLUMN
3 - SCREW
4 - WIRING HARNES
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 15
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER MODULE (Continued)

TRANSFER CASE CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) (Fig. 8)
is a microprocessor-based assembly, controlling the
4X4 transfer case shift functions via the actuation of
a shift motor and utilizing the feedback of a mode
sensor assembly. Communication is via the PCI serial
bus. Inputs include user selectable 4X4 modes that
include 2WD, AWD, 4HI, 4LO, and Neutral. The logic
and driver circuitry is contained in a molded plastic
housing with an embedded heat-sink and is located
behind the left side of the lower instrument panel.
OPERATION
The Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) utilizes
the input from the transfer case mounted mode sen-
sor, the instrument panel mounted selector switch,
and the following information from the vehicle's PCI
serial bus to determine if a shift is allowed.
²Engine RPM and Vehicle Speed
²Diagnostic Requests
²Manual Transmission and Brake Applied
²PRNDL
²Ignition Status
²ABS Messages
Once the TCCM determines that a requested shift
is allowed, it actuates the bi-directional shift motor
as necessary to achieve the desired transfer case
operating mode. The TCCM also monitors the mode
sensor while controlling the shift motor to determine
the status of the shift attempt.Several items can cause the requested shift not to
be completed. If the TCCM has recognized a fault
(DTC) of some variety, it will begin operation in one
of four Functionality Levels. These levels are:
²Level Zero- Normal Operation.
²Level One- Only Mode Shifts Are Allowed.
²Level Two- Only Mode Shifts and Shifts Into
LOW Are Allowed (No Neutral Shifts Are Allowed).
²Level Three- No Shifts Are Allowed
The TCCM can also be operating in one of three
possible power modes. These power modes are:
²Full Power Modeis the normal operational
mode of the module. This mode is achieved by normal
PCI bus traffic being present and the ignition being
in the RUN position.
²Reduced Power Modewill be entered when
the ignition has been powered off. In this state, the
module will shut down power supplied to external
devices, and to electronic interface inputs and out-
puts. From this state the module can enter either
Sleep Mode or Full Power Mode. To enter this mode,
the module must receive an ignition message denot-
ing that the ignition is off, or not receive any mes-
sages for 5  0.5 seconds. To exit this mode, the
module must receive one ignition message that
denotes that the ignition is in the RUN position.
²Sleep Modewill be entered, from the Reduced
Power Mode, when no PCI traffic has been sensed for
20  1 seconds. If during Sleep Mode the module
detects PCI bus traffic, it will revert to the Reduced
Power mode while monitoring for ignition messages.
It will remain in this state as long as there is traffic
other than run or start messages, and will return to
Sleep mode if the bus goes without traffic for 20  1
seconds.
SHIFT REQUIREMENTS
If the TCCM is in full power mode and at function-
ality level zero, it uses the following criteria to deter-
mine if a shift is allowed.
If any of the driver controllable conditions are not
met once the shift request is recognized, the TCCM
will solidly illuminate the source position's LED and
flash the desired position's LED for all shifts except
NEUTRAL. The NEUTRAL shift LED strategy will
be discussed later.
Mode shiftswill be allowed regardless of trans-
mission gear or vehicle speed, whenever the following
conditions are met:
²Front and rear wheel speed are within 21 km/hr
(13 mph).
²A change in the Selector switch state indicates
that a mode shift has been requested.
²A valid mode sensor signal is being sensed by
the TCCM.
Fig. 8 Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)
Location
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE (TCCM)
3 - TRANSFER CASE SELECTOR SWITCH
8E - 16 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

TRANSMISSION CONTROL
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) (Fig. 9)
may be sub-module within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM), Engine Control Module (ECM - Diesel
only) (Fig. 10), or a standalone module, depending on
the vehicle engine. The PCM, and TCM when
equipped, is located at the right rear of the engine
compartment, near the right inner fender.
OPERATION
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) controls
all electronic operations of the transmission. The
TCM receives information regarding vehicle opera-
tion from both direct and indirect inputs, and selects
the operational mode of the transmission. Direct
inputs are hardwired to, and used specifically by the
TCM. Indirect inputs are shared with the TCM via
the vehicle communication bus.
Some examples ofdirect inputsto the TCM are:
²Battery (B+) voltage
²Ignition ªONº voltage
²Transmission Control Relay (Switched B+)
²Throttle Position Sensor
²Crankshaft Position Sensor
²Transmission Range Sensor
²Pressure Switches
²Transmission Temperature Sensor
²Input Shaft Speed Sensor
²Output Shaft Speed Sensor
²Line Pressure Sensor
Some examples ofindirect inputsto the TCM
are:²Engine/Body Identification
²Manifold Pressure
²Target Idle
²Torque Reduction Confirmation
²Engine Coolant Temperature
²Ambient/Battery Temperature
²DRBIIItScan Tool Communication
Based on the information received from these var-
ious inputs, the TCM determines the appropriate
shift schedule and shift points, depending on the
present operating conditions and driver demand.
This is possible through the control of various direct
and indirect outputs.
Some examples of TCMdirect outputsare:
²Transmission Control Relay
²Solenoids
²Torque Reduction Request
Some examples of TCMindirect outputsare:
²Transmission Temperature (to PCM)
²PRNDL Position (to BCM)
In addition to monitoring inputs and controlling
outputs, the TCM has other important responsibili-
ties and functions:
²Storing and maintaining Clutch Volume Indexes
(CVI)
²Storing and selecting appropriate Shift Sched-
ules
²System self-diagnostics
Fig. 9 PCM/TCM Location
1 - RIGHT FENDER
2 - TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
3 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
Fig. 10 Diesel ECM
1 - ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM)
2 - ECM MOUNTING BOLT
3 - 50-WAY CONNECTOR
4 - SUPPORT PLATE
5 - 60-WAY CONNECTOR
8E - 20 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESDR

²Diagnostic capabilities (with DRBIIItscan tool)
NOTE: If the TCM has been replaced, the ªQuick
Learn Procedureº must be performed. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
BATTERY FEED
A fused, direct battery feed to the TCM is used for
continuous power. This battery voltage is necessary
to retain memory in the TCM. When the battery (B+)
is disconnected, this memory is lost. When the bat-
tery (B+) is restored, this memory loss is detected by
the TCM and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set.
CLUTCH VOLUME INDEXES (CVI)
An important function of the TCM is to monitor
Clutch Volume Indexes (CVI). CVIs represent the vol-
ume of fluid needed to compress a clutch pack.
The TCM monitors gear ratio changes by monitor-
ing the Input and Output Speed Sensors. The Input,
or Turbine Speed Sensor sends an electrical signal to
the TCM that represents input shaft rpm. The Out-
put Speed Sensor provides the TCM with output
shaft speed information.
By comparing the two inputs, the TCM can deter-
mine transmission gear position. This is important to
the CVI calculation because the TCM determines
CVIs by monitoring how long it takes for a gear
change to occur (Fig. 11).
Gear ratios can be determined by using the
DRBIIItScan Tool and reading the Input/Output
Speed Sensor values in the ªMonitorsº display. Gear
ratio can be obtained by dividing the Input Speed
Sensor value by the Output Speed Sensor value.
For example, if the input shaft is rotating at 1000
rpm and the output shaft is rotating at 500 rpm,
then the TCM can determine that the gear ratio is
2:1. In direct drive (3rd gear), the gear ratio changes
to 1:1. The gear ratio changes as clutches are applied
and released. By monitoring the length of time it
takes for the gear ratio to change following a shift
request, the TCM can determine the volume of fluid
used to apply or release a friction element.
The volume of transmission fluid needed to apply
the friction elements are continuously updated for
adaptive controls. As friction material wears, the vol-
ume of fluid need to apply the element increases.
Certain mechanical problems within the input
clutch assembly can cause inadequate or out-of-rangeelement volumes. Also, defective Input/Output Speed
Sensors and wiring can cause these conditions. The
following chart identifies the appropriate clutch vol-
umes and when they are monitored/updated:
CLUTCH VOLUMES
Clutch When UpdatedProper Clutch
Volume
L/R2-1 or 3-1
downshift45 to 134
2C3-2 kickdown
shift25 to 85
OD 2-3 upshift 30 to 100
4C 3-4 upshift 30 to 85
UD4-3 kickdown
shift30 to 100
Fig. 11 Example of CVI Calculation
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - CLUTCH PACK
4 - SEPARATOR PLATE
5 - FRICTION DISCS
6 - INPUT SHAFT
7 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
8 - PISTON AND SEAL
DRELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 21
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

CLEANING
The following information details the recommended
cleaning procedures for the battery and related com-
ponents. In addition to the maintenance schedules
found in this service manual and the owner's man-
ual, it is recommended that these procedures be per-
formed any time the battery or related components
must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Clean the battery cable terminal clamps of all
corrosion. Remove any corrosion using a wire brush
or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution (Fig. 1).
(2) Clean the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware of all corrosion. Remove any corrosion
using a wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any
exposed bare metal.
(3) If the removed battery is to be reinstalled,
clean the outside of the battery case and the top
cover with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution using a stiff bristle
parts cleaning brush to remove any acid film (Fig. 2).
Rinse the battery with clean water. Ensure that the
cleaning solution does not enter the battery cells
through the vent holes. If the battery is being
replaced, refer to Battery System Specifications for
the factory-installed battery specifications. Confirm
that the replacement battery is the correct size and
has the correct ratings for the vehicle.(4) Clean the battery thermal guard with a sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water cleaning
solution using a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to
remove any acid film.
(5) Clean any corrosion from the battery terminal
posts with a wire brush or a post and terminal
cleaner, and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and
warm water cleaning solution (Fig. 3).
INSPECTION
The following information details the recommended
inspection procedures for the battery and related
components. In addition to the maintenance sched-
ules found in this service manual and the owner's
manual, it is recommended that these procedures be
performed any time the battery or related compo-
nents must be removed for vehicle service.
(1) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
damage. Replace any battery cable that has a dam-
aged or deformed terminal clamp.
(2) Inspect the battery tray and battery holddown
hardware for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
(3) Slide the thermal guard off of the battery case
(if equipped). Inspect the battery case for cracks or
other damage that could result in electrolyte leaks.
Also, check the battery terminal posts for looseness.
Batteries with damaged cases or loose terminal posts
must be replaced.
Fig. 1 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 2 Clean Battery - Typical
1 - CLEANING BRUSH
2 - WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
3 - BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 5
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

(4) Inspect the battery thermal guard (if equipped)
for tears, cracks, deformation or other damage.
Replace any battery thermal guard that has been
damaged.
(5) Inspect the battery built-in test indicator sight
glass (if equipped) for an indication of the battery
condition. If the battery is discharged, charge as
required. Refer to Standard Procedures for the
proper battery built-in indicator test procedures. Also
refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
The battery Group Size number, the Cold Cranking
Amperage (CCA) rating, and the Reserve Capacity
(RC) rating or Ampere-Hours (AH) rating can be
found on the original equipment battery label. Be
certain that a replacement battery has the correct
Group Size number, as well as CCA, and RC or AH
ratings that equal or exceed the original equipment
specification for the vehicle being serviced. Battery
sizes and ratings are discussed in more detail below.
²Group Size- The outside dimensions and ter-
minal placement of the battery conform to standards
established by the Battery Council International
(BCI). Each battery is assigned a BCI Group Size
number to help identify a correctly-sized replace-
ment.
²Cold Cranking Amperage- The Cold Crank-
ing Amperage (CCA) rating specifies how much cur-
rent (in amperes) the battery can deliver for thirty
seconds at -18É C (0É F). Terminal voltage must not
fall below 7.2 volts during or after the thirty second
discharge period. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
²Reserve Capacity- The Reserve Capacity (RC)
rating specifies the time (in minutes) it takes for bat-
tery terminal voltage to fall below 10.5 volts, at a
discharge rate of 25 amperes. RC is determined with
the battery fully-charged at 26.7É C (80É F). This rat-
ing estimates how long the battery might last after a
charging system failure, under minimum electrical
load.
²Ampere-Hours- The Ampere-Hours (AH) rat-
ing specifies the current (in amperes) that a battery
can deliver steadily for twenty hours, with the volt-
age in the battery not falling below 10.5 volts. This
rating is also sometimes identified as the twenty-
hour discharge rating.
BATTERY CLASSIFICATIONS & RATINGS
Part NumberBCI Group Size
ClassificationCold Cranking
AmperageReserve
CapacityAmpere -
HoursLoad Test
Amperage
56029449AB 65 600 120 Minutes 66 300
56029451AB 65 750 150 Minutes 75 375
56028450AA 65 600 120 Minutes 66 300
56028452AA 65 750 150 Minutes 75 375
56028452AB 65 700 130 Minutes 70 350
56029396AA 65 700 130 Minutes 70 350
56029382AA 65 700 130 Minutes 70 350
Fig. 3 Clean Battery Terminal Post - Typical
1 - TERMINAL BRUSH
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - BATTERY
8F - 6 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY SYSTEM SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery
(Fig. 4) is standard factory-installed equipment on
this model. Models equipped with a diesel engine
must utilize two 12-volt batteries connected in paral-
lel. Male post type terminals made of a soft lead
material protrude from the top of the molded plastic
battery case to provide the means for connecting the
battery to the vehicle electrical system. The battery
positive terminal post is physically larger in diameter
than the negative terminal post to ensure proper bat-
tery connection. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for identification confirmation. Refer to Battery
Cables for more information on the battery cables
that connect the battery to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem.
The battery is made up of six individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the positive terminal post, and negatively
charged plate groups that are connected with lead
straps to the negative terminal post. Each plate con-
sists of a stiff mesh framework or grid coated with
lead dioxide (positive plate) or sponge lead (negative
plate). Insulators or plate separators made of a non-
conductive material are inserted between the positive
and negative plates to prevent them from contacting
or shorting against one another. These dissimilar
metal plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and
water solution called an electrolyte.
The factory-installed battery has a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper
built-in indicator test procedures.The factory-in-
stalled low-maintenance battery has non-re-
movable battery cell caps.Water cannot be added
to this battery. The battery is not sealed and has
vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical composition
of the metal coated plates within the low-mainte-
nance battery reduces battery gassing and water
loss, at normal charge and discharge rates. There-
fore, the battery should not require additional water
in normal service. Rapid loss of electrolyte can be
caused by an overcharging condition.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected
before diagnostic procedures are performed. Refer to
Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning pro-
cedures, and Battery System Inspection for the
proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Stan-
dard Procedures for the proper battery charging pro-
cedures.
Micro 420 Battery Tester
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - TEST INDICATOR (IF EQUIPPED)
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)

After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine the battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery load test procedures. If the battery
will endure a load test, return the battery to service.
If the battery will not endure a load test, it is faulty
and must be replaced.
Clean and inspect the battery hold downs, tray,
terminals, posts, and top before completing battery
service. Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the
proper battery system cleaning procedures, and Bat-
tery System Inspection for the proper battery system
inspection procedures.
CHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless this proce-
dure is properly followed, a good battery may be
needlessly replaced.
(1) Measure the voltage at the battery posts with a
voltmeter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 5). If the
reading is below ten volts, the battery charging cur-
rent will be low. It could take some time before the
battery accepts a current greater than a few milliam-
peres. Such low current may not be detectable on the
ammeters built into many battery chargers.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Connect the battery charger leads. Some bat-
tery chargers are equipped with polarity-sensing cir-
cuitry. This circuitry protects the battery charger and
the battery from being damaged if they are improp-
erly connected. If the battery state-of-charge is too
low for the polarity-sensing circuitry to detect, the
battery charger will not operate. This makes it
appear that the battery will not accept charging cur-
rent. See the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the battery charger for details on how to
bypass the polarity-sensing circuitry.(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. The amount of time
required for a battery to accept measurable charging
current at various voltages is shown in the Charge
Rate Table. If the charging current is still not mea-
surable at the end of the charging time, the battery
is faulty and must be replaced. If the charging cur-
rent is measurable during the charging time, the bat-
tery may be good and the charging should be
completed in the normal manner.
CHARGE RATE TABLE
Voltage Hours
16.0 volts maximum up to 4 hours
14.0 to 15.9 volts up to 8 hours
13.9 volts or less up to 16 hours
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary,
depending upon the following factors:
²Battery Capacity- A completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the charging time
of a small capacity battery.
²Temperature- A longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18É C (0É F) than at 27É C (80É
F). When a fast battery charger is connected to a cold
battery, the current accepted by the battery will be
very low at first. As the battery warms, it will accept
a higher charging current rate (amperage).
²Charger Capacity- A battery charger that
supplies only five amperes will require a longer
charging time. A battery charger that supplies
twenty amperes or more will require a shorter charg-
ing time.
²State-Of-Charge- A completely discharged bat-
tery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
The Battery Charging Time Table gives an indica-
tion of the time required to charge a typical battery
at room temperature based upon the battery state-of-
charge and the charger capacity.
Fig. 5 Voltmeter - Typical
DRBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 9
BATTERY (Continued)

BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Charging
Amperage5 Amps10
Amps20 Amps
Open Circuit
VoltageHours Charging @ 21É C (70É
F)
12.25 to 12.49 6 hours 3 hours 1.5
hours
12.00 to 12.24 10 hours 5 hours 2.5
hours
10.00 to 11.99 14 hours 7 hours 3.5
hours
Below 10.00 18 hours 9 hours 4.5
hours
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BUILT-IN
INDICATOR TEST
If equipped, an indicator (hydrometer) built into
the top of the battery case provides visual informa-
tion for battery testing (Fig. 6). Like a hydrometer,
the built-in indicator measures the specific gravity of
the battery electrolyte. The specific gravity of the
electrolyte reveals the battery state-of-charge; how-
ever, it will not reveal the cranking capacity of the
battery. A load test must be performed to determine
the battery cranking capacity. Refer to Standard Pro-
cedures for the proper battery load test procedures.
Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any
damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.)
that would cause the battery to be faulty. In order to
obtain correct indications from the built-in indicator,
it is important that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass. Additional light may be required to
view the indicator.Do not use open flame as a
source of additional light.To read the built-in indicator, look into the sight
glass and note the color of the indication (Fig. 7). The
battery condition that each color indicates is
described in the following list:
²Green- Indicates 75% to 100% battery state-of-
charge. The battery is adequately charged for further
testing or return to service. If the starter will not
crank for a minimum of fifteen seconds with a fully-
charged battery, the battery must be load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
load test procedures.
²Black or Dark- Indicates 0% to 75% battery
state-of-charge. The battery is inadequately charged
and must be charged until a green indication is visi-
ble in the sight glass (12.4 volts or more), before the
battery is tested further or returned to service. Refer
to Standard Procedures for the proper battery charg-
ing procedures. Also refer to Diagnosis and Testing
for more information on the possible causes of the
discharged battery condition.
²Clear or Bright- Indicates a low battery elec-
trolyte level. The electrolyte level in the battery is
below the built-in indicator. A maintenance-free bat-
tery with non-removable cell caps must be replaced if
the electrolyte level is low. Water must be added to a
low-maintenance battery with removable cell caps
before it is charged. Refer to Standard Procedures for
the proper battery filling procedures. A low electro-
lyte level may be caused by an overcharging condi-
tion. Refer to Charging System for the proper
charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 6 Built-In Indicator
1 - SIGHT GLASS
2 - BATTERY TOP
3 - GREEN BALL
4 - PLASTIC ROD
Fig. 7 Built-In Indicator Sight Glass Chart
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMDR
BATTERY (Continued)