electrical JEEP CHEROKEE 1995 Service User Guide

(4) For access to radiator draincock, remove radia-
tor grille mounting screws and remove grill. Refer to
Group 23, Body for procedures.
(5) Attach one end of a 24 inch long X 1/4 inch ID
hose to the radiator draincock. Put the other end into
a clean container. Open draincock and drain radiator.
(6) If equipped, disconnect auxiliary electric cooling
fan electrical connector (Fig. 31).
(7) If equipped, remove two electric cooling fan
mounting bolts. Lift cooling fan straight up until
alignment tabs at the bottom are clear of slots in
bracket at bottom of radiator (Fig. 32).
(8) Remove the two mechanical (non-electrical) fan
shroud mounting bolts. Lift shroud straight up until
alignment tabs at the bottom are clear of slots in
bracket at bottom of radiator (Fig. 32). Place shroud
over mechanical fan.
(9) If equipped, disconnect and plug automatic
transmission fluid cooler lines. Refer to Group 21,
Transmissions for procedures. If equipped with re-
mote transmission cooler, remove line to cooler from
bracket at bottom of radiator.
(10) Disconnect radiator upper and lower hoses
clamps (Figs. 27 and 28). Disconnect radiator upper
and lower hoses.
(11) Mark the position of the hood latch striker on
the radiator crossmember and remove hood latch
striker.(12) Remove two radiator upper crossmember-to-
isolator nuts (Fig. 32).
Fig. 31 Auxiliary Electric Cooling Fan Wiring
ConnectorÐTypical
Fig. 32 Auxiliary Electric Cooling Fan and Fan ShroudÐTypical
JCOOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURES 7 - 29

(13) Remove four radiator upper crossmember
bolts (Fig. 32) and remove upper crossmember.
(14) If equipped with air conditioning, separate ra-
diator from condenser by removing condenser-to-radi-
ator mounting brackets (Fig. 33).
(15) Lift radiator straight up and out of engine
compartment taking care not to damage fins.
INSTALLATION
The radiator is supplied with two alignment dowels
(Figs. 32 or 34). They are located on the bottom tank
and fit into rubber grommets in the radiator lower
crossmember.
(1) Lower radiator into engine compartment. Posi-
tion alignment dowels into rubber grommets in radi-
ator lower crossmember (Figs. 32 or 34).
(2) If equipped with air conditioning, attach con-
denser to radiator with mounting brackets (Fig. 33).
(3) Install radiator upper crossmember and four
mounting bolts.
(4) Install radiator upper crossmember-to-isolator
nuts. Tighten nuts to 10 Nzm (86 in. lbs.) torque. If
isolator-to-radiator nuts had been removed, tighten
them to 5 Nzm (47 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install hood latch striker. Note previously
marked position.
(6) Connect radiator upper and lower hoses.
(7) If equipped, connect automatic transmission
fluid cooler lines. Refer to Group 21, Transmissions
for procedures. If equipped with remote cooler, attach
cooler line to bracket at bottom of radiator.
(8) Install electric cooling fan (if equipped). Insert
alignment tabs at bottom of fan shroud into slots inbracket at bottom of radiator. Tighten mounting bolts
to3Nzm (31 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Connect electric cooling fan electrical connector.
(10) Install mechanical cooling fan shroud. Insert
alignment tabs at bottom of shroud into slots in
bracket at bottom of radiator. Tighten mounting bolts
to3Nzm (31 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Close radiator draincock.
(12) Install grille.
(13) Connect negative battery cable.
(14) Fill cooling system with correct coolant. Refer
to the Coolant section of this group.
(15) Install pressure cap.
(16) Check and adjust automatic transmission
fluid level (if equipped).
YJ MODELS
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRES-
SURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
6094) (FIG. 27). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. AL-
Fig. 33 Condenser-to-Radiator Mounting BracketsÐ
XJ with 4.0L 6- Cylinder Engine
Fig. 34 Radiator InstallationÐXJ Models with 4.0L
6-Cylinder Engine
7 - 30 COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURESJ

(10) Check and adjust automatic transmission
fluid level (if equipped).
COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Rubber hoses route coolant to and from the radia-
tor, intake manifold and heater core. All XJ models
equipped with air conditioning have a coolant control
valve. This is located in-line with the heater core in-
let and outlet hoses. It controls coolant flow to the
heater core when the air conditioning system is in
operation.
Radiator lower hoses are spring-reinforced to pre-
vent collapse from water pump suction at moderate
and high engine speeds.
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS
ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES.
WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY
TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF
CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
6094) (FIG. 36). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER
HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. AL-
WAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING
CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.
CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the
tongue of constant tension clamps (Fig. 37). If re-
placement is necessary, use only an original equip-
ment clamp with matching number or letter.
Inspect the hoses at regular intervals. Replace
hoses that are cracked, feel brittle when squeezed, or
swell excessively when the system is pressurized.
For all vehicles: In areas where specific routing
clamps are not provided, be sure that hoses are posi-
tioned with sufficient clearance. Check clearance
from exhaust manifolds and pipe, fan blades, drive
belts and sway bars. Improperly positioned hoses can
be damaged, resulting in coolant loss and engine
overheating.Ordinary worm gear type hose clamps (when
equipped) can be removed with a straight screw-
driver or a hex socket.To prevent damage to
hoses or clamps, the hose clamps should be
tightened to 4 Nzm (34 in. lbs.) torque. Do not
over tighten hose clamps.
When performing a hose inspection, inspect the ra-
diator lower hose for proper position and condition of
the internal spring.
COOLING SYSTEM FANS
Also refer to either the Viscous Fan Drive and/or
the Auxiliary Electric Cooling FanÐXJ Models With
4.0L Engine sections for additional information.
All models are equipped with a mechanical temper-
ature controlled fan. This thermal viscous fan drive
(Fig. 38) is a torque-and-temperature-sensitive clutch
unit. It automatically increases or decreases fan
speed to provide proper engine cooling. XJ models
equipped with a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine may also
have an auxiliary electrical cooling fan. This is with
models that have air conditioning and/or heavy duty
cooling.
REMOVAL
Some engines have the mechanical fan/viscous fan
drive assembly mounted directly to the water pump
hub (Fig. 38). It may also be mounted to a hub/bear-
ing attached to an aluminum bracket on the right
front side of engine (Fig. 39).
(1) Loosen but do not remove at this time, the four
fan hub mounting nuts (Figs. 38 or 39).
Fig. 36 Hose Clamp ToolÐTypical
Fig. 37 Clamp Number/Letter Location
7 - 32 COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURESJ

(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped) is
turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A DI-
RECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm.
Within ten minutes the air temperature (indicated on
the dial thermometer) should be up to 88É C (190É F).
Fan driveengagementshould have started to occur
at between 74É to 82É C (165É to 180É F). Engage-
ment is distinguishable by a definiteincreasein fan
flow noise (roaring). The timing light also will indi-
cate an increase in the speed of the fan.
(7) When the air temperature reaches 88É C (190É
F), remove the plastic sheet. Fan drivedisengage-
mentshould have started to occur at between 57É to
79É C (135É to 175É F). A definitedecreaseof fan
flow noise (roaring) should be noticed. If not, replace
the defective viscous fan drive unit.
VISCOUS FAN DRIVE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
Refer to the previous section on Cooling System
Fan for removal and installation procedures of the
viscous drive unit.
Viscous Fan Drive Fluid Pump Out Require-
ment:After installing anewviscous fan drive, bring
the engine speed up to approximately 2000 rpm and
hold for approximately two minutes. This will ensure
proper fluid distribution within the drive.
AUXILIARY ELECTRIC COOLING FANÐXJ MODELS
WITH 4.0L 6-CYLINDER ENGINE
OPERATION
XJ models equipped with a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine
may also have an auxiliary electrical cooling fan.
This is with models that have air conditioning and/or
heavy duty cooling. The fan is controlled by the cool-
ing fan relay, which is located in the power distribu-
tion center (PDC). For the location of relay within
the PDC (Fig. 41), refer to the label on PDC cover.
When coolant temperature is above 88ÉC (190ÉF),
the powertrain control module (PCM) provides a
ground path for the fan relay. This ground is pro-
vided through pin/connector #31 of the PCM 60-way
connector. Battery voltage is then applied to the fan
through the relay. When coolant temperature is be-
low 88ÉC (190ÉF), the PCM opens the ground path to
the relay. This will prevent the cooling fan from be-
ing energized.
Whenever the air conditioning is operated, the
PCM engages the auxiliary cooling fan. It provides aground path to the cooling fan relay. This ground is
provided through pin/connector #31 of the PCM 60-
way connector.
DIAGNOSIS AND RELAY TESTING
The powertrain control module (PCM) will enter a
diagnostic trouble code (DTC) number 35 in memory
if it detects a problem in the auxiliary cooling fan re-
lay or circuit. This will be read as a flashing signal
at the instrument panel mounted Malfunction Indica-
tor Lamp (displayed on the instrument panel as the
CHECK ENGINE lampÐfigure 42). Refer to On-
Board Diagnostics in Group 14, Fuel Systems for in-
formation on accessing a DTC.
The DTC can also be accessed through the DRB
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
Fig. 41 PDCÐXJ Models
Fig. 42 Check Engine LampÐXJ ModelsÐTypical
JCOOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURES 7 - 35

nostic Procedures manual for diagnostic information
and operation of the DRB scan tool.
To test operation of the fan relay only, refer to Re-
laysÐOperation/Testing. This can be found in Group
14, Fuel Systems.
REMOVAL
The auxiliary cooling fan is attached to the radia-
tor upper crossmember behind the radiator.
(1) Remove the two fan mounting bolts from radi-
ator upper crossmember (Fig. 43).
(2) Disconnect the electric fan connector.
(3) Lift fan straight up and out of vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align lower retaining tabs of fan shroud with
slots in bracket at bottom of radiator. Push fan down
into position.
(2) Tighten the mounting bolts to 4 Nzm (31 in.
lbs.) torque.
(3) Connect auxiliary cooling fan electrical connec-
tor.
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLERS
WATER-TO-OIL COOLER
All models equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion are equipped with a transmission oil cooler
mounted internally within the radiator tank. This in-
ternal cooler is supplied as standard equipment on
all models equipped with an automatic transmission.
Transmission oil is cooled when it passes through
this separate cooler. In case of a leak in the internalradiator mounted transmission oil cooler, engine cool-
ant may become mixed with transmission fluid or
transmission fluid may enter engine cooling system.
Both cooling system and transmission should be
drained and inspected if the internal radiator
mounted transmission cooler is leaking.
Also refer to the section on Transmission Air-to-Oil
Coolers. This auxiliary air-to-oil cooler is an option
on most engine packages.
REPLACING WATER-TO-OIL COOLER IN
RADIATOR SIDE TANK
The internal transmission oil cooler located within
the radiator is not serviceable. If it requires service,
the radiator must be replaced.
Once the repaired or replacement radiator has
been installed, fill the cooling system and inspect for
leaks. Refer to the Refilling Cooling System and Test-
ing Cooling System For Leaks sections in this group.
If the transmission operates properly after repairing
the leak, drain the transmission and remove the
transmission oil pan. Inspect for sludge and/or rust.
Inspect for a dirty or plugged inlet filter. If none of
these conditions are found, the transmission and
torque convertor may not require reconditioning. Re-
fer to Group 21 for automatic transmission servicing.
AIR-TO-OIL COOLER
An auxiliary air-to-oil transmission oil cooler is
available with most engine packages.
On XJ and YJ models, the cooler is located in front
of the radiator or A/C condenser (if equipped) and be-
hind the grill (Figs. 44, 45 or 46). It is mounted to
the front frame crossmember.
Fig. 43 Auxiliary Cooling FanÐRemove/InstallÐ
Typical
Fig. 44 Auxiliary Air-To-Oil CoolerÐYJ Models
7 - 36 COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE PROCEDURESJ

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
An optional engine block heater is available for all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com-
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted in a core
hole of the engine cylinder block (in place of a freeze
plug) with the heating element immersed in engine
coolant. Connect the power cord to a grounded 110-
120 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-
wire extension cord.
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
BLOCK HEATER SPECIFICATIONS
²2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine: 115 Volts 400 Watts
²4.0L 6-Cylinder Engine: 120 Volts 600 Watts
REMOVAL
Refer to correct illustration (Figures 11, 12 or 13)
when servicing block heater.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRES-
SURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If solution is
clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
(1) Drain coolant from radiator and engine cylinder
block.(2) Unplug power cord from block heater.
(3) Loosen screw in center of block heater (Figs. 11,
12 or 13).
(4) Remove block heater from cylinder block.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean the engine core hole and the
block heater seat.
(2) Insert block heater assembly into core hole
with element loop pointingUp.
(3) Seat block heater flush against block face.
Tighten mounting screw to 3.6 Nzm (32 in. lbs.)
torque.
(4) Fill cooling system with coolant. Pressurize sys-
tem and inspect for leaks.
(5) Plug power cord into block heater. Route cord
away from moving parts, linkages and exhaust sys-
tem components. Secure cord in place with tie-straps.
Fig. 13 Heater and CordÐYJ Models
Fig. 11 Heater and CordÐXJ with 2.5L 4-Cylinder
Engine
Fig. 12 Heater and CordÐXJ with 4.0L 6-Cylinder
Engine
7 - 44 ENGINE BLOCK HEATERJ

ELECTRICAL
GROUP INDEX
Group Group
AUDIO SYSTEMS........................ 8F
BATTERY/STARTER/GENERATOR SERVICE.... 8B
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSTICS......................... 8A
CHIME/BUZZER WARNING SYSTEMS........ 8U
HORNS................................ 8G
IGNITION SYSTEMS...................... 8D
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES......... 8E
LAMPS................................ 8L
OVERHEAD CONSOLE.................... 8C
POWER LOCKS.......................... 8P
POWER MIRRORS....................... 8TPOWER SEATS.......................... 8R
POWER WINDOWS....................... 8S
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER............... 8N
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS................... 8M
TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING
SYSTEMS............................. 8J
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM......... 8H
WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS............ 8K
XJ WIRING DIAGRAMS-LEFT HAND DRIVE . . . 8W
XJ WIRING DIAGRAMS-RIGHT HAND DRIVE . 8W
YJ WIRING DIAGRAMS.................. 8W
BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS
CONTENTS
page page
BATTERY............................... 2
CHARGING SYSTEM..................... 17
IGNITION-OFF DRAW.................... 10SPECIFICATIONS........................ 23
STARTING SYSTEM...................... 11
USING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.... 22
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery, starting, and charging systems operate
with one another; therefore, they must be tested as a
complete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers battery, starting (Fig. 1) and
charging (Fig. 2) system diagnostic procedures. These
procedures include the most basic conventional diag-
nostic methods, to On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) builtinto the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction milliamp ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery
charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-
volt test lamp will be required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. See Us-
ing On-Board Diagnostic System in this group for
more information.
JELECTRICAL 8A - 1

BATTERY
GENERAL INFORMATION
The storage battery is a device used to store elec-
trical energy potential in a chemical form. When an
electrical load is applied to the battery terminals, an
electrochemical reaction occurs within the battery.
This reaction causes the battery to discharge electri-
cal current.
The battery is made up of 6 individual cells that
are connected in series. Each cell contains positively
charged plate groups made of lead oxide, and nega-
tively charged plate groups made of sponge lead.
These dissimilar metal plates are submerged in a
sulfuric acid and water solution called electrolyte.
As the battery discharges, a gradual chemical
change takes place within each cell. The sulfuric acid
in the electrolyte combines with the plate materials,
causing both plates to change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water.
The chemical changes within the battery are
caused by movement of excess or free electrons be-
tween the positive and negative plate groups. Thismovement of electrons produces a flow of electrical
current through the load device attached to the bat-
tery terminals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery, the process is reversed.
Charging the battery gradually changes the sul-
fated lead plates back into sponge lead and lead ox-
ide, and the water back into sulfuric acid. This action
restores the difference in electron charges deposited
on the plates, and the voltage potential of the battery
cells.
For a battery to remain useful, it must be able to
produce high-amperage current over an extended pe-
riod. A battery must also be able to accept a charge,
so that its voltage potential may be restored.
In addition to producing and storing electrical en-
ergy, the battery serves as a capacitor or voltage sta-
bilizer for the vehicle electrical system. It absorbs
abnormal or transient voltages caused by switching
of any of the vehicle's electrical components.
The battery is vented to release excess gas that is
created when the battery is being charged or dis-
Fig. 1 Starting System Components (Typical)
Fig. 2 Charging System Components (Typical)
8A - 2 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ

charged. However, even with these vents, hydrogen
gas can collect in or around the battery. If hydrogen
gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it can ignite.
If the electrolyte level is low, the battery could arc
internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced when the electrolyte level is
low.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ASSIST BOOST,
CHARGE, OR TEST BATTERY WHEN ELECTRO-
LYTE LEVEL IS BELOW THE TOP OF THE PLATES.
PERSONAL INJURY MAY OCCUR.
BATTERY RATINGS
Currently, there are 2 commonly accepted methods
for rating and comparing battery performance. These
ratings are called Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA),
and Reserve Capacity (RC). Be certain that a replace-
ment battery has CCA and RC ratings that equal or
exceed the original equipment specification for the
vehicle being serviced. See Battery Classifications
and Ratings charts in Specifications at the back of
this group.
COLD CRANKING AMPERAGE
The Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) rating speci-
fies how much current (in amperes) the battery can
deliver for 30 seconds at -17.7ÉC (0ÉF). Terminal volt-
age must not fall below 7.2 volts during or after the
30 second discharge. The CCA required is generally
higher as engine displacement increases, depending
also upon the starter current draw requirements.
RESERVE CAPACITY
The Reserve Capacity (RC) rating specifies the
time (in minutes) it takes for battery terminal volt-
age to fall below 10.2 volts at a discharge rate of 25
amps. RC is determined with the battery fully-
charged at 26.7ÉC (80ÉF). This rating estimates how
long the battery might last after a charging system
failure, under minimum electrical load.
DIAGNOSIS
The battery must be completely charged and the
top, posts, and terminal clamps should be properly
cleaned before diagnostic procedures are performed.
Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Ser-
vice for more information.
The condition of a battery is determined by two cri-
teria:
(1)State-Of-ChargeThis can be determined by
viewing the built-in test indicator, by checking spe-
cific gravity of the electrolyte (hydrometer test), or by
checking battery voltage (open circuit voltage test).(2)Cranking CapacityThis can be determined
by performing a battery load test, which measures
the ability of the battery to supply high-amperage
current.
If the battery has a built-in test indicator, use this
test first. If it has no test indicator, but has remov-
able cell caps, perform the hydrometer test first. If
cell caps are not removable, or a hydrometer is not
available, perform the open circuit voltage test first.
The battery must be charged before proceeding
with a load test if:
²the built-in test indicator has a black or dark color
visible
²the temperature corrected specific gravity is less
than 1.235
²the open circuit voltage is less than 12.4 volts.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty
and further testing is not required. A battery that is
fully-charged, but does not pass the load test is
faulty and must be replaced.
Completely discharged batteries may take
several hours to accept a charge. See Charging
Completely Discharged Battery.
A battery is fully-charged when:
²all cells are gassing freely during charging
²a green color is visible in the sight glass of the
built-in test indicator
²three corrected specific gravity tests, taken at
1-hour intervals, indicate no increase in specific grav-
ity
²open circuit voltage is 12.4 volts or greater.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnor-
mal battery discharging:
(1) Corroded battery posts and terminals.
(2) Loose or worn generator drive belt.
(3) Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system, possibly due to equipment installed
after manufacture or repeated short trip use.
(4) Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
(5) Faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw. See Ignition-Off Draw in this group
for diagnosis.
(6) Faulty charging system.
(7) Faulty or incorrect battery.
BUILT-IN TEST INDICATOR
A test indicator (hydrometer) built into the top of
the battery case, provides visual information for bat-
tery testing (Fig. 1). It is important when using the
test indicator that the battery be level and have a
clean sight glass to see correct indications. Additional
light may be required to view indicator.
JBATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A - 3

WARNING: POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. BATTERY
CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH
SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN EVENT OF CON-
TACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHIL-
DREN.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the battery negative
cable before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical system components. Do not exceed 16.0
volts while charging battery.
Battery electrolyte will bubble inside battery case
during normal battery charging. If the electrolyte
boils, or is discharged from the vent holes while
charging, immediately reduce charging rate or turn
OFF charger and evaluate battery condition.
Battery should not be hot to the touch. If the
battery feels hot to the touch, turn OFF
charger and let battery cool before continuing
charging operation.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing circuitry. This circuitry protects the charger
and/or battery from being damaged if improperly con-
nected.
If the battery state-of-charge is too low for the po-
larity sensing circuitry to detect, the charger will not
operate. This makes it appear that the battery will
not accept charging current. Refer to instructions
provided with the battery charger being used to by-
pass the polarity sensing circuitry.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. If the battery will endure a load test, return
the battery to use. If the battery will not endure a
load test, it must be replaced.
Clean and inspect battery holddowns, tray, termi-
nals, posts, and top before completing service. Refer
to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Service for
more information.
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary, de-
pending upon the following factors:(1)Battery CapacityÐA completely discharged
heavy-duty battery requires twice the recharging
time of a small capacity battery.
WARNING: NEVER EXCEED 20 AMPS WHEN
CHARGING A COLD (-1ÉC/30ÉF) BATTERY. PER-
SONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
(2)TemperatureÐA longer time will be needed to
charge a battery at -18ÉC (0ÉF) than at 27ÉC (80ÉF).
When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
current accepted by the battery will be very low at
first. As the battery warms, it will accept a higher
charging current rate.
(3)Charger CapacityÐA charger that supplies
only 5 amperes will require a longer charging time. A
charger that supplies 20 amperes or more requires a
shorter charging time.
(4)State-Of-ChargeÐA completely discharged
battery 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.
CHARGING 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 voltage at battery posts with a voltme-
ter, accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt (Fig. 8). If the reading
is below 10 volts, the charge current will be low. It
could take some time before the battery accepts a
current greater than a few milliamperes. Such low
current may not be detectable on ammeters built into
many chargers.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable. Connect
charger leads. Some battery chargers are equipped
BATTERY CHARGING TIME TABLE
Fig. 8 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt Connected
8A - 8 BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICSJ