alternator SUBARU FORESTER 2004 Service Repair Manual

SC(H4SO)-22
STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEM
Battery
D: MEASUREMENT
WARNING:
 Do not bring an open flame close to the bat-
tery at this time.
CAUTION:
 Prior to charging, corroded terminals should
be cleaned with a brush and common baking
soda solution.
 Be careful since the battery electrolyte over-
flows while charging the battery.
 Observe the instructions when handling bat-
tery charger.
 Before charging the battery on vehicle, dis-
connect battery ground terminal. Failure to fol-
low this rule may damage alternator’s diodes or
other electrical units.
1. JUDGMENT OF BATTERY IN CHARGED
CONDITION
1) Specific gravity of electrolyte is held at a specific
value in a range from 1.250 to 1.290 for more than
one hour.
2) Voltage per battery cell is held at a specific value
in a range from 2.5 to 2.8 volts for more than one
hour.
2. CHECK HYDROMETER FOR STATE OF
CHARGE
3. NORMAL CHARGING
Charge the battery at current value specified by
manufacturer or at approx. 1/10 of battery’s am-
pere-hour rating.
4. QUICK CHARGING
Quick charging is a method in which the battery is
charged in a short period of time with a relatively
large current by using a quick charger.
Since a large current flow raises electrolyte temper-
ature, the battery is subject to damage if large cur-
rent is used for prolonged time. For this reason, the
quick charging must be carried out within a current
range that will not increase the electrolyte temper-
ature above 40°C (104°F).
It should be also remembered that the quick charg-
ing is a temporary means to bring battery voltage
up to a fair value and, as a rule, a battery should be
charged slowly with a low current.CAUTION:
 Observe the items in 3. NORMAL CHARGING.
 Never use more than 10 amperes when
charging the battery because that will shorten
battery life.
Hydrometer
indicatorState of charge Required action
Green dot Above 65% Load test
Dark dot Below 65% Charge battery
Clear dot Low electrolyteReplace battery*
(If cranking complaint)
*: Check electrical system before replacement.