Section 7. Component Procedures
Model 6210 Maintenance Manual
Battery
To Charge a Battery To charge a battery, direct current is passed through the battery cells in the direction opposite to that of discharge. Charging time is 5% to 20% longer than discharge time. The most important element in battery service and prolonging battery life is correct charging. Make sure you follow the approved method for each application, following the battery and battery charger manufacturers’ instructions.
The vent holes in the filler plugs must be open to permit hydrogen gas to escape from the cells. When you charge the battery, make sure the polarity connections are correct. The positive lead of the charger must be connected to the positive terminal, and the negative lead must be connected to the negative terminal. 1. Familiarize yourself with the following:
Electrical Components 6. Inspect the battery. 7. Examine the electrolyte level in each cell. Electrolyte must cover the top of the battery plates. If electrolyte level is below the plates, add just enough water to cover the plates. Do not fill to level yet. Electrolyte level increases during charging. See “To Add Water to a Battery” on page 7-41. 8. Using a hydrometer, measure and record the specific gravity of each cell. See “Battery Specific Gravity” on page 7-41. 9. Measure and record the voltage of each cell. 10. To get the maximum use out of each battery, recharge only when effectively discharged. Routinely recharging batteries when only partially discharged decreases battery life. At maximum recommended discharge, the specific gravity must read 1.140 to 1.160 or less. 11. Make sure that the filler plugs are clean and the vent holes are open. Tighten all filler plugs.
• Charging rate, starting rate, and finish rate • Time available for charge • Overheating, excessive gassing, or overcharging • Variations between cell voltage 2. Battery performance varies depending on the type of application. If you use more than one truck, one battery, and one charger, keep the same batteries and charger assigned to each truck. This makes it easier to diagnose any battery or charging problem. 3. Consult your battery and battery charger manufacturer’s manual for specific charging procedures.
NEVER plug the battery charger into the truck. This severely damages the truck’s electrical system. Plug the charger ONLY into the connector from the battery. Fig20_Charger.eps
4. Wear personal protective equipment, see “Battery Safety” on page 2-5.
12. Charge the battery, following specific instructions in your battery and battery charger manufacturer’s manual.
5. If equipped with the optional keypad, press the red OFF ( O ) key. Place the Main ON/OFF Switch in the OFF position. Disconnect the battery connector from the truck.
13. Using a hydrometer, measure the specific gravity of each cell. No amount of charging increases battery capacity or increases specific gravity above its fully charged level (specific gravity 1.280 to 1.300).
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Publication: 1146947, Revised: 12 Jan 2017
