Starion L4-2555cc 2.6L SOHC Turbo (1988)
Battery: Technical Service Bulletins
Battery - Test Procedure
SUBJECT:
BATTERY TEST PROCEDURE
NO.
TSB-88-08-006
DATE
April, 1988
MODEL
All Models
PURPOSE
A recent Warranty Bulletin requires a PWA on all battery replacements for vehicles in inventory. In order to obtain the PWA, the dealer must test each
battery, slow-charge any that is discharged, and submit a completed test form to the District Service Manager. A supply of the test form is enclosed with
this bulletin. More copies may be ordered from Technical Support Department at MMSA headquarters in California.
TEST PROCEDURE
To determine the condition of a battery, tests are required before and after charging.
BEFORE-CHARGE TESTS
1.
Visual Inspection and Cleaning: Inspect the battery for cracked case, loose terminals, and electrolyte level. Clean the top of the case and the
terminals. If the case is not cracked, electrolyte covers all plates, and terminals are secure, then perform the Open Circuit Voltage Test.
2.
Open-Circuit Voltage Test: Apply a light load to the battery for 15 seconds and then allow the voltage to stabilize for 2 minutes. A good way to do
this is to turn on the headlights for 15 seconds and then let the battery rest for 2 minutes. Record the open-circuit voltage even though it may be
very low. If the open-circuit voltage is more than 12.4V then proceed directly to the Load Test described in Step 2 below. If not, charge the battery
as described on Page 2 of this bulletin.
AFTER-CHARGE TESTS
1.
Open-Circuit Voltage Test: After charging, the open-circuit voltage must be 12.4 volts or more. Perform the test just as in Step 2 above - apply a
light load to the battery for 15 seconds and then allow the battery to stabilize for 2 minutes. Record the open-circuit voltage. If the open-circuit
voltage is more than 12.4 volts, then proceed directly to the Load Test.
2.
Load Test: Connect a load tester (see Note) to the battery and load the battery at 200 A for 15 seconds. Read the voltage during the test. If the
voltage remains over 9.6V throughout the test, the battery is OK and can be returned to service.
NOTE:
If a load tester is not available, disconnect the coil wire and ground it with a jumper. Connect a voltmeter across the battery and observe
voltage (9.6V minimum) while cranking the engine for 15 seconds.
SLOW-CHARGE PROCEDURE
Many good batteries are scrapped because they are not given a chance to recharge. We have published two service bulletins on recharging practice and
urge you to re-read them. The first was STB-84-08-006 in your 1984 Service Technical Bulletin binder and the second was TSB-88-08-001 issued in
1988. In both these bulletins we cautioned that the new low-maintenance and maintenance-free batteries react differently to charging than previous types
and require much lower charging currents and more patience because a dead battery may not accept a charging current for several hours.
Then, too, some fast chargers contain circuitry that is triggered by battery voltage. Sometimes a battery is so dead that it cannot trigger these circuits, and
the charger cannot begin charging. In a case like this, the technician must manually override the circuitry to get the charger started.
We recommend slow-charging the battery at a rate of 2 to 5 amperes for as much as 24 hours. If your dealership's battery charger cannot charge at these
rates, you might consider buying a low-priced, low-output charger.
NOTES ABOUT SAFETY
^
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is corrosive. Be sure to avoid getting battery electrolyte on skin and clothing, and always wear protective
goggles when working near batteries.
^
Hydrogen gas is generated when a battery is charged. Hydrogen is easily ignited and explodes. Keep sparks and open flames away from batteries.
