PB 150 V8-318 5.2L VIN T 2-BBL (1983)
Technical Service Bulletin # 080683
Date: 830516
Battery - Diagnosis, Service & Charging
Models
All Passenger Cars & Trucks
Subject
Battery Diagnosis & Charging
Index
ELECTRICAL
Date
May 16, 1983
No.
08-06-83
P-1486-C
This bulletin outlines the proper service procedures that should be followed for storing, charging, testing, and diagnosing batteries..
WARNING:
ALL BATTERIES GENERATE HYDROGEN GAS WHICH IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. IF IGNITED BY A SPARK OR
FLAME, THE GAS MAY EXPLODE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING SPRAYING OF ACID, FRAGMENTATION OF THE BATTERY,
AND POSSIBLE SEVERE PERSONAL INJURIES. WEAR APPROVED EYE PROTECTION. BATTERY FLUID IS A CORROSIVE
ACID. FLUSH ANY CONTACTED AREA WITH WATER IMMEDIATELY AND THOROUGHLY.
Battery Storage, Vehicles In Repair, General Information & Built-In Test Information
BATTERY STORAGE
Today's vehicles have several electronic devices which result in a very small but continuous current drain on their batteries, commonly referred to as
"key off loads." Vehicles that are not used for an extended period of time may develop extremely discharged and/or permanently damaged batteries
resulting from these small loads. Discharged batteries can freeze at temperatures as high as 20~F causing permanent damage.
To alleviate this condition, the negative battery cable should be disconnected on vehicles which are not going to be in service within a 30-day period. If
this is not possible, batteries should be recharged periodically, every 30-60 days, until the green dot is visible.
THE IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE OFF WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING BATTERY CABLES OR CHARGERS. FAILURE TO
DO SO MAY OVERSTRESS OR DAMAGE THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
VEHICLES IN REPAIR AREA
If a vehicle is going to be in a repair area for a prolonged period of time, the technician should disconnect the battery if battery current is not required.
This will avoid battery current drains from an open hood, deck lid, doors, etc.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The battery is the heart of the vehicle's electrical system. It is very important that it is capable of delivering the necessary electricity when called for and
capable of accepting electricity when it is in a low state of charge.
Another important feature of the battery is that it acts as a giant capacitor (shock absorber) in the vehicle's electrical system. It absorbs many abnormal
and transient voltages that are created by the various electrical components of the system.
If a battery is not up to specifications it will not deliver the necessary electricity, will not accept electricity, and will not act as a capacitor. Consequently,
the vehicle's entire electrical system will be affected when this happens.
All vehicles are equipped with maintenance free batteries and are, as the name implies, totally maintenance free and have no removable battery cell caps.
Water never needs to be added to the maintenance free battery. The battery is completely sealed except for small vent holes in the cover. These vent
holes allow what small amount of gasses are produced in the battery to escape. The special chemical composition inside the battery reduces the
production of gas to an extremely small amount at normal charging voltages. The battery contains a visual test indicator which signals when an adequate
charge level exists (green indicator), when charging is required (black), or when replacement is required (yellow). The battery is of polypropylene
