PB 150 V8-318 5.2L VIN T 2-BBL (1983)
9.6
70 and above
21 and above
9.5
60
16
9.4
50
10
9.3
40
4
9.1
30
-1
8.9
20
-7
8.7
10
-12
8.5
0
-18
Open Circuit Voltage Test
If the battery fails the load test, then check the charge in it. The open circuit or no-load voltage is a good measure of the charge after the battery has
stabilized. This takes a couple of minutes after the load test has been completed. This voltage reading shows the battery charge thus:
BATTERY CHARGE PERCENT CHART
Open Circuit Volts
Percent Charge
11.7 volts or less
0%
12.0
25%
12.2
50%
12.4
75%
12.6 or more
100%
Because the change of voltage with charge is small, most battery testers use special voltmeters with scales expanded to better show the percent charge. If
the charge is 75% or more, the battery is considered substantially charged. If it failed the load test with this 75% charge or more, it should be replaced.
On the other hand, if the charge in the battery is under 75% it should be charged and load tested again. If it fails the load test again it should be replaced.
If it then passes the load test, it should remain in service. Proceed to Possible Causes of Battery Failure in Vehicle.
Possible Causes of Battery Failure in Vehicle
Battery failures are often not the fault of the battery, but caused by certain conditions in the vehicle. Foremost among these are:
1.
Corroded battery posts or connectors - when charging a battery (or when replacing one) the battery cables should be removed from the posts. After
this is done, always clean the posts and the cable connectors with a brush or suitable tool. The corrosion film that forms on the posts and
connectors can prevent good electrical contact with the battery, even when the connections are tight.
2.
Electrical leakage - vehicles normally have a small continuous drain on the battery of as much as 15-20 milli-amperes due to digital clocks and
solid state devices. In addition, there may be a condition in the car's electrical system that drains the battery even when all accessories are turned
off. To check for such leakage, turn off all accessories in the car and shut doors, trunk, and turn off all lights. If there is an underhood lamp,
remove its bulb. Now you can check for leaks by one of the following methods:
a.
At the battery, disconnect the cable that connects to the vehicle starter (the positive (+) cable). With an ohmmeter measure the resistance
between the disconnected cable end and the vehicle's chassis or engine block. A reading of under 100 ohms indicates a leak of .1 amp or more
which should be corrected.
b.
At the battery, disconnect the cable that connects to the engine block (the negative (-) cable) on modern American vehicles. Connect a low
resistance voltmeter (about 100 ohms per volt resistance) between the engine block and the disconnected battery post. An upscale reading of
6 volts or more indicates a leak of .1 amp or more which should be corrected.
The voltmeter test cannot be made with high resistance meters which read battery voltage through accessories such as electric clocks and voltage
regulators.
Some vehicles may have an electric clock which turns on momentarily every couple of minutes to wind. When this happens touch the disconnected cable
briefly to the disconnected post to wind the clock.
Further Points & Battery Diagnosis Information
FURTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER
Proper operation of the charging system should be confirmed. This can best be done by referring to the Chrysler service manual procedures.
The drive belts must be properly tightened, the wiring connectors properly attached, the voltage regulator functioning, the alternator output normal, and
again, no electrical loads left on inadvertently.
BATTERY DIAGNOSIS - DRIVER RELATED CONDITION
