Eurovan L5-2459cc 2.5L SOHC (1992)
Battery: Service and Repair
Battery, Charging
Battery Charger, Connecting Safety Precautions
Battery, Charging
WARNING! Danger of explosion!
-
Batteries produce explosive gasses while being charged.
-
Keep open flames and sparks away and DO NOT smoke near batteries.
-
The battery charger MUST be turned off when connecting or disconnecting the cables at the battery.
-
Battery cell caps must NOT be removed while charging.
-
"Boosting" a sulfated battery a high charging rate can cause an explosion.
-
Ensure that battery is charged in a well ventilated area.
-
Precision tools must not be kept in the same room where batteries are being charged. Tools may corrode due to chemical reaction.
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items
-
Battery charger: Christie Automotive 400 QDD or equivalent.
Charging Totally Discharged Batteries
Battery, Charging
WARNING! Danger of explosion!
-
Batteries produce explosive gasses while being charged.
-
Keep open flames and sparks away and DO NOT smoke near batteries.
-
The battery charger MUST be turned off when connecting or disconnecting the cables at the battery.
-
Battery cell caps must NOT be removed while charging.
-
"Boosting" a sulfated battery a high charging rate can cause an explosion.
-
Ensure that battery is charged in a well ventilated area.
-
Precision tools must not be kept in the same room where batteries are being charged. Tools may corrode due to chemical reaction.
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items
-
Battery charger: Christie Automotive 400 QDD or equivalent.
Charging totally discharged batteries
Batteries that have not been used for long periods of time begin to self discharge (e.g. vehicles in storage) due to clock function. Under these conditions,
the battery begins to sulfate and the surface area of the battery plates hardens.
If a totally discharged battery is charged quickly ("quick charged" or "boost charged"), only a surface charge is accepted (if at all). The battery may even
test OK immediately after charging. However, in this case the sulfating process continues inside the battery. Once a battery begins to sulfate, it's ability to
further accept a routine charge (from the Generator) and provide adequate load and reserve performance will diminish until the battery malfunctions.
On totally discharged batteries, the electrolyte (sulfuric acid/water mixture) is almost all water. When these batteries are exposed to freezing
temperatures, permanent damage to the battery plates (and housing) results.
Totally discharged batteries must only be slow charged and re-tested as described below:
-
Charge a totally discharged battery (no load voltage 11.6 volts and less) for a minimum of 24 hours (or more). The maximum charge current must
not exceed 10% of battery capacity, e.g.: for a 60 Ah battery, max. charge current = 6 amps. The charging voltage must not exceed 14.4 volts.
CAUTION Never "quick charge" a totally discharged battery. Battery damage will result.