Rio L4-1.6L (2004)
Battery: Testing and Inspection
INSPECTION
Inspection
Any of the following conditions can result in abnormal battery discharging:
1. Corroded or loose battery posts and terminal clamps.
2. A loose or worn generator drive belt.
3. Electrical loads that exceed the output of the charging system. This can be due to equipment installed after manufacture or repeated short trip use.
4. Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or prolonged idling with high-amperage draw system in use.
5. A faulty circuit or component causing excessive ignition-off draw or "parasitic" draw.
6. A faulty or incorrect charging system component.
7. A faulty or incorrect battery. Before testing, visually inspect the battery for any damage (a cracked case or cover, loose posts, etc.) that would
cause the battery to be faulty.
WARNING:
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IF A BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS OR LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST,
ASSIST-BOOST OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
COULD OCCUR.
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EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE
SPARKS NEAR THE BATTERY. PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
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THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC ACID WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID CONTACT WITH THE SKIN,
EYES OR CLOTHING. IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND CONTACT A PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
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IF THE BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH REMOVABLE CELL CAPS, BE CERTAIN THAT EACH OF THE CELL CAPS IN IS
PLACE AND TIGHT BEFORE THE BATTERY IS RETURNED TO SERVICE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE
DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
1. Check whether or not the electrolyte level lies between "UPPERLEVEL" line and "LOWER LEVEL" line.
2. If low, add distilled water to "UPPER LEVEL" line. Do not overfill.
HYDROMETER (SPECIFIC-GRAVITY) TEST
The hydrometer tests battery state-of-charge by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte. This test cannot be performed on maintenance-free
batteries with non-removable cell caps. Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of the electrolyte to the density of pure water. Pure water has a
specific gravity of 1.000, and sulfuric (battery) acid makes up approximately 35% of the electrolyte by weight, or 24% of its volume. In a fully charged
battery the electrolyte will have a temperature-corrected specific gravity of 1.260 to 1.290. However, a specific gravity of 1.235 or above is satisfactory
for battery load testing and/or return to service.
1. Measure specific gravity with a hydrometer. Refer to the instructions supplied with the hydrometer for recommendations on the correct use of the
hydrometer.
BATTERY OPEN-CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will show the state of charge of a battery. This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test. Before
proceeding with this test, make sure the battery is completely charged.
