1

AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES

Battery functionBattery partsChemical actionsDischarge cycleCharge cycleBattery ratings

Battery MaintenanceCharging Jumping Dead BatteriesSafetyIncreasing battery life

2

Battery Safety

AcidGlassesExplosion

3

BATTERY FUNCTIONS

Provide electricity to start the engine***

Provide electrical power to the vehicle when the engine is offHelp the alternator if the electrical load exceeds alternator capacity

4

BATTERY CONSTRUCTIONPLATES. Separators, connectors, and Electrolyte

Positive plates PbO2 Lead oxide

Negative plates Pb-lead

SeparatorsElementElectrolyte H2SO4+H2O– Sulfuric acid and water– Wet cell

Battery case (polypropylene)Terminals (+ LARGER & -) Two dissimilar metalsMay be charged after discharge

5

Battery Parts

6

Basic Battery

7

PLATE CONSTRUCTION

Positive plates and negative plates stacked next to each other.Separators do not allow plates to touch.More powerful batteries simply have more plates

8

BATTERY DISCHARGE CYCLE

Acid reacts with plate materialElectrolyte increases in water contentPositive and Negative plates form lead sulfateNegative terminal has excess electronsPositive terminal has a lack of electrons

9

BATTERY CHARGE CYCLE

Alternator forces electrons back into the batteryLead sulfate breaks up Reforms into acid in the electrolyteAmount of water decreases in electrolyteAmount of acid increases in electrolyte

10

Dot– good

Dark Green– recharge

Yellow– replace

Charge Indicators

11

BATTERY RATINGS

Cold Cranking Amps– CCA

Reserve Capacity– RC

WattsAmp Hour Rating (old)

12

Power VS. Temperature

13

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Remove battery Disconnect (-) first

Clean Battery Case &TopClean Battery TerminalsSecure Battery Hold Down

14

Clean Battery Case &Top

15

Clean Battery Terminals

16

Secure Battery Hold Down

17

CHARGING & JUMPING

Proper ConnectionsSlow ChargeTrickle ChargeFast Charge (boost)JumpingSafety

LAST

1st

2nd

3rd

18

10 - C

11 - B

12 - C

13 - A

14 - A

15 - C