Battery - Premature Failure
NO: 08-14-97 Rev. AGROUP: Electrical
DATE: Jun. 6, 1997
SUBJECT:
Premature Battery
Failure, Visible Electrolyte
On Battery And/Or Cell
Cap Label Missing
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-14-97, DATED APR. 4, 1997, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THE DIAGNOSTICS HAVE BEEN REVISED AND A NEW PART NUMBER GIVEN, ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS**.
MODELS:
1992 - 1997 (SR) Viper
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Premature battery discharge (dead battery), visible electrolyte discharge from the battery cell caps and/or battery cell cap label is missing.
DIAGNOSIS:
**Visually check for evidence of leaking electrolyte from the battery. Electrolyte may be found on the battery tray, splash shield or areas surrounding the battery. If there are signs of possible electrolyte leakage or if battery is damaged, the battery should be replaced with current production battery (p/n 04709386) which will already have a label applied across the cell caps. After the installation of the new battery (p/n 04709386) no further action is required. If there are no signs of electrolyte leakage and the battery is not damaged, perform the Repair Procedure to install the protective battery cell cap label on the existing battery. **
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 05003355AA Label, Battery Cell Cap (Self-Adhesive)
**AR (1) 04709386 Battery, With Self-Adhesive Label Applied**
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves installation of a label over the existing battery cell caps.
1. Record the preset radio settings.
2. Position the vehicle on a suitable hoist and remove the left rear tire/wheel assembly.
3. Remove the seven screws attaching the rear wheel splash shield and remove the splash shield.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable and then the positive battery cable.
CAUTION:
TO PROTECT THE HANDS FROM BATTERY ACID, A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY RUBBER GLOVES SHOULD BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A BATTERY. SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN.
5. Remove the battery hold down clamp and remove the battery from the vehicle.
6. Examine the battery tray and surrounding area for white electrolyte residue. Wash off any residue with warm water and baking soda solution.
7. Clean battery with a solution of warm water and baking soda. Apply solution with a bristle brush and allow to soak until acid deposits loosen. Rinse with clear water and blot dry with paper towels. Dispose of towels in a safe manner. Refer to warnings on top of battery. It is important for all battery surfaces to be free from dirt and electrolyte residue.
NOTE:
DUE TO THE VENT AND SEAL CONFIGURATION OF THE BATTERY, WATER CANNOT ENTER THE BATTERY UNLESS THE BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE.
8. Dry the battery, make sure the battery is clean and dry on all surfaces. This is very important to insure a secure bond for the battery label adhesive.
9. Peel back the lining of the self-adhesive battery label and place the label over all the battery cell caps. Fold the label down on each side and secure the label on sides of the battery. Figure 1
10. Clean the battery terminals with a suitable terminal cleaning tool.
11. Install the battery in the vehicle, insure proper positioning before installing the battery hold down clamp. Install the battery hold down clamp and torque to 14 Nm (124 in.lbs).
12. Install the positive battery cable and then the negative and torque to 14 Nm (124 in.lbs). Insure that the bolts are tightened securely.
13. Install the splash shield and seven attaching screws.
14. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
15. Verify proper battery operation.
16. Program all radio settings recorded in step 1.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 08-08-01-93 0.5 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: XX - Service Adjustment