Battery Charging

A battery is considered fully charged when it will meet all the following requirements:

Battery Open Circuit Voltage
Open Circuit Volts Charge Percentage
11.7 Volts OR LESS 0%
12.0 Volts 25%
12.2 Volts 50%
12.4 Volts 75%
12.6 Volts OR MORE 100%

- It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least 12.4 volts (refer to Battery Open Circuit Voltage table)
- It passes the battery load test

Built-In Test Indicator Sight Glass:

- The built in test indicator dot is GREEN.
- The battery cannot be refilled with water. If the fluid level is low, the battery must be replaced.

WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL. BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BATTERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. THE BATTERY CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID WHICH IS POISONOUS, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Disconnect Battery Negative Cable:

CAUTION: Disconnect the battery negative cable first before charging battery to avoid damage to electrical systems. Do not exceed 16.0 volts while charging battery. Refer to the instructions supplied with charging equipment.

Battery electrolyte will bubble inside the battery case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery damage may occur if charging is excessive.

Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from being damaged if improperly connected. If the battery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to operate. Refer to operating instructions provided with battery charger being used.

CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator appears green. Do not overcharge.

It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle to bring the green dot (in the test indicator) into view.

After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or greater, perform a load test to decide cranking capacity. Refer to Battery Load Test. If the battery will endure a load test, return the battery to use. If battery will not endure a load test, it must be replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery hold downs, tray, terminals, cables, side terminals and top before completing service.