TM 5-3805-262-20
5-9. BATTERIES AND CABLES MAINTENANCE (CONT)
a. B a t t e r i e s ( c o n t ) .
(2) Testing.
This task covers testing battery no-load voltage, fixed load ca-
p a c i t y , a n d s p e c i f i c g r a v i t y .
TOOLS: No. 1 Common Organizational Maintenance Tool Kit
Hydrometer
Thermometer
Starting and charging system tester
NOTE
PRELIMINARY PROCEDURE; Radiator grille unlocked and open.
Battery electrolyte is toxic and corrosive . Wear protective goggles and
g l o v e s w h e n w o r k i n g w i t h b a t t e r i e s . A v o i d c o n t a c t w i t h s k i n , e y e s ,
c l o t h e s , and don’t breathe vapors.
VOLTAGE TEST
( a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
( e )
( f )
Connect voltmeter leads of starting and charging system tester to ter-
minals of one battery as shown.
At right instrument panel, turn
flood lights on for 15 seconds
with engine off. Then turn flood
l i g h t s o f f .
Wait 3 minutes and record volt-
m e t e r i n d i c a t i o n.
Disconnect voltmeter leads and
connect to terminals of second
b a t t e r y.
Record voltmeter indication and
disconnect voltmeter leads.
Compare voltmeter indications with following list. If voltmeter indi-
cates at least 12.4 volts (75 percent charge), battery is probably
okay. If voltmeter indicates less than 12.4 volts, perform load test
(page 5-143).
Voltmeter
B a t t e r y
I n d i c a t i on
Charge
( v o l t s)
(percent)
11.7 or less
0
12.0
25
12.2
50
12.4
75
12.6 or more
100
5-142
