
78 SEBU8088-06
Maintenance Section
Battery Charger - Check
i01039758
Battery C harg er - Check
SMCS Code: 1401-535
Checking Before Start-Up
Check the batt
ery charger for proper operation. If
the batteries are properly charged, the needle of the
ammeter will register near “0” (zero).
The battery charger must not produce excessive
current during start-up. Alternatively, the charger
must be autom
atically disconnected for start-up.
If the engine has an alternator, the charger must
be automatically disconnected during start-up and
during engin
e operation.
Charging the Battery
Never d isconnect any charging unit circuit or bat-
tery circuit cable from the battery when the charg-
ing unit is operated. A spark can cause an e xplo-
sion from the flammable vapor mixture of hy dro-
gen and oxygen that is released from the elec-
trolyte through the battery outlets. Injury to per-
sonnel can be the result.
Perform the following procedure to charge the
battery:
1. Ensure that the charger is turned OFF.
2. Adjust the voltage of the charger in order to match
the voltage of the battery.
3. Connect the POSITIVE “+” lead of the charger
to the POSITIVE “+” battery terminal. Connect
the NEGATIVE “-” lead of the charger to the
NEGATIVE “-” battery terminal.
4. Turn ON the battery charger.
Overcharging of Batteries
Overcharging reduces the service life of batteries.
Use a battery charger that will not overcharge the
battery. DO NOT charge the battery if the meter of
the battery charger is in the RED zone.
Overcharging is indicated by the following symptoms:
•
The battery i s very warm to the touch.
•
A strong odor of acid is present.
•
The battery emits smoke or a dense vapor (gas).
Perform one of t
he following procedures if the battery
shows symptoms of overcharging:
•
Reduce the rat
eofchargingbyasignificant
amount. Complete the charging at the reduced
rate.
•
Turn OFF the charger.
Table 8 descri
bes the effects of overcharging on
different types of batteries.
Table 8
Effects of Overcharging B atteries
Type of Battery Effect
All of the battery cells have
a low level of electrolyte.
When the plates of the
battery are inspected
through the filler holes, the
plates may appear to be
warped. This is caused by
an excessive temperature.
Caterpillar General Service
Batteries
Caterpillar Premium High
Output Batteries
The battery may not pass
aloadtest.
The battery may not accept
achargingcurrent.
Caterpillar Maintenance
Free Batteries
The battery may not pass
aloadtest.
Checking After Stopping
Ensure that the battery charger is connected
properly. Observe the meter of the charger. Record
the amperage.
i02601752
Battery Electrolyte Level -
Check
SMCS Code: 1401-535-FLV
When the engine is not run for long periods of time or
when the engine is run for short periods, the batteries
may not fully recharge. Ensure a full charge in order
to help prevent the battery from freezing.