ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
– 222 – Y53-6033
Regional Haul (R05/10)
• Battery acid that may spill during charging should be
washed off with a solution of warm water and baking
soda to neutralize the acid. If you accidentally get acid
in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doctor.
• Do not charge a frozen battery; allow it to thaw out
first. And always allow the battery to thaw gradually—
do not apply direct heat. Gas trapped in the ice may
cause an explosion.
• Never use a fast charger as a booster to start the
engine. This can seriously damage sensitive elec-
tronic components such as relays, radio, etc., as well
as the battery charger. Fast charging a battery is dan-
gerous and should only be attempted by a competent
mechanic with the proper equipment.
Slow Battery Charging
NOTE: Follow the instructions that come with
your battery charger.
• It is not necessary to remove the battery from the
compartment.
WARNING! Charger cables must be con-
nected positive to positive (+ to +) and nega-
tive to negative (– to –). If connected
improperly, batteries could explode causing
death or serious personal injury.
• Always make sure the battery charger is
OFF before connecting or disconnecting
the cable clamps. To reduce the danger of
explosions and resulting death or serious
personal injury, do not connect or discon-
nect charger cables while the charger is
operating.
1. Make sure the electrolyte level in each cell is between
the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. If the fluid level is below
the “MIN” mark, correct the condition.
2. Disconnect the battery cables.
3. Connect charger cables.
4. Start charging the battery at a rate not over 6
amperes. Normally, a battery should be charged at no
more than 10 percent of its rated capacity.
5. After charging, turn OFF charger and disconnect
charger cables.
