On-Vehicle Testing: Battery

WARNING: Battery fluid (electrolyte) contains sulfuric acid. It may cause severe burns if it gets on your skin or in your eyes. Wear protective clothing and a face shield.

If electrolyte gets on your skin or clothes, rinse it off with water immediately. If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush it out by splashing water in your eyes for at least 15 minutes; call a physician immediately.

A battery gives off hydrogen gas. If ignited, hydrogen will explode and could crack battery case and splatter acid on you. Keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from battery.

Overcharging will raise temperature of electrolyte. This may force electrolyte to spray out of battery vents. Follow charger manufacturer's instructions and charge battery at proper rate.

If you are using a computerized battery tester, follow test procedure provided with it. If you don't have a computerized tester, use conventional test procedure. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 .

To get accurate results, temperature of electrolyte must be between 21°C (70°F) and 38°C (100°F).

Fig 1: Battery Test Procedure (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 2: Battery Test Procedure (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.