Battery Description
Precautions: Precautions for Handling Battery · Precautions for Replacing Battery · General safety (00)
The battery has three major functions in the electrical system.
Electric load current sensor incorporating battery temperature sensor (if equipped) is fitted on the battery negative (–) terminal. (For more information on these sensors, refer to Description of ENG A-STOP System Components.)
•It is a source of electrical energy for cranking the engine.
•It acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system.
•It can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical load exceeds the output of generator.
•It acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system.
•It can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical load exceeds the output of generator.
Carrier and Hold-Down Clamp
The battery carrier should be in good condition so that it supports the battery securely and keeps it level. Before installing battery, check that the battery carrier and hold-down clamp are clean and free from corrosion and that there is no foreign material in the carrier.
To prevent battery from shaking in its carrier, the hold-down clamp bolts should be tightened enough but not over-tightened.
Electrolyte Freezing
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific gravity. Since freezing may ruin a battery, it should be protected against freezing by keeping it in a fully charged condition. If the battery freezes accidentally, it should not be charged until it will unfreeze.
Sulfation
If battery is left for a long period in discharged condition, the lead sulfate becomes converted into a hard, crystalline substance, which will not easily turn back to the active material again during the subsequent recharging. “Sulfation” means the result as well as the process of that reaction. Such a battery can be revived by very slow charging and may be restored to usable condition but its capacity will be lower than before.