Battery
WARNING:
Wash hands after handling the battery and related accessories:
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm.
Read the following precautions carefully before using the battery or
inspecting
to ensure safe and correct handling:
Always wear eye protection when working near the battery:
Working without eye protection is dangerous. Battery fluid contains SULFURIC
ACID
which could cause blindness if splashed into your eyes. Also, hydrogen gas
produced
during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode.
Wear eye protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with battery
fluid:
Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.
Battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID which could cause serious injuries if it
gets in
eyes, or on the skin or clothing. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes
with
water for 15 minutes or wash your skin thoroughly and get medical attention.
Always keep batteries out of the reach of children: Allowing children to play near batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid could cause serious injuries if it gets in the eyes or on the skin.
Keep flames and sparks away from open battery cells and do not allow metal
tools to contact the positive ( ) or negative ( ) terminal of the battery when
working near a battery. Do not allow the positive ( ) terminal to contact the
vehicle
body:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced
during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode.
An
exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames
including
cigarettes and sparks away from open battery cells.
Keep all flames, including cigarettes, and sparks away from open battery
cells:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced
during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode.
An
exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries.
NOTE:
Remove the battery cover before performing
battery maintenance.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery: - Keep it securely mounted.
- Keep the top clean and dry.
- Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
- Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
- If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the battery cables.
Inspecting Electrolyte Level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause the battery to discharge quickly.
Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a week. If it's low, remove the caps and add enough distilled water to bring the level between the upper and lower level (illustration).
Don't overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially during cold weather. If it's low, recharge the battery.
See also:
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