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Battery Test Procedure

This document provides safety procedures and instructions for testing batteries, including new batteries, batteries in service, and batteries being considered for warranty. It describes the types of batteries that can be tested (Caterpillar general service, premium, and maintenance free batteries), safety precautions for handling batteries and preventing explosive gases, recommended tools for testing, and cleaning procedures. The procedures and tests allow for identifying battery condition and issues.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
78 views

Battery Test Procedure

This document provides safety procedures and instructions for testing batteries, including new batteries, batteries in service, and batteries being considered for warranty. It describes the types of batteries that can be tested (Caterpillar general service, premium, and maintenance free batteries), safety precautions for handling batteries and preventing explosive gases, recommended tools for testing, and cleaning procedures. The procedures and tests allow for identifying battery condition and issues.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Shutdown SIS

Previous Screen
Welcome: p020og
Product:  HAMMER
Model:  70 HAMMER 4KL
Configuration: H45/H45 S, H50/H50 S,
63/H63/H63 S, 70/70 S/H70/H70 S,
H90C/H90C S & 100/H100/H100 S Hydraulic
Hammers 4KL00001-UP (MACHINE)

Special Instruction
Battery Test Procedure{1401}
Media Number -SEHS7633-09Publication Date -22/11/2010Date Updated -22/11/2010

   
i04134796

Battery Test Procedure{1401}


SMCS - 1401-081

Caterpillar Products: All

Introduction
This instruction provides the necessary information in order to test the following
battery types:

 A new battery

 A battery that is in service

 A battery that is being considered for warranty

The procedures and the tests refer to batteries of the following types:

 Caterpillar General Service Battery

 Caterpillar Premium Battery

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 Maintenance Free Battery

Procedures and/or tests will specify the types of batteries and voltages.

Identify the battery before you use any procedure or before you perform any test.
Ensure that the battery type and the battery voltage are known.

Safety Precautions
Handling Batteries And Battery Acid

All lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid which can


burn the skin and clothing. Always wear a face shield
and protective clothing when working on or near
batteries.

Note: When working with acid or when adding electrolyte to a battery, wear a face
shield and protective clothing to prevent contact with the battery electrolyte.

If an accident occurs use the following antidotes:

Eyes - If electrolyte is splashed into the eyes, proceed with the following steps:

1. Force the eyes open. Flood the eyes with cool, clean water for at least 15
minutes.

2. Seek immediate medical attention.

Internal - If electrolyte is consumed, proceed with the following steps:

1. Immediately drink large quantities of water or milk.

2. After you drink the milk or the water, drink one of the following liquids:

 Milk of magnesia

 Beaten eggs

 Vegetable oil

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3. Seek immediate medical attention.

External - If electrolyte burns the skin, proceed with the following steps:

1. Immediately flush the burned area with water.

2. Seek immediate medical attention.

Explosive Gases

Batteries generate explosive gases.

Always disconnect the circuit away from the battery;


never towards the battery.

Always keep sparks, flames or any other ignition


sources away from the battery.

Always wear a protective face shield and protective


clothing when working on or near batteries.

Batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases during normal operation. Gases
escape through the vent caps. An explosive atmosphere may collect around the
battery, especially if ventilation is poor. The explosive atmosphere may still be
present for several hours after the battery is charged.

Batteries can release explosive gasses when charging.

DO NOT under any circumstances remove the vent


caps from a battery while the battery is charging.

Charging the battery with the vent caps removed


could result in an explosion and personal injury.

Caterpillar General Service Batteries and Caterpillar Premium High Output


Batteries have vent caps. The vent caps have a built-in flame arrestor. The vent
caps reduce the possibility of external sparks that could ignite gases that are inside

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of the battery. Caution is still required.

Internal sparks that are generated by an open connection may cause a battery to
explode.

Sparks can also be generated when you connect and/or disconnect a battery from
an external circuit such as a battery charger or the battery cables.

Charging

Do not attempt to charge a battery that has ice in any


of the cells.

Charging a battery in this condition can cause an


explosion that may result in personal injury or death.

Always let the ice melt before attempting to charge.

Do not attempt to charge a battery until you are familiar with the procedures for
using the battery charger.

Starting From An External Source

Improper jumper cable connections can cause an


explosion resulting in personal injury.

For the correct procedures, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the
product.

Battery charging equipment must always be located in an area that provides proper
safety and proper ventilation.

Recommended Operating Temperatures


The maximum temperatures of operation for Caterpillar batteries is 52 °C (125 °F).
The ideal operating temperature range for Caterpillar batteries is 20° to 25°C (68 °

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to 77 °F). Battery life is cut in half for every 9.4 °C (48.9 °F) of ambient
temperature that is above 25 °C (77 °F). This equation is valid for any of the
following types of batteries that are lead acid: sealed, accessible, gelled and
industrial. The temperature of the battery should not exceed 52 °C (125 °F) during
normal operation. When the battery is exposed to extreme heat, electrolyte is
converted into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The result is a loss in performance,
shorter service life, and the potential for an explosion.

Batteries that are used in cool or moderate conditions can last between two and
three times longer than batteries used in hot climates. In colder climates, the
duration of battery life is between 48 and 54 months. In warmer locations, the
duration of standard battery life is 18 to 23 months. This data is based on normal
usage. Normal usage includes a good charge and a good condition of discharge.

Recommended Tools And References


The procedures and the tests in this publication were developed with Caterpillar
Service Tools. The following Caterpillar Service Tools and information
publications are recommended:

 225-8266 Ammeter Tool Gp

 349-4199 AC/DC Current Probe


 177-2330 Battery Analyzer

 4C-4911 Battery Load Tester


 237-5130 Digital Multimeter Gp
 146-4080 Digital Multimeter Gp

 Refer to the user manual for more information about using the 225-8266
Ammeter Tool Gp .

 Refer to Operating Manual, NEHS0764, "Using the 177-2330 Battery


Analyzer " for detailed instruction on the use and the testing procedure of the
177-2330 Battery Analyzer

 Refer to Special Instruction, SEHS9249, "Use Of The 4C-4911 Battery Load


Tester For 6, 8 V and 12 V Lead Acid Batteries."

 Refer to the manual that is provided by the supplier for more information on

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the use of the 237-5130 Digital Multimeter Gp .

 Refer to Operation Manual, NEHS0678 for complete information for the use
of the 146-4080 Digital Multimeter Gp

Recommended Cleaning
Cleaning the Battery
To prevent a leakage path (a type of short circuit), clean the top surface of the
battery and the terminal posts of the battery.

A leakage path can cause electrical components and systems to appear as


functioning even though the disconnect switch (if equipped) is in the OFF position.
The electrical system can also include the Engine Monitoring System (EMS).

A battery can be slippery and difficult to maneuver if an acid film exists. An acid
film can corrode the battery posts and the cable connections.

Batteries can be cleaned with one of the following solutions:

Baking Soda - Combine 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) of baking soda with 1 L (1.1 qt) of clean
water.

Ammonia - Combine 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) of ammonia soda with 1 L (1.1 qt) of clean
water.

NOTICE
Rapid air movement from compressed air combined
with dust, dirt, or other forms of debris can create
static electricity. Static electricity may lead to an
explosion when in the vicinity of a battery, resulting
in personal injury or death. Never use compressed
air for cleaning in the vicinity of a battery.

Remove the cleaning solution from the battery and neutralize the battery by rinsing
the battery with clean water.

Cleaning the Battery Terminal Post

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The battery terminal posts may be corroded.

If a corroded terminal post has a nonconductive coating, you cannot clean the
terminal with a cleaning solution or with a cleaning brush.

Use a fine grit sandpaper to remove the nonconductive coating if the terminal posts
are corroded.

NOTICE
Clean the battery terminal posts surface until the
surface has a bright, shiny appearance.

DO NOT remove any more material than necessary,


or the cable terminal may not fit properly.

Recommended Specifications for the Battery


Charger
The following specifications and/or features can be used as guidelines when you
charge a battery:
 Use a battery charger with a rugged design.

 Use a battery charger that is rated for heavy-duty commercial use.

 The REQUIRED AC power source must match the AVAILABLE AC power


source.

 For 12 V batteries, use a charger that is rated at 70 A. For 6 V batteries, use a


charger that is rated at 110 A.

 Continuous shorting (touching) of the charger output lead wiring should not
damage the battery charger.

 Use a charger that has a relay for polarity protection. The polarity protection
will prevent damage to the charger if the battery is connected in reverse.

 Charging overloads into the RED charging zone on the output meter should
not damage the battery charger.

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 Use a battery charger with at least three switchable charge rate settings or a
continuous variable output rate.

This feature permits the charger to work with all three Caterpillar battery types and
voltages. A high 6 V rate can be used on an 8 V battery.

The continuous variable rate permits a charging current near the values that are
required. The continuous variable rate allows the current to be reduced if a battery
overheats or a battery creates excessive gassing.

Battery Test And Warranty Procedures


Use the recommended tools or the equivalent tools when you are testing a battery
for warranty consideration.

Record the results of the test on the correct Battery Test Sheet.

Refer to ""Recommended Tools And References" " in this publication.

Visual Inspection For Damage


The battery is under a warranty and the battery will be replaced by Caterpillar, if
the following conditions occur:

 The battery develops a leak within 30 days of delivering the battery.

 There is no external visible damage in the area of the leak.

If there is external visible damage in the area of the leak, then replace the battery at
the expense customer .

If the battery is eroded in areas that were in contact with the hold-downs, then
replace the battery at the expense of the customer.

NOTICE
Find the cause of the failure before you install a new
battery. Failure to do so could result in damage to
the replacement battery.

Refer to ""Causes Of Battery Failure" " in this publication.

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Electrolyte Level Above Plates In All Cells


Note: If the battery is sealed, then this test cannot be done.

The electrolyte level must be above the plates in each cell before continuing. The
electrolyte level does not need to be up to the bottom of the filler neck. The
electrolyte level only needs to be above the plates. The battery may still be
serviceable after the battery is filled and after the battery is properly charged. The
battery service life and cranking performance will be reduced if the electrolyte
level is below the top of the plates.

Note: The warranty is voided if the electrolyte level is below the top of the plates.
Remove the warranty sticker from the battery. The battery may still be functional
after the battery is filled and/or after the battery is charged.

 Use distilled water or clean water that is safe for drinking.

 Fill the cells to the bottom of the filler neck.

 Test the battery. Refer to .Operating Manual, NEHS0764, "Using the 177-
2330 Battery Analyzer "

Procedure For Using The 177-2330 Battery


Analyzer

Illustration 1 g00658592

Refer to Operating Manual, NEHS0764, "Using the 177-2330 Battery Analyzer "
for detailed instruction on the use and the testing procedure of the 177-2330
Battery Analyzer

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Procedures for Battery Charging


Preparing The Battery
Clean the battery case and the battery terminal posts.

Refer to the "Battery Case Cleaning And Battery Terminal Post Cleaning" section
in this service publication.

Preparing The Battery Charger

Note: Some battery chargers are equipped with a polarity protection relay. The
relay protects the battery charger from damage if the charger is connected in a
series circuit to the battery.

NOTICE
A battery can be in a low state of charge and will
NOT have sufficient voltage to activate the relay.

Connect a charged battery in parallel, positive to


positive, and negative to negative, to the discharged
battery for JUST enough time to activate the relay.

DO NOT attempt to charge more than one battery at a time.

Before you connect the charger to the battery, the following tasks must be
performed:

 Ensure that the charger is in the OFF position.

 The voltage of the battery charger and the rated voltage of the battery should
be equal.

Battery Charging and the Effects of Temperature

Refer to Table 1.0 in the Caterpillar Data Sheet, "Battery Charging Parameters" if
the battery type is changed from the factory specified battery type to ensure
optimum battery life.

The voltage of the charge should be compensated for the temperature of the battery

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in high ambient temperatures or extreme ambient temperatures. The following


items are reasons for the compensation of temperature:
 Prevent the thermal runaway of the batteries when the batteries are used in
high temperature conditions.

 Prevent excessive loss of water and shortenings of the battery life.

Thermal runaway - When heat of the battery is created faster than the dissipation
of battery heat. If this condition continues, permanent battery damage will occur.

A battery will emit hydrogen and oxygen gases when the battery is being charged.
The gases are emitted due to the decomposition of water. A battery emits gases
because the battery is being charged at a rate that is higher than the acceptable rate
for the battery. Generally, a battery will emit gas when the battery reaches a full
state of charge. A charger automatically reduces the charge rate as the battery
reaches the fully charged state in order to eliminate most of the gases from being
emitted. It is important not to charge Caterpillar maintenance free batteries for
extended periods of time at rates that will cause the batteries to emit gases. Also,
the gases can cause the pressure in the battery to increase. No battery should be
charged for a long period of time.

When a battery has reached a full state of charge any additional charging will result
in heat that is wasted and the loss of water. The excess heat is damaging to the
plates and the separators. The loss of water lowers the electrolyte level. The loss of
water increases the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The factors that are
previously mentioned decrease the service life of the battery. The previous factors
also increase the potential for an explosion. Temperature compensation of the
charging voltage can prolong the life of the battery.

 5 percent compensation at 86 °C (186 °F)

 10 percent compensation at 95 °C (203 °F)

 15 percent compensation at 104 °C (219 °F)

Machine Charging System Recommendations

In order to limit the alternator voltage to a safe value, a voltage regulator is


included in the charging circuit. The primary function of the voltage regulator is to
control of the output voltage in order to maintain the battery at a proper state of
charge.

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Many voltage regulators are compensated for temperature. The system voltage is
decreased as the temperature increases. Normal settings are adjusted for 25 °C (77
°F). The voltage adjustment is used in order to compensate for the acceptance of
the charge by the battery.

The setting of the voltage regulator can influence the service life and performance
of the battery. Settings that are too high result in overcharging and reducing the life
of the battery. Settings that are too low result in the following conditions:
undercharging, reduced performance and a discharged battery.

The voltage regulator must be checked in 16093 km (10000 mi) intervals. Also, the
voltage regulator can be checked in 2000 hour intervals or during normal oil
change intervals. The voltage regulator should be checked immediately if the
battery is hot to the touch or if the electrolyte is frothing from the vents.

Table 1

Optimum charging voltage for a 12 V battery versus temperature that is


using an alternator
MF Low Hybrid AGM GEL
Temperature
CA/CA Antimony      
12.64 12.64
12.94 12.64 12.64
52 °C (126 °F)    

12.90 12.80
41° to 52°C (106° to 13.32 13.02 13.02
   
126°F)

13.02 13.02
26° to 40°C (79° to 13.80 13.50 13.50
   
104°F)

13.50 13.50
20° to 25°C (68° to 14.10 14.10 14.10
   
77°F)

14.16 14.16
0° ± 19°C (32° ± 66°F) 14.46 14.16 14.16
   
   
15.60 15.60
15.90 15.60 15.60
0 °C (32 °F)    

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Refer to the Caterpillar Data Sheet, PEHJ-0073 in order to identify the chemical
construction of Caterpillar batteries in order to determine the recommended
charging voltages.

Table 2

Optimum Charging Voltage for 12 V Batteries versus Temperature that are using a
Charger
Temp Low Antimony
MF CA/CA Hybrid AGM GEL
       
Float Float Float Float Float
Equalize Equalize Equalize Equalize
    volts volts volts volts volts
volts volts volts volts
                   

80 °C 12.90 12.60 12.60 12.90 12.80


14.70 13.20 13.80 13.50
(176 °                    
F)

60 °C 12.94 12.64 12.64 12.90 12.80


14.74 13.24 13.84 13.54
(140 °                    
F)

40 °C 13.32 13.02 13.02 13.02 13.02


15.12 13.62 14.22 13.92
(104 °                    
F)

20 °C 13.80 13.50 13.50 13.50 13.50


15.60 14.10 14.70 14.40
(68 °                    
F)

0 °C 14.46 14.16 14.16 14.16 14.16


16.26 14.76 15.36 15.06
(32 °                    
F)

-30 ° 17.70 16.20 16.80 16.50


C (- 15.90 15.60 15.60 15.60 15.60

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22 °                    


F)

Battery Composition and Battery Charging

Several Caterpillar battery compositions are currently on the market.

Maintenance Free - The battery uses lead calcium grids for the positive plates and
the negative plates. The battery has a lower acceptance of charge than the other
batteries. The battery tolerates overcharging better than the other batteries.

Low Antimony - The battery uses grids of lead antimony for the positive plates
and the negative plates. The battery has a higher acceptance of charge. The battery
is prone to overcharging.

Hybrid - The battery uses a lead antimony for the positive grid. The battery uses
lead calcium for the negative grid. The capacity of the charge is between the
maintenance free battery and the low antimony battery. The battery is prone to
overcharging.

Lead antimony and some of the hybrid batteries require the addition of water. Lead
calcium batteries do not require the addition of water. Battery types should never
be mixed on a machine. If the battery types are mixed, some batteries may be
overcharged and some batteries may not be charged completely. If one battery
needs to be replaced, all of the batteries should be replaced.

Charging The Battery

Follow these guidelines for charging the battery:

 DO NOT charge in the RED zone.

 DO NOT touch the charger leads or disconnect the charger leads while the
charger is turned ON.

Note: For a 12 V battery, do not exceed a terminal voltage of 16 V. However, the


terminal voltage may exceed 16 V ONLY for the first 15 minutes while the battery
is beginning in order to accept a charge.

Overcharging may occur even if the charging voltage is under 16 V. Overcharging


is indicated by the following symptoms:

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 The battery becomes warm.

 A smell of acid is present.

 The battery emits smoke or the battery emits a dense vapor.

If any of these symptoms occur, reduce the charging rate in order to eliminate the
overcharging. Complete the charging at the LOWER charging rate.

Use the charging voltage that is recommended. Refer to ""Charging" " in this
publication. If the recommended current is NOT exceeded, the initial charging
voltage can be equal to the capacity of the charger.

Use the following procedure to charge the battery:

1. Connect the charger RED positive (+) lead to the battery's positive (+)
terminal post and connect the charger BLACK negative (-) lead to the battery's
negative (-) terminal post.

2. Adjust the battery charger to the correct voltage.

3. Turn the battery charger ON.

If the charger is set at the highest voltage and the battery does not begin to accept
the recommended 50 percent minimum charging current within the first 15
minutes, replace the battery.

The warranty should be accepted ONLY if the open circuit voltage is greater than
11.5 V for a 12 V battery.

Causes Of Battery Failure

NOTICE
Find the cause of the failure before you install a new
battery or return the original battery to service.

Failure to do so could result in a repeat failure.

Use the following topics as guidelines to determine the cause of the failure.

No Apparent Failure Mode

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The battery does not show any signs of failure. Inspect the battery for the following
conditions:
 Poor connections and/or an open circuit

 Corroded, loose and damaged connections in the cranking circuit

 Corroded battery terminal posts

Note: Refer to ""Battery Case Cleaning And Battery Terminal Post Cleaning" " if
these conditions are present.

Leaking Battery Case


A cracked case or a broken case can be caused by the following occurrences:

 A defect in the quality or in the manufacturing

 Foreign material that is trapped under the battery at the time of installation

 Abuse

 Allowing a discharged cell or a dead cell to freeze

 The battery hold-downs are too tight.

 The battery hold-downs are too loose. Inspect the battery for eroded areas at
the point of contact with the battery hold-downs.

 The battery case will appear to be leaking. The battery vent plug holes may be
partially blocked.

Overcharging
Some of the causes and resulting effects of overcharging are dependent on the type
of battery.

A faulty voltage regulator can cause an above normal charging rate to any battery
type.

Table 3

Effects Of Overcharging Batteries

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Type Of Battery Effect


Caterpillar General All of the battery cells have a low level of electrolyte.
Service Batteries
Caterpillar Premium When the plates of the battery are inspected through the
High Output Batteries filler holes, the plates may appear to be warped.
    Excessive temperature can cause plate warpage.
The battery may not pass a load test.
Caterpillar The battery may not accept a charging current.
Maintenance Free
Batteries The battery may not pass a load test.

Accessible Batteries

Accessible batteries are batteries with caps that can be removed in order to allow
access to check the electrolyte levels. Use deionized water or mineral free water to
change the level in the battery cells.

Accessible batteries are recommended in all generator set applications. Generator


set applications commonly use a constant charge such as a float charge during
operation and the use of this type of constant charge shortens the life of the battery
if the battery is not maintained properly. Using accessible batteries allows proper
maintenance and service to the batteries. Proper maintenance and service will
maximize the life of the batteries.

If an accessible design is not available, a design that is not accessible can be used.
A battery that is not accessible must be replaced after 3 years of service. For
warmer regions of the world, replace the battery that is not accessible within 2
years.

The table below lists the recommended accessible batteries and the batteries that
are not accessible.

Table 4

Group Size Accessible Batteries that are not accessible


8D 101-4000 153-5720
4D 9X-9730 153-5710

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4D 9X-9720 153-5700
31 115-2422, 115-2421 9X-3404

Maintaining Accessible Batteries

Accessible batteries require periodic checks for proper electrolyte level. The
electrolyte level should be covering the grids 13 mm (0.50 inch) within the battery
in order to maximize the transfer of the full charge. If the liquid level is below the
grids, only add deionized water or mineral free water. Never add battery acid to top
off the volume, as the addition of extra acid will destroy the grids.

Check the level of the electrolyte in accessible batteries every 1000 service hours.
In warmer climates, check more frequently, such as every 500 hours in order to
make sure that the electrolyte level is 13 mm (0.50 inch) above the top of the
separators.

Undercharging
The following examples are causes of undercharging:

 An alternator that is not matched to the load demands

 A faulty alternator

 Loose alternator drive belts

 Broken alternator drive belts

 Insufficient time between engine start and engine stop

 A machine or an engine that is operated with the disconnect switch (if


equipped) in the OFF position

 Extended storage of a machine or engine with the disconnect switch (if


equipped) in the ON position

 A machine that is parked or stored with an accessory left ON

 The alternator voltage regulator is set too low.

 Moisture and/or debris can cause the battery to self-discharge.

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Undercharging on a battery can be caused by connecting a Caterpillar General


Service Battery or a Caterpillar Premium High Output Battery in a series circuit
with a Maintenance Free Battery.

Contaminated Electrolyte
Contaminated electrolyte can be caused by adding contaminated water to a battery
during the service life of the battery. Adding contaminated water to a battery can
shorten the life of the battery.

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Illustration 2 g00657874

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Vibration
Internal damage and external damage to any battery type can be caused by
vibration. The effects of vibration may vary according to the type of battery. A
Maintenance Free Battery cannot be inspected internally because of the sealed
design.

Caterpillar General Service Battery And Caterpillar Premium High Output


Battery
The following situations are effects of vibration:

 Short circuiting within the battery cell

 Dark electrolyte

 Plate material that appears to be peeling, corroding, separating, or splitting

All Other Battery Types

The following situations are effects of vibration:

 An exploded battery due to an open circuit inside one cell


 A shorted cell in the battery may be due to the following conditions: an
increase in the charging current, overheating and excessive gassing.

 A cracked battery case

 Loose battery terminal posts

 Poor cranking speed

Sulfation
Micro-crystalline particles on the surface of the battery plates can be caused by the
following situations:

 Using a battery with the electrolyte level below the top of the plates

 A discharged battery that is being stored for more than 1 month

 While the machine is in storage, the disconnect switch is left in the ON


position.

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You cannot reverse the effects of sulfation that is produced over long periods of
time.

The battery will permanently lose some of the ability to store electricity and the
ability to deliver electricity if some sulfation occurs. The ability to store electricity
and the ability to deliver electricity at the full capacity depends on the duration of
the sulfated condition.

The sulfation has the following effects on a battery:

 The battery cannot pass a load test.

 The battery cannot accept a normal charging current.

Procedure For Using The 4C-4911 Battery Load


Tester
Visually inspect the battery for damage. Refer to ""Visual Inspection For Damage"
". Check the electrolyte levels in the battery cells. Refer to ""Electrolyte Level
Above Plates In All Cells" ".

Open Circuit Voltage


Use a 237-5130 Digital Multimeter Gp .

1. Set the multimeter to 20 V on the "DC" scale.

2. Touch the meter probes to the battery terminals (RED probe to POSITIVE
terminal and BLACK probe to NEGATIVE terminal).

If the battery voltage is low, refer to ""Charging" " in this publication.

Replace the battery if any of the following conditions occur:

12 V battery - The battery voltage is below 11.5 V and the battery will NOT
accept a charging current within 15 minutes of starting the test.

8 V battery - The battery voltage is below 7.67 V and the battery will NOT
accept a charging current within 15 minutes of starting the test.

6 V battery - The battery voltage is below 5.75 V and the battery will NOT
accept a charging current within 15 minutes of starting the test.

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Removing The Surface Charge


Note: This procedure is necessary to ensure an accurate voltage reading.

If a battery has recently been charged, a false charge or a surface charge may exist.
This surface charge MUST be removed.

Note: The surface charge can be removed with the battery in the machine or with
the battery out of the machine.

Remove The Surface Charge From A 12 V Battery When The Battery Is Not
Installed

Use a battery load tester in order to test the battery. Set the battery load tester at
one half of the battery rating (CCA). Use the battery load tester for 15 seconds.
Wait for 5 minutes and then measure the open circuit voltage. Refer to ""Open
Circuit Voltage" ".

To find the battery rating (CCA), see the label on the battery. If the battery has no
label, refer to Specification, PEHP2001, "Specifications For Caterpillar Batteries"
or Special Publication, PEKP9100, "Caterpillar Parts Sales Kit".

A rating below 12.40 V indicates that the battery needs to be charged.

To determine the charging time, refer to table 7 in this publication.

Remove The Surface Charge From a Battery While The Battery Is Installed

Note: The fuel shutoff valve (if equipped) and/or the governor control (if
equipped) MUST be in the OFF position before starting the engine.

 Crank the engine for approximately 5 seconds.

 Stabilize the battery for 5 minutes.

 Remove the battery terminal cables and the battery terminal wires from the
battery.

 Refer to ""Open Circuit Voltage" " in order to measure the voltage.

 For a 12 V battery, a rating (CCA) that is BELOW 12.40 V indicates that the
battery needs to be charged.

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 For an 8 V battery, a rating (CCA) that is BELOW 8.27 V indicates that the
battery needs to be charged.
 For a 6 V battery, a rating (CCA) that is BELOW 6.20 V indicates that the
battery needs to be charged.

CHARGING
Charging the battery with the recommendations from the tables will NOT obtain a
full charge. Charge the battery to the required charge level. Use the following
tables:

Table 5

Battery Charging Ampere Rate


Battery rating 15- 35- 50- 70- 100- 130- 165- 200-
(ampere hour) (1) 34 49 69 99 129 164 199 249
Setting for the
5.0 7.5
battery charger 10 15 20 25 30
   
(ampere)

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