Owner Maintenance; Battery Maintenance; Inspecting Electrolyte Level- Page 268

8-30

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

▼

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 cap 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.

NOTE

Remove the battery cover before 
performing battery maintenance.

Battery cover

Upper level

Lower level

J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition3.book  Page 30  Monday, February 9, 2004  8:41 PM

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