TM 5-3895-359-14&P
BATTERY CHARGING
2. Keep the top of the battery clean. When necessary,
wash with a baking soda solution and rinse with fresh
CAUTION
water. Do not allow the soda solution to enter the cells.
Observe the following procedure
before charging the battery to
3. Inspect the cables, clamps and hold-down bracket
prevent personal injury and prevent
regularly. Clean and re-apply a coat of grease when
damage to the battery or electrical
needed. Replace corroded or damaged parts.
system. The two six volt batteries
4. Use the standard battery test as the regular service
produce 12 volts for the electrical
test to check the condition of the battery.
system and the charging equipment
must be set for 12 volt operation.
5. Check the electrical system if the battery becomes
discharged repeatedly.
1. Check the level of the electrolyte, add water if
necessary but do not overfill.
Many electrical troubles caused by battery failures can
be prevented by systematic battery service. In general,
2. Clean battery terminals if necessary and tighten
the care and maintenance recommendations for storage
terminal connections.
batteries are the same today as they have always been.
3. Set charging equipment for 12 volt operation, be sure
Battery Safety Precautions
charger is OFF.
When batteries are being charged, an explosive gas
mixture forms beneath the cover of each cell. Part of
4. Be sure all vehicle electrical equipment is turned
this gas escapes through the holes in the vent plugs and
OFF.
may form an explosive atmosphere around the battery
itself if ventilation is poor.
5. Connect positive cable of charger to POSITIVE
TERMINAL of REAR BATTERY.
WARNING
Explosive gas may remain in and
6. Connect negative cable of charger to starter ground
around the battery for several hours
terminal or convenient point on vehicle frame.
after it has been charged. Sparks or
flames can ignite this gas causing an
7. Turn charger ON.
explosion which could shatter the
battery. Flying pieces of the battery
When battery is fully charged, turn charger OFF and
structure and splash of electrolyte
remove negative cable of charger first, then positive
can cause personal injury.
cable.
10-8-11
