For 1990-2009 cars

Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury when working near a battery:

• | Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.

• | Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.

• | Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help.

• | Follow each step of the jump starting procedure in order.

• | Treat both the booster and the discharged batteries carefully when using the jumper cables.

Installed in the top of the maintenance-free battery is a built-in temperature compensated hydrometer. Make sure that the battery top is clean when observing the hydrometer. Use a flashlight to observe the hydrometer in poorly lit areas. Use this hydrometer with the following diagnostic procedure.

Under normal operation, one of the following three indications will be observed:

1. The green dot is visible (A).

• | Any green appearance in the hydrometer is interpreted as a green dot.

• | The green dot means the battery is at least 65% charged and is ready for testing.

2. When the green dot can not be seen (B). The state of charge is below 65 %. Refer to Battery Load Test .
3. The dot appears clear or light yellow (C).

• | A clear or light yellow dot means that the fluid level is below the bottom of the hydrometer.

• | A diagnosis can not be made at this fluid level.

The following can cause a low fluid condition:

• | Overcharging.

• | A cracked battery case.

• | Tipping the battery.

A battery found with a low fluid condition can indicate a high charging voltage, caused by a faulty charging system. The charging system must be checked for specified output. Refer to Charging System Check .