For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Normal Results | Abnormal Results*
--- | --- | --- | ---
Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines:

• | Always shield your eyes.

• | Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.

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

• | Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin.

- | Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly.

- | Get medical help.

1 |

1. Inspect the following areas for battery acid:

• | The battery case

• | The battery tray

• | The area around and the area underneath the battery tray

2. Inspect the battery for a cracked, for a broken, or for a damaged case.

• | The battery case, the battery tray, and the surrounding area are dry.

• | The battery is not cracked, broken, or damaged.

Battery Replacement .

2 | Compare the Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) and the Reserve Capacity (RC) of the battery or of the Original Equipment (OE) specification. Refer to General Specifications . | The ratings of the vehicle battery meet or exceed the CCA and the RC of the original equipment specification. | Battery Replacement .
3 | Inspect the battery hydrometer for a green dot. | The battery hydrometer displays a green dot. |

• | If the battery hydrometer has a dark dot and a green dot is not visible, test the condition of the battery. Refer to Battery Not Operating Properly .

• | If the battery hydrometer has a yellow dot, check the battery for a low electrolyte. Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Yellow Dot .

4 | Turn the ignition key to the START position, and check to see if the engine cranks correctly and starts. | The engine cranks correctly and starts. |

• | The engine does not crank or cranks slowly, refer to Battery Not Operating Properly .

• | The engine cranks correctly but does not start, refer Engine Cranks but Does Not Run 1.0L or to Engine Cranks but Does Not Run 1.3L in Engine Controls.

• | The engine starts but does not start after a night or after a few days. Refer to Charging System Check and to Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load Test .

5 |

1. Inspect the battery for correct installation and for correct retention in the battery tray.
2. Inspect the battery terminals for clean connections and for tight connections.

• | The battery is firmly held in place in the tray, and the hold-down bolt is correctly tightened.

• | The battery terminals are clean and tight.

• | Install the battery in the battery tray correctly. Refer to Battery Replacement .

• | Refer to Battery Terminal Check .

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.