SkyTrak 6036 Service Manual - Manual (Page 415)

9.63 Model 6036 Legacy
Electrical System
Note: The accuracy of this test procedure depends on
closely following the load, time and temperature
specifications.
d. Battery Charging
Charge rates between three and 50 amperes are
generally satisfactory as long as spewing of electrolyte
does not occur, or that the battery does not feel
excessively hot (over 125° F [52° C]). Battery
temperature can be estimated by touching or feeling the
battery case. If spewing of electrolyte occurs or
temperature exceeds 125° F (52° C), commonly referred
to as “boiling” the battery, the charging rate must be
reduced or temporarily halted to permit cooling. Failure to
do so will destroy the battery.
When charging a battery, keep this point in mind:
• Battery charging consists of a charge current in
amperes for a period of time in hours. Thus, a
25-ampere charging rate for two hours would
result in a 50-ampere, hour charge to the battery.
The time required for a charge will vary due to the
following conditions:
• Size of battery: For example, a completely
discharged, large, heavy-duty battery requires
more than twice the recharging as a completely
discharged small passenger car battery.
• Temperature: For example, more time will be
required to charge a battery at 0° F than at 80° F.
When a fast charger is connected to a cold
battery, the current accepted by the battery will
be very low at first, then, in time, the battery will
accept a higher rate as the battery warms.
• State of Charge: A completely discharged
battery requires more than twice as much charge
as a half-charged battery. Because the
electrolyte is nearly pure water and therefore a
poor conductor in a completely discharged
battery, the current accepted is very low at first.
Later, as the charging current causes the
electrolyte acid content to increase, the charging
current will likewise increase.
• Charger Capacity: A charger that can only
supply 5 amperes will require a much longer
period of charging than a charger that can supply
30 amperes or more.
e. Battery Troubleshooting
If a battery has tested satisfactorily but then fails to
perform satisfactorily for no apparent reason, the
following items are among the more common factors that
may help understand the cause:
1. Vehicle accessories left on, causing battery
discharge.
2. Charging system defect such as slipping fan belt,
high wiring resistance, or faulty alternator.
3. A vehicle electrical load exceeds alternator output
capacity (common with the addition of electrical
accessories such as radio equipment, lights, air
conditioning or window defogging/de-misting
devices).
4. Electrical system defects, such as shorted wires.
5. Extended slow speed driving with many accessories
on and excessive engine idling. (Both cases DO
NOT allow engine rpm to reach a sufficient speed to
enable alternator output to sufficiently charge the
battery.)
6. Loose or poor battery cable-to-post connections,
previous improper charging of a run-down battery or
loose battery hold-down hardware.
7. High resistance connections or defects in the
starting system.
8. Failure to disconnect the battery before long periods
of vehicle storage. Small current drains of vehicle
accessories that are connected all of the time can
also discharge the battery in a six to eight-week
period. A battery left in a discharged condition for a
prolonged period of time is subject to freezing and
can become difficult to recharge.
Relation of Battery Temperature
to Minimum Voltage
Temperature Minimum Voltage
70° F (21° C) and above 9.6
50° F (10° C) 9.4
30° F (-1° C) 9.1
15° F (-10° C) 8.8
0° F (-18° C) 8.5