GM 84442218 BATTERY KIT,GEN

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To accurately test a battery, it must be at or near a fully charged state. Begin by disconnecting the negative battery cable and visually inspecting the indicator eye or electrolyte level. Test the specific gravity of the electrolyte using a hydrometer and charge the battery if necessary. Perform an open circuit voltage test using a digital voltmeter and charge the battery if the voltage is less than 12.5 volts. Use a battery load-testing tool to evaluate the battery's ability to operate the starter and other accessories during periods of heavy amperage draw. Conduct a battery drain test to determine if there is a constant drain on the vehicle's electrical system. To remove the battery, disconnect the cables and remove the front fender rear upper brace, battery tray support bracket, hold-down clamp bolt and clamp. Clean and inspect the battery tray before installation.

Maintaining your vehicle's battery through a routine preventive maintenance program is essential for ensuring reliable starts. Before commencing battery maintenance, it's crucial to have the necessary equipment for safe work around the battery. When performing battery maintenance, always exercise caution by turning off the engine and all accessories, and disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal. Batteries produce flammable and explosive hydrogen gas, so avoid creating sparks, smoking, or lighting matches near the battery. Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area. Be aware that battery electrolyte contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid, so prevent contact with eyes, skin, or clothing, and never ingest it. Wear protective safety glasses while working near the battery, and keep it out of children's reach. Inspect the battery for external condition, ensuring that the positive terminal and cable clamp have an intact rubber protector. Check for corrosion, loose connections, cracks in the case or cover, and secure hold-down clamps. If corrosion is present, remove the battery for cleaning by loosening the cable bolts, starting with the ground cable, and sliding them off the terminals. Clean the cable ends with a battery brush and warm water and baking soda solution, while wearing safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect against splashes. Check for loose hold-down clamp bolts, ensuring no parts remain in the battery tray when reinstalling the battery. Cover any metal parts damaged by corrosion with a zinc-based primer and paint. For charging a discharged battery or maintaining its charge, it's advisable to use a one or two-amp battery charger, often referred to as a "trickle" charger, as they are the safest and put the least strain on the battery. Higher amperage chargers can be used for faster charging but should not exceed 1/10th of the amp/hour rating of the battery. Rapid boost charges that claim to restore battery power in one to two hours should only be used in emergencies, as they can damage batteries not in good condition. The average time required to charge a battery is typically listed in the charger's instructions, with a trickle charger taking around 12 to 16 hours. During charging, remove all cell caps (if equipped) and cover the holes to prevent electrolyte spattering. Disconnect the negative battery cable and connect the charger cables to the battery posts (positive to positive, negative to negative), then plug in the charger, ensuring it is set at 12 volts if it has a selector switch. When using a charger with a rate higher than two amps, monitor the battery regularly to prevent overheating, and with a trickle charger, it can be left overnight after initial checks. If the battery has removable cell caps, use a hydrometer to measure specific gravity during the last hours of charging until there's no change for two hours, and the cells are gassing freely. For batteries with sealed tops, check built-in hydrometers for color indications or use a digital voltmeter across the battery terminals, which should read 12.5 volts or higher when fully charged.