SECTION 12A BATTERY & CABLES

CAUTION:

This v ehicle will be equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). A SRS

will consist of either seat belt pre-tensioners and a driver’s side air bag, or seat

belt pre-tensioners and a driver’s and front passenger’s side air bags. Refer to

CAUTIONS, Section 12M, before performing any service operation on or around

SRS components, the steering mechanism or wiring. Failure to follow the

CAUTIONS could result in SRS deployment, resulting in possible personal injury

or unnecessary SRS system repairs.

CAUTION:

This vehicle may be equipped with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). In the interests

of safety, the LPG fuel system should be isolated by turning 'OFF' the manual

service valve and then draining the LPG service lines, before any service work is

carried out on the vehicle. Refer to the LPG leaflet included with the Owner's

Handbook for details or LPG Section 2 for more specific servicing information.

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTI ON

In all VT Series Models, the 12 volt battery is

located in the engine compartment behind the

driver’s side headlamp, refer to Fig. 12A-1. The

battery cables are attached to the battery terminals

by nut tightened clamps. The negative terminal is

earthed to the vehicle body at the fender inner

panel stud, and to the engine (at right-hand engine

mounting bracket for V6 engine and at the power

steering pump bracket to cylinder head attaching

stud for V8 engine).

The battery has four major functions in the vehicle

electrical system:

1. Provide a source of energy for cranking the

engine.

2. Acts as a voltage stabiliser for the electrical

system.

3. It can, for a limited time, provide energy when

the electrical load used exceeds the output of

the generator.

4. Provides power for accessories when the

engine is not running.

Figure 12A-1

1.1 BATTERY RATINGS

There are two battery ratings which must be

considered when replacing a battery, Rated

Reserve Capacity and Rated Cold Cranking

Current. When replacing a battery, ensure that the

replacem ent battery meets or exceeds these rating

specifications.

The Rated Reserve Capacity (RRC) of the battery

is the maximum length of time (in minutes) it is

possible to travel at night with minimum electrical

load and no generator output.

This time is for a fully charged battery, being

discharged at a constant current of 25 amperes at

25°C, to reach 10.5 volts. The value of 25 am peres

represents the nominal battery current draw that

could be expected on a rainy night.

The Rated Cold Cranking Current (RCC) or Rapid

Discharge Current, is a measure of the battery’s

ability under severe cold starting conditions to

maintain a sufficiently high voltage for ignition

requirements, while supplying the high engine

cranking current, and if it can do this for a

sufficiently long enough period to ensure that the

engine will start.

The c urrent rating is the m inimum amperage rating

which must be maintained by the battery for 30

seconds at -18ºC, while meeting a minimum

requirement of 7.2 volts.

On the top surface of the battery case, there is a

specification label which contains important

information with regards to servicing of the battery.

This information includes battery ratings and

original equipment battery part number.

VT Executive Sedan and Station Wagon Models

with V6 engine are fitted with a 12 volt, low

maintenance 75 minutes RRC/350 RCC amp

capacity battery.

All other VT Ser ies Models are fitted with a 12 volt,

low maintenance 95 minutes RRC/400 RCC amp

capacity battery.

Figure 12A-2

2. SERVICE OPERATIONS

CAUTION:

Do not allow liquid from battery to contact eyes,

skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid

contains sulfuric acid which causes injury and

damage in the event of contact. In the event of

an accident, flush area immediately with large

amounts of water. Also, in the case of eye

contact, see a physician immediately.

Lead acid batteries produce ex plosive gases. Keep

sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from

battery when charging or working around battery

area in an enclosed area. Failure to follow this

warning could cause the battery to explode.

Take care with all metal objects including items of

jewellery (rings and metal watch bands) and tools

when working near battery term inals. Metal objects

that touch a battery term inal can cause spark s and

serious heat burns to the user or wearer.

Ensure that the ignition is switched off when

connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery

chargers or jumper cables. Failing to do so may

damage vehicle electronic components.

It is advisable to always disconnect the battery

negative cable from the battery first, and connect it

to the battery last, to avoid the possibility of shorting

to earth with the spanner while working on the

connections of the positive cable. Spanners

shorting to earth from either end of the positive

cable would carry high amperage and heat quick ly,

causing serious burns to the hand.

2.1 BATTERY INSPECTION

1. Check battery terminals and around battery

area for corrosion deposits. Remove any

deposits by scrubbing with a stiff brush, then

treat with a solution of warm water and bak ing

soda or ammonia. Rinse off with clean water.

Smear battery posts and terminals with

petroleum jelly to resist corrosion.

If battery posts are severely damaged (i.e.

loose, burned or broken), replacement of the

battery is recommended.

2. Check battery case and replace batter y if cas e

is cracked.

3. Check electrolyte level and carefully top up

with distilled water as necessary so it is level

with the bottom of each filler neck tube. DO

NOT OVERFILL.

The battery level should be maintained

between the bottom of each filler neck tube

and 20 mm above the separator plates.

NOTE:

Normal battery water usage is less than 30 ml per

10 000 km, but may be more for long continuous

running or high temperatures.

If battery water usage is consider ed exc es sive and

inspection reveals that the battery case is OK, the

generator may be overcharging. Check generator

output as described in Section 6D1-1 CHARGING

SYSTEM - V6 ENGINE or Section 6D2-1

CHARGING SYSTEM - V8 ENGINE.

4. Check that battery is firmly secured by its

clamping bracket.

Figure 12A-3

5. Check that battery cable terminal clamps are

securely attached to battery posts and that

cable insulation is not damaged or worn

anywhere along cable. Check that cables do

not have broken or frayed strands and that

they are secure in their terminals.

Replace any damaged component found,

including the battery itself.

The following figures illustrate the V6 and V8

battery harness installation details f or all VT Series

Models.

Figure 12A-4

Figure 12A-5

Figure 12A-6

2.2 HYDROMETER TEST

As a lead acid battery is discharged, the sulfuric

acid in the electrolyte combines with the material

mak ing up the plates . This rem oves the acid so the

electrolyte nearly becomes pur e water. T his means

there is a relation between state of charge and the

specific gravity reading. The lower the specific

gravity reading, the lower the battery state of

charge.

A hydrometer can be used to measure the

concentration of sulfuric acid in the battery

electrolyte in terms of specific gravity.

As a battery drops from a charged to a discharged

condition, the acid leaves the solution and enters

the plates, causing a decrease in electrolyte

specif ic gr avity. By meas ur ing the s pecific gr avity of

the electrolyte with a hydrometer, an indication of

the approximate state of charge of the battery can

be determined.

NOTE:

If distilled water has been added to battery, do not

use hydrometer until elec trolyte has been mixed by

charging for at least 30 minutes.

1. Unscrew battery vent caps.

2. Hold hydrometer vertically and draw in

sufficient liquid from battery cell to allow float

to float freely with bulb fully released.

3. Compensate reading for temperature by

adding 0.004 for every 5°C that the electrolyte

temperature exceeds 27°C, or subtracting

0.004 for every 5°C less than 27°C.

4. Determine state of charge of battery using

temperature com pensated specific gravity and

following table.

Figure 12A-7

BATTERY CONDITION TEMPERATURE

COMPENSATED

SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Fully Charged 1.240 to 1.260

Recharge When Below 1.190

Fully Discharged 1.110 to 1.130

NOTE:

The s pecific gr avity of a char ged battery should not

vary more than 0.025 between cells. Larger

variations indicate defective cells.

5. Refit battery vent caps.

2.3 LOAD TEST

Load testing the battery with a High Rate Discharge (HRD) tester will impose a simulated starter motor current

draw on the battery and test it to see if it is in good enough condition to be put back into service. The battery

must be at least 65% charged (as indicated by a hydrometer test) in order to perform a valid test.

HRD testers are available as either FIX ED or VARIABLE load testers and operating instruc tions and procedures

may vary from brand to brand.

Follow these steps to load test a battery:

NOTE:

If available, the tester’s manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.

1. After check ing battery state of charge, and found to be OK, disc onnect battery leads and connect a carbon

pile to the battery terminals.

2. For a fixed load tester: Set selector switches on load tester to appropriate battery size and apply load for

approximately 10 seconds to remove any surface charge. Wait another 15 seconds for battery to recover

before conducting next step.

For a variable load test er: Apply a 300-ampere capacity load for approxim ately 15 seconds with the carbon

pile to remove any surface charge. Wait another 15 seconds for the battery to recover before conducting

next step.

3. For a variable load tester: Set selector on load tester to 50% of rapid discharge current or 3 times the

20 hour discharge rate.

4. Apply load test for 10 seconds (for fixed load tester, use setting as per step 2) and read load tester.

5. For a fixed load tester: If the voltage is at or above the minimum voltage specified by the tester

manufacturer, then the battery is not faulty, and should be recharged.

If the voltage on load is below the m inimum voltage s pecif ied by the tester manuf acturer the battery is faulty

and should be replaced. If one cell is faulty it w ill show up in this test by excessive gassing or overheating.

For a variable load tester: If the voltage is at or above 9.6 volts , then the battery is not f aulty, and should be

recharged.

If the voltage on load is 9.5 volts or below, the battery is faulty and should be replaced. If one cell is faulty it

will show up in this test by excessive gassing or overheating.

If a High Rate Discharge tester is not available, an alternative method of load testing the battery can be

conducted as follows:

1. Check battery state of charge, refer to 2.2 HYDROMETER TEST in this Section. If under half charge,

recharge before conducting this test.

2. Connect a voltmeter across battery terminals.

3. Start engine whilst reading voltmeter.

4. During starting at norm al temper atures, indicated voltage of a f ully charged battery should not fall below 10

V. If voltage falls away quickly, battery is faulty. If battery and engine temperatures are below 5ºC, voltage

may be 0.5 to 1.0 V lower. If one cell is faulty it will show up in this test by excessive gassing or overheating.

2.4 BATTERY CURRENT DRAW TEST

With all the vehicle’s electrical components turned

off there will be some small current draw from the

battery (sometimes called standing current).

The standing current is that which the vehicle

consumes when left sitting with the ignition and all

electrical consumers such as radios, etc. turned off.

If a vehicle exhibits a flat battery after an overnight

stop, or goes down after a period of two or three

days of not being used, the vehicle’s electrical

system should be checked for excessive current

draw or standing current from the battery as

follows:

1. If battery is flat, remove and temporarily install

a known good battery. Ensure vehicle starts

and its acces sories and thef t deterrent system

operate normally.

2. Ensure ignition is switched off and interior

illumination is off. Close all doors and activate

theft deterrent system to lock all doors (if

fitted).

3. Connect positive lead of an ammeter (set on

highest scale) to base of positive battery post

and its negative lead is attached to the top of

the battery positive cable terminal clamp.

NOTE:

Ensure that am m eter is capable of carrying at least

20 amps.

4. Loosen positive cable terminal clamp nut and

carefully lift positive cable from battery post

while keeping the ammeter leads connected

as per Step 4.

5. Slowly decrease ammeter scale setting and

read measurement.

6. The ammeter should read approximately

35 mA, depending on vehicle equipm ent level,

ie vehicles with ABS, SRS etc.

7. If ammeter reading is higher than specified, a

visual inspection of the vehicle should be

conducted. Check to see if there are any

unwanted lamps on (including rear

compartment lamp), motors running or

switches (relays activating).

On sedans, chec k if rear com partm ent lamp is

on by lowering rear seat back fold down tray

and inspecting inside rear compartment area.

Figure 12A-9

If no cause for the excessive standing current

draw is immediately apparent, it may be

possible to isolate the s our c e by systematic ally

removing one fuse or circuit breaker at a time

to determine which particular fuse protection

circuits are drawing current. Having

determined which circuits are drawing current,

reinstall fus e/circ uit break er and rem ove wiring

harness c onnectors from consum ers, one at a

time, on the circuits protec ted by the particular

fuse/circuit breaker and note ammeter

reading. W hen ammeter reading decreases to

35 mA or less af ter rem oving a wiring harness

connector, that particular consumer is the

cause of the current draw from the battery.

Remove the consumer and investigate cause

of why it is drawing excessive standing

current.

Refer to Section 12N FUSES AND WIRING

HARNESSES for location of all fuses.

2.5 BATTERY CHARGE

Flat batteries can safely be boost charged, but avoid excessive current if the battery is initially more than half

charged, and particularly if it is almost fully charged. Slow charging is advisable if time permits.

CAUTION:

During chargi ng, an explo siv e hydrogen and oxygen g as mixture is released by the b att ery. Ensu re th ere

are no naked flames or electrical spark discharges in the vicinity of the battery during charging.

NOTE:

a. Fast charging can substantially ‘boost’ a battery, but the fully charged condition can only be achieved by

slow charging. DO NOT USE A FAST CHARGER FOR STARTING THE VEHICLE.

b. Fast charging must not be used if:

i. Specific gravity readings are not uniform between battery cells, or are above 1.200 at the start.

ii. Electrolyte is discoloured with brown sediment.

iii. Either of the above two conditions develops after commencing fast charge.

c. The following table assumes ‘constant current’ type chargers. If a ‘constant voltage’ charger is used,

charge at 14.5 V to 15.0 V, the battery will automatically regulate the current to a safe level.

Refer to battery charger manufacturer’s specifications to check what type of charger is used and follow

manufacturer’s recommendations for battery charging.

1. Remove battery from vehicle and remove vent caps and check electrolyte level in each cell, add distilled

water if necessary to bring to the correct level.

Rest caps loosely in openings to prevent acid mist escaping.

NOTE:

Ensure that the ignition is s witched of f when connec ting or disc onnec ting battery cable terminals . F ailing to do s o

may damage vehicle electronic components.

2. Connect battery, with correct polarity, to charging apparatus and set charging current according to the

following table.

Initial Charging Current Time For Fully Discharged Battery Time For Partly Discharged Battery

Slow 4A Charge approx 24 hrs. max. Proportional to the charge at the start.

Fast 35A Charge approx 2 hrs. max.

3. After a few minutes, check electrolyte specific gravity (refer to 2.2 HYDROMETER TEST in this Section)

and colour (see previous NOTE: b. iii).

4. Monitor electrolyte temperatur e during charging pr oc edure. If temper ature r eaches 55°C, s witch of f c harging

current and allow battery to cool. Reduce charging current to prevent subsequent overheating.

For best results, batteries should be charged while the electrolyte and plates are at room temperature. A

battery that is extremely cold may not appear to accept current for several hours after starting to charge.

NOTE:

A fast c harged battery can be brought to the fully charged condition by slow charging for a few hours . Dur ing the

last few hours on charge, the current should be 1.0 amp or less.

5. Check voltage and electrolyte specific gravity once per hour. Slow charging is completed when there is no

change in voltage or electroly te specific gravity over a three hour period.

CAUTION:

Charging at more than the recommended times or currents can significantly reduce battery life.

2.6 VEHICLE WIRING - PERIODICAL CHECKS

To ens ure effic ient operation of electric al system and to saf eguard against dam age, the f ollowing check s should

be carried out periodically:

1. Check that all harness and wires are held securely by their respective retainer clips.

2. Check harness and wires for chaffing or damaged insulation and repair or replace as necessary.

3. Check that harness and wire terminals are secure.

4. Ensure battery tray, battery clamp and battery cable terminals are clean and free from corrosion.

Should battery cable terminal clamps be seriously corroded, with metal partly eaten away, replace battery

harness and investigate cause of electrolyte leakage.

2.7 DRY CHARGED BATTERY STORAGE AND ACTIVATION

Dry charged batteries are fully charged when manuf actured and contain no elec trolyte until activated f or ser vice.

The dry charged battery is completely sealed and can be stored indefinitely with no servicing until activated. To

activate a dry charged battery:

1. Remove vent caps and add electrolyte of 1.265 specific gravity to each cell until correct level is reached.

2. Several minutes after activating battery, check electrolyte level and add more electrolyte (not water) as

necessary.

NOTE:

a. After a dry charge battery is activated, it becom es a ‘wet’ battery and only distilled water should be added in

subsequent servicing.

b. Although a dry charged battery can be put into service immediately after activation, the following tests are

recommended.

i. After adding electrolyte, check open circuit terminal voltage of battery. If less than 10V, replace battery.

ii. Check specific gravity of electrolyte in each cell. If any temperature corrected reading shows more than

a 0.030 drop from initial specific gravity of electrolyte (refer to 2.2 HYDROMETER TEST in this

Section), slow charge battery before use, refer to 2.5 BATTERY, CHARGE in this Section.

iii. Check cells for violent gassing and if detected, slow charge battery before use.

2.8 BATTERY

REMOVE

NOTE:

Ensure ignition is switched off before disconnecting

or reconnecting battery cables. Failure to do so m ay

damage electronic components within the vehicle.

1. Disconnect battery cables from battery.

2. Unscrew clamp bolt and remove battery clamp.

3. Lift and manoeuvre battery from engine

compartment.

Figure 12A-10

REINSTALL

Installation is the reverse of removal procedures,

noting the following points:

1. Ensure battery tray, battery clamp and battery

cable terminals are clean and free from

corrosion before installing battery.

Should battery cable terminal clamps be

seriously corroded, with metal partly eaten

away, replace battery harness.

If necessary, remove any deposits by

scrubbing with a stiff brush and treating with a

solution of warm water and baking soda or

ammonia. Rinse off with clean water. Smear

battery posts and cable terminals with

petroleum jelly to resist corrosion.

2. Install battery and check that it rests level in

the tray. Make certain no foreign objects such

as loose nuts or stones are lying in the bottom

of the tray. Install battery cable terminal

clamps over battery posts. Figure 12A-11

NOTE:

Ensure that cable term inals are fitted below battery

posts as shown.

Tighten battery to support tray clamp bolt and c able

terminal nuts to specified torques.

Figure 12A-12

BATTERY CLAMP BOLT

TORQUE SPECIFICATION 2.0 – 3.0Nm

BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL NUT

TORQUE SPECIFICATION 2.0 – 5.0 Nm

3. Coat battery terminals and clamps with

petroleum jelly.

2.9 EMERGENCY JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE

NOTE:

DO NOT attempt to pus h or tow the vehicle to start

it. Damage to the catalytic converter could result if

unburnt fuel were to reach the converter and

ignited.

Do not use a fast charger f or attem pting to s tart the

vehicle.

Both booster (auxiliary) and discharged battery

should be treated carefully when using jumper

cables.

W hen using the f ollowing procedur e, be careful not

to cause any sparks.

CAUTION:

Departure from these conditions or the

following procedure could r esult in:

1. Serious personal injury (particularly to

eyes) or property damage from such

causes as battery explosion, battery acid

or electr ical burns, and/or

2. Damage to electronic components of either

vehicle.

Never expose the battery to open flame or

electric spark as batteries generate hydrogen

gas which is explosive.

Remove rings, watches or other jew ellery. Wear

approved eye protection.

Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,

fabrics, or painted surfaces as the fluid is a

corrosive acid. Flush any contacted area with

water immediately and thoroughly, and get

medical attention.

Take care so as to ensure metal too ls or jumper

cables do not contact the positive battery

terminal (or metal in contact with it) and any

other metal on the vehicle, because a short

circuit could occur.

1. Position the two vehicles so that they are NOT

touching and apply the park brak es. Autom atic

transmission are to be placed in PARK and

manual transmissions placed in NEUTRAL.

Turn off the ignition, lights and all other

electrical loads.

NOTE:

Ensure that booster vehicle’s battery has a 12 volt

rating and has negative earth connection, otherwise

serious injury or damage to electrical equipment

may result .

2. On both batteries, check that vent caps are

tight. Place a wet cloth (if available) over vents

caps of each battery.

3. Attach one end of one jumper cable (red) to

the positive terminal of the booster battery and

the other end of the s am e cable to the positive

terminal of the discharged battery.

4. Attach one end of the second jumper cable

(black) to the negative terminal of the booster

battery and the other end to a solid stationary,

me tallic point on the engine of the vehicle with

the discharged battery. DO NOT CONNECT

DIRECTLY TO NEGATIVE POST OF

DISCHARGED BATTERY.

Figure 12A-13

5. After making all connections, ensure that

jum per c ables are not on or near drive pulleys,

cooling fans or other points that will move

when the engine is started.

6. Start the engine in the vehicle with the booster

battery and run the engine at a moderate

speed for a few minutes.

7. Start the engine in the vehicle with the

discharged battery. Once engine starts, allow

both engines to idle for approximately five to

ten minutes (this allows both vehicles electrical

systems to balance) and then leave running

and remove the jumper cables by reversing

the installation sequence. When removing

each clamp, take care that it does not touch

any other metal while the other end remains

attached.

NOTE:

If engine in the vehicle with discharged battery does

not start within 30 seconds, stop cranking the

engine and check for cause of engine not starting.

8. Finally, discard the wet cloths covering vent

caps of both batteries.

3. DIAGNOSIS

STEP ACTION VALUE YES NO

1. •Check battery is correct size

recommended for vehicle.

•Refer to the specifications at end of

this Section for recommended

sizes.

•Battery correct size?

Go to Step 2 Fit correct size

2. •Check for obvious damage such as

cracked or broken case, terminal

damage, etc.

•Battery OK?

Go to Step 3 Fit new battery

3. •Check electrolyte level

•Level OK? Go to Step 4 Go to Step 5

4. •Battery may have failed due to over

charge.

•Check open circuit voltage.

•Above 12.4 V

Go to Step 6 Go to Step 7

5. •Check generator voltage output Is output

voltage

14.5 ± 0.2

@ 20ºC

Go to Step 4 Fit new battery

6. •Load test battery, noting the

following points:

•For fixed type load tester set to

battery range or for variable load

tester set to current as per

specifications.

•Apply load for 10 seconds. Read

tester just before releasing load.

Voltage

reading

more than

9.6 V

Battery serviceable

check for other

faults.

Battery not

serviceable. Replace

with correct battery

7. •Recharge battery, refer to 2.5

BATTERY CHARGE in this Section

for charging current and time

specifications.

•Did battery fail to accept charge or

is open circuit voltage below 12.4 V

after charging?

Battery not

serviceable.

Replace with new

correct battery.

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

8. •Start engine.

•Does engine start? Go to Step 9 Recheck vehicle and

retest battery

9. •Test voltage regulator with engine

running at half throttle. Read

terminal voltage. Wait until voltage

is stable.

Is reading

between

14.1 &

14.4

volts?

Reading at

optimum level for

long battery life

Voltage regulator

fault, rectify.

Improper charging

cause of battery

failure.

After the battery has been charged or tes ted and has proven to be in good condition, the caus e of a no-start or

slow cranking condition must be determined in order to avoid further customer complaint. If no obvious cause is

evident, the vehicle’s electrical system should be diagnosed using the following steps.

Step 1: Check Starting System

If the battery tested OK on a load test (refer to 2.3 LO AD TEST in this Sec tion) and the engine s till will not turn

over or is difficult to start, the starting system should be checked. If there are no problems with the engine

turning over on the starter motor, proceed to STEP 2.

To check the starting system to verify proper operation, a simple cranking test can be done as follows:

1. To prevent vehicle ignition and fuel injection while cranking the engine, remove fuse F14 from the

passenger compartment fuse and relay housing.

2. Connect a voltmeter from positive (BAT) terminal of starter motor to a good earth connection.

3. Turn ignition key to ‘START ’ position and read voltmeter while cr anking, using c are not to r un s tarter motor

continuously for more than 30 seconds. If starter motor is run for more than 30 seconds, it must be

allowed to cool for at least three minutes before recranking, to avoid damage to the starter motor.

4. If voltage noted in operation 3 is less than 9.6 volts @ 21ºC during cranking and the battery has already

check ed OK, an exces sive current draw from the starter m otor or an ex cessive voltage drop in the batter y

cables could be the cause of the low cranking voltage: proceed to operation 5.

If voltage measured while cranking is greater than 9.6 volts (i.e. Starting system OK), proceed to Operation

Figure 12A-14

5. Check starter motor operation, refer to

Section 6D1-2 ENGINE ELECTRICAL -

STARTING SYSTEM - V6 ENGINE or

Section 6D2-2 ENGINE ELECTRICAL -

STARTING SYSTEM - V8 ENGINE.

Check routing of battery cables (refer to

Figures 12A-4 and 12A-5 in this Section) in

order to check for excessive cable resistance

or poor connections.

Ensure that battery terminal mating surfaces

are clean and cable terminal clamp nuts are

tightened to the correct torque specification.

BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL NUT

TORQUE SPECIFICATION 2 - 5 Nm

6. Reinstall fuse F34 to engine compartment relay

housing.

7. If starting system tests reveal no abnormal conditions, but excessive cranking is required to start the vehicle,

the cause should be diagnosed and corrected to reduce battery demands. Two possible causes for

excessive long cranking time are problems with the engine fuel system or ignition system. Refer to

Section 6C1 POWERTRAIN MANAGEMENT - V6 ENGINE, or Section 6C2 POWERTRAIN

MANAGEMENT - V8 ENGINE for diagnostic procedures.

Step 2: Check Battery Current Draw

Carry out battery current draw test, refer to 2.4 BATTERY CURRENT DRAW TEST in this Section.

Step 3: Check Charging System

A charging system problem may keep the battery sufficiently charged during norm al operation, but may not be

able to sustain the elec tric al s ystem dur ing prolonged per iods of dr iving a number of ac c ess or ies, air conditioner ,

heated rear window, etc. It is for this reason the charging system should be checked, refer to

Section 6D1-1 ENGINE ELECTRICAL - CHARGING SYSTEM - V6 ENGINE or Section 6D2-1 ENGINE

ELECTRICAL - CHARGING SYSTEM - V8 ENGINE.

Step 4: Driver Related Condition

If no cause is found for a discharged battery and the battery tests OK, a lamp may have been left on, or the

driving habits of the vehicle owner may be such that, especially with many short trips and repeated starts, the

generator does not get a chance to recharge the battery between starts.

If this situation is suspected, the vehicle owner should be instructed in ways to reduce battery drain.

With the increased use of electronic sensors and computer control, the battery is much more than just a

component used to start a car. Low battery voltage can affect the operation of a vehicle’s PCM and cause

annoying driveability problems. Low battery voltage can cause the PCM to set a diagnostic trouble code. If a

PCM senses low battery voltage, the PCM can also adjust fuel injector timing for increased engine rpm in order

to produce greater charging current from the generator.

A battery with a low state of charge can, therefore, cause a number of poor driveability symptoms. This should be

taken into consideration any time a customer complains of a driveability-related problem. Always check the

condition of the battery before beginning a full driveability diagnosis procedure.

4. SPECIFICATIONS

VT EXECUTIVE MODELS WITH V6 ENGINE

Rated Voltage 12 Volts

Charge Acceptance 10 Amps minimum

Rapid Discharge Current (RCC) 350 Amps minimum

Reserve Capacity (RRC) 75 minutes minimum

20 Hour Discharge 50 Amp Hour minimum

5 Second Voltage @ 25o C 150 Amp 10.4 +/- 0.2 volts

400 Amp 8.4 +/- 0.2 volts

Number of Plates (per cell) 9

NOTE:

Specified ratings when tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2149-1990

VT MODELS WITH V8 ENGINE AND BERLINA, CALAIS WITH V6 ENGINE

Rated Voltage 12 Volts

Charge Acceptance 10 Amps minimum

Rapid Discharge Current (RCC) 400 Amps minimum

Reserve Capacity (RRC) 95 minutes minimum

20 Hour Discharge 55 Amp Hour minimum

5 Second Voltage @ 25o C 150 Amp 10.6 +/- 0.2 volts

400 Amp 8.4 +/- 0.2 volts

Number of Plates (per cell) 11

NOTE:

Specified ratings when tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2149-1990

5. TORQUE WRENCH SPECIFI CATIONS

Battery to Support Tray Clamp Bolt 2 - 3

Battery Cable Terminal Nut 2 - 5