TM 5-3805-281-24-2
Batteries, Support, and Cables
PROCEDURE FOR TESTING BATTERIES
Record specific gravity reading for each cell.
1. VISUAL CHECK
If high and low readings vary LESS than 0.050 and
a. Check for damage such as cracked or broken
average specific gravity is between 1.225 and
case and electrolyte leakage.
1.280, battery is fully charged, go to LOAD TEST.
If damage is seen, replace battery.
If high and low readings vary LESS than 0.050 and
average specific gravity is LESS than 1.225, charge
b. Check electrolyte level. (See procedure in this
battery and repeat test. If average specific gravity is
group)
still LESS than 1.225, replace both batteries.
If low, add distilled water to specified level and
If high and low readings vary MORE than 0.050,
charge battery.
charge battery and repeat test. If high and low
readings still vary MORE than 0.050, replace both
c. Check terminals for corrosion.
batteries.
If corroded, clean using a wire brush or battery
3. LOAD TEST
post cleaner such as JT05838 Battery Post and
Clamp Cleaner.
Check battery capacity with a load tester such as
JT05832 Battery Load Tester. Follow tester
d. Check posts for looseness.
manufacturer's instructions for proper load test
procedures.
If posts are loose, replace battery.
If one battery fails load test, replace both batteries.
2. HYDROMETER TEST
Check specific gravity with a hydrometer or battery
tester such as JT05460 Coolant/Battery Tester.
TX,16,UU3291
1901SEP951/1
16
1671
4
