John Deere 5103E - Manual (Page 144)

Service
PY80265,05GO969 –19–10SEP05–1/1
Checking Battery Condition
TS204
–UN–23AUG88
CAUTION: Battery gas can explode. Keep
sparks and flames away from batteries. Use a
flashlight to check battery electrolyte level.
Never check battery charge by placing a metal
object across the posts. Use a voltmeter or
hydrometer.
Always remove grounded (—) battery clamp
first and replace it last.
1. Use a battery hydrometer to check specific gravity of
electrolyte in each cell. Charge battery if reading is
below 1.215. Replace battery if difference between
cells is more than 0.050 or if battery will not charge
above 1.225.
2. Always correct specific gravity reading for electrolyte
temperature variation. Add 0.004 to the reading
obtained in step one for every 10
°
F above 80
°
F (add
0.007 to the reading for every 10
°
above 27
°
C).
Subtract at same rate if electrolyte temperature is
below 80
°
F (27
°
C). Corrected specific gravity of a fully
charged battery is from 1.265 to 1.280.
3. A battery is considered fully charged when three
consecutive hydrometer readings, taken at hourly
intervals, show no rise in specific gravity.
140-17
022607
PN=142