Battery Basics
What is the primary function of a battery in a vehicle?
Provide electrical energy to start the engine and power accessories
What does CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measure?
The load a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F while maintaining 1.2 volts per cell
What should you use to clean battery terminals?
Baking soda and water
What instrument is used to measure parasitic draw?
Ammeter or Digital Multimeter using the Amps scale
What is the purpose of a battery load test?
To measure the battery’s ability to deliver current under load
What type of battery is most commonly used in automobiles?
Lead-acid battery
What type of battery is best suited for deep discharge applications?
Deep-cycle battery
What is the correct sequence when disconnecting a battery?
Negative terminal first, then positive terminal
What does a hydrometer test in a battery?
The specific gravity of the electrolyte, which indicates the state of charge
What is the primary risk of jump-starting a vehicle incorrectly?
Damage to electrical components or explosion due to sparks near battery gases
What are the three main components inside a traditional lead-acid battery?
Positive plates, negative plates, electrolyte
Which battery type is commonly used in hybrid and electric vehicles?
Lithium-ion battery
What happens if a battery is overcharged for an extended period?
It can overheat, lose electrolyte, and damage internal components
What should a fully charged battery read on a conductance tester?
At or near its rated CCA value
What type of battery requires periodic electrolyte refilling?
Low-maintenance battery
How many volts does a fully charged 12V battery read when performing an open circuit voltage test?
12.6 volts
What does Reserve Capacity (RC) indicate?
The number of minutes a fully charged battery can supply 25 amps before dropping below 10.5 volts
What is the recommended charging rate formula for slow charging a battery?
CCA divided by 70
What is a common symptom of excessive parasitic draw in a vehicle?
Battery drains overnight or after sitting for a short period
How should jumper cables be connected for a proper jump-start?
Positive to positive, negative to ground on the dead vehicle, NOT directly to the battery
What chemical reaction occurs inside the battery when it is being discharged?
Sulfuric acid reacts with lead dioxide to form lead sulfate and water
Name two advantages of lithium-ion batteries.
High energy density, low self-discharge, low maintenance, no memory effect, low internal resistance
Why should a memory saver be used when disconnecting a vehicle’s battery?
To prevent loss of electronic settings and security codes
What is the Chesney parasitic load test used for?
It measures parasitic draw using an ohmmeter to indicate the size of the current leak
What should be done before performing a battery capacity test?
Fully charge the battery to ensure accurate results