TM 5-320-302-14
4-13. BATTERY CABLE ASSEMBLIES AND BATTERIES (CONT)
Location/Item
Action
Remarks
INSPECTION/
TEST/ REPAIR
WARNING
Severe bums or blindness may result if battery electrolyte
comes in contact with skin or eyes. Rinse skin and eyes thor-
oughly with cold water if in contact with electrolyte.
7. Batteries
Inspect battery terminals and posts for corrosion.
If corroded, clean with a solution of baking soda
(Federal Specification EE-B-86) and water. Take
care not to get baking soda solution in the battery
cells.
Inspect battery for cracks, loose posts, leakage, and
other damage.
NOTE
Do not use a tropical electrolyte which will lower the battery
reserve capacity.
Using a hydrometer, check the specific gravity of the
electrolyte. The specific gravity of a fully charged
battery must be 1.250 minimum at 80°F (26.70C).
Measure the temperature of the battery electrolyte
with an accurate thermometer. Compare the electro-
lyte temperature and the hydrometer specific gravity
reading to the battery condition chart. Add or sub-
tract (from your specific gravity reading) the deci-
mal next to the temperature in °F that closely
approximates the ob-
tained electrolyte tem-
perature. If the
temperature corrected
reading is below 1.250,
charge the battery.
4-52 Change 2
