Jeep Cherokee XJ 1999 Manual - page 15
tery, the current accepted by the battery will be very
low at first. As the battery warms, it will accept a
higher charging current rate (amperage).
•
Charger Capacity - A battery charger that
supplies only five amperes will require a longer
charging time. A battery charger that supplies
twenty amperes or more will require a shorter charg-
ing time.
•
State-Of-Charge - A completely discharged
battery requires more charging time than a partially
discharged battery. Electrolyte is nearly pure water
in a completely discharged battery. At first, the
charging current (amperage) will be low. As the bat-
tery charges, the specific gravity of the electrolyte
will gradually rise.
WARNING: NEVER
EXCEED
TWENTY AMPERES
WHEN CHARGING A COLD (-1° C or 30° F) BAT-
TERY. THE BATTERY MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND
EXPLODE. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE
DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY
REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery cable terminal clamps and
disconnect both battery cables, negative cable first. If
necessary, use a puller to remove the terminal
clamps from the battery posts (Fig. 15).
(3) Inspect the battery cable terminal clamps for
corrosion and damage. Remove any corrosion using a
wire brush or a post and terminal cleaning tool, and
a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and warm water
cleaning solution (Fig. 16). Replace any battery cable
that has damaged or deformed terminal clamps.
WARNING: WEAR A SUITABLE PAIR OF RUBBER
GLOVES (NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE) WHEN
REMOVING
A
BATTERY
BY
HAND.
SAFETY
GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN. IF THE BAT-
TERY IS CRACKED OR LEAKING, THE ELECTRO-
LYTE CAN BURN THE SKIN AND EYES.
(4) Remove the battery hold downs and remove the
battery from the battery tray (Fig. 17).
(5) Inspect the battery tray and hold downs for
corrosion or damage. Remove any corrosion using a
wire brush and a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
and warm water cleaning solution. Paint any exposed
bare metal and replace any damaged parts.
(6) Slide the thermoguard off of the battery case.
Inspect the battery case for cracks or other damage
Battery Charging Timetable
Charging
Amperage
5
Amperes
10
Amperes
20
Amperes
Open
Circuit
Voltage
Hours Charging at 21° C (70° F)
12.25 to
12.49
6 hours
3 hours
1.5 hours
12.00 to
12.24
10 hours
5 hours
2.5 hours
10.00 to
11.99
14 hours
7 hours
3.5 hours
*Below
10.00
18 hours
9 hours
4.5 hours
*Refer to Charging A Completely Discharged Battery
Fig. 15 Remove Battery Cable Terminal Clamp -
Typical
Fig. 16 Clean Battery Cable Terminal Clamp -
Typical
XJ
BATTERY
8A - 15
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)