PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-592
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 592
MARCH 2002
• At least weekly, check the
batteries and battery box for
corrosion. Cables, connnections
and the box itself should be free
of that fluffy white stuff. If you
spot any corrosion, let your
mechanics know pronto.
Note any missing
batteries, missing or
damaged terminals,
and missing or dam-
aged battery caps.
Let your mechan-
ics know about these
problems, too.
• If the temperature in
your area is 90° F or higher
for more than a week,
remove the battery caps and
check the electrolyte level.
If the level is low, let your
mechanic know the battery
needs distilled water.
After water is added,
start your vehicle and run it
at 1,200 rpm for about 20
minutes to mix the water
with the electrolyte.
• Do not remove batteries unless you've been told to do so by unit maintenance per-
sonnel. Even then, a mechanic should monitor your work.
• When you start your vehicle, make
sure the BATT/GEN or AMMETER
gauge is operating correctly. If the
gauge shows that the batteries are dis-
charging (in the yellow or red range on
the dial), there's an electrical system
problem your mechanic needs to fix.
PS 592
MAR 02
2
Maintenance
Lead-acid Batteries…
Just a Little
W
hen that big mission comes along, you operators must be sure there's power in
your vehicle's batteries.
You do that by performing the preventive maintenance required by the vehicle's
-10 TM, and by letting your mechanics know about problems you can't correct.
Just to make sure you know the basics—those PM items that apply to all vehicu-
lar batteries—eyeball this list:
It’s the
big mission
we’ve been
waiting for!
head ‘em
up and
move’ em
out!
What’s your
problem?
Why won’t
you
start?
no pm, no
start!
It’s
as simple
as that!
Do not pull or jerk
on any battery cable
Check
batteries
and box for
corrosion
Note missing batteries,
battery caps and terminals
Check electrolyte
level if outdoor
temps stay over
90° for a week
Check BATT/GEN or AMMETER
gauge for battery condition
Electrolyte level
low
Electrolyte level
OK
Run engine at
1,200 rpm for 20
minutes to mix
electrolyte
592. 02-03 (C)
1/25/02
2:18 PM
Page 1
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