TM 9-6140-200-14
4-4. Early Discharge of New Batteries.
a. New batteries are often returned for charging within a few days or weeks after
issue. These batteries are returned as unserviceable and are often thought to
be defective when they are not. Few of these prove to be defective but, are
returned because the user can find no reason for early discharge of the new
battery. Failure to follow established policies and practices are common
causes of early discharge of newly issued batteries. These are:
(I) New battery not fully charged. Installation of a partially charged new
battery can not only lead to a early return for recharging but can result in
short battery life.
(2) Failure to thoroughly clean new battery (tapered terminals and clamp
terminals) connections before battery installation. Dirty electrical
connections become high resistance connections and the battery terminals
can overheat during high current drains. Clean battery connections are
very important on voltage regulated systems.
(3) New battery involved in starting failure. This does not always indicate a
defective or faulty new battery. Other causes of early battery discharged
may be:
a. Insufficient equipment operating or driving time.
b. Worn cables, faulty or corroded cable connections.
c. Voltage regulator faulty or out of adjustment.
e. Slipping drive belts, etc..
f. Other electrical system problems.
b. Testing batteries for defects. Methods of testing to determine battery
serviceability are as follows:
(1) Battery Charging. A battery which successfully takes a charge is most
probably in good condition.
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