Pioneer 1200 Maintenance Service Manual page 141

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: FE400 ENGINE
1. Turn the key switch OFF and remove the key. Place the Forward/Reverse handle in NEUTRAL. Chock
the wheels.
2. Check for loose or corroded battery terminal connections. Clean, tighten, and replace connections as
necessary.
Hydrometer Test
A hydrometer (CCI P/N 1011478) measures the specific gravity. The higher the specific gravity, the higher the
state of charge of the battery. A fully charged battery should read between 1.250 and 1.280 at 80 °F (27 °C).
Never add acid to the battery to obtain a higher specific gravity (Figure 11-23, Page 11-21).
CAUTION
• Do not allow battery acid from battery caps or hydrometer to drip onto the body. Battery acid
will cause permanent damage. Wash off immediately.
Figure 11-23 Hydrometer Test
Performing the Hydrometer Test
1. Be sure that the battery has sufficient water to cover the plates by approximately 1/2-inch (13 mm) and
is fully charged prior to beginning the test. If water must be added, recharge the battery before perform-
ing the hydrometer test (Figure 11-24, Page 11-21).
2. Remove the vent cap.
3. Record the electrolyte temperature of a center cell using a battery thermometer (CCI P/N 1011767).
4. Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer.
5. When the float rises off the bottom, adjust the electrolyte level so that the float rides free of the bottom
but does not strike the bottom of the rubber bulb. Remove the hydrometer from the cell and release the
pressure from the bulb.
6. Hold the hydrometer vertically, ensuring that the float is not contacting the sides of the glass tube. Hold
the hydrometer at eye level and read the scale at the level of electrolyte (Figure 11-23, Page 11-21).
7. Record the reading.
8. Return the electrolyte to the cell from which it was taken. Replace vent cap.
9. Repeat steps 2 through 8 on all cells.
2003 Pioneer 1200/1200SE Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Manual
1.250
1.280
VIEW AT
EYE LEVEL
BATTERY
CAP
PLATES
LEVEL AT LEAST
1/2-INCH (13 mm)
ABOVE PLATES OR
Figure 11-24 Battery Electrolyte Level
11
Test Procedures
ELECTROLYTE
TO LEVEL
INDICATOR
Page 11-21