TM 9-2320-272-24-1
Table 2-3. Electrical Troubleshooting (Contd).
MALFUNCTION
TEST OR INSPECTION
CORRECTIVE ACTION
3. SPECIFIC GRAVITY WILL NOT INCREASE TO 1.280 UNDER CHARGE
NOTE
If STE/ICE is available, perform NG50 - Charging Circuit Tests
Check rate of charging:
Place battery on charge, assuring that cells are gassing freely (TM 9-6140-200-14). Maintain
charge rate slightly below heavy gassing.
If specific gravity does not recover to 1.280 in 25 hours of charging, replace battery
END OF TESTING!
4. ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK; SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS INOPERATIVE OR WEAK
Test 1. Perform the following steps to inspect batteries:
Step 1. Visually check batteries for cracks, leaks, and corroded or broken terminal posts.
a. Replace any cracked, leaking, corroded, or broken batteries, or batteries with loose or
broken terminal posts (para. 3-125).
b. Clean corroded terminal posts to bright metal.
Step 2. Check for loose, broken, or worn terminals and cables.
a. Tighten any loose terminal or cable (para. 3-124 or 3-126).
b. If any terminal or cable is broken or worn, replace (para. 3-124 or 3-126).
Step 3. Check electrolyte level in each cell (TM 9-6140-200-14).
Fill each cell to fill ring with distilled water (TM 9-6140-200-14).
Step 4. Perform a specific gravity test (TM 9-6140-200-14). Batteries must be 1.225 or greater,
temperature corrected, and each cell in a battery must test within 25 points of the
others.
a. Charge all batteries not meeting requirements, and check specific gravity again
(TM 9-6140-200-14).
b. If 25-point variation still exists, replace battery(ies) (para. 3-125).
Step 5. Attempt to crank engine for 15 seconds, then turn battery switch to OFF position. Check
batteries for overheating by feeling terminal connections. If battery terminal(s) is hot,
loose or corroded connections are indicated.
a. Tighten all loose connections at batteries.
b. Tighten battery ground wire (lead 7) at vehicle chassis ground. Tighten battery
positive wire (lead 6) at starter solenoid.
NOTE
If STE/ICE is available, perform NG20 - No Crank - No Start
Test 2. Test batteries under load to determine adequate current capability and voltage drop during
a 15-second amperage load.
2-98
