Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Battery Description and Operation
Warning:
Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury when working near a battery:
- Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
- Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
- Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help.
- Follow each step of the jump starting procedure in order.
- Treat both the booster and the discharged batteries carefully when using the jumper cables.
Note:
Because of the materials used in the manufacture of automotive lead acid batteries, dealers and service shops that handle them are subject to various regulations issued by OSHA, EPA, DOT, and various state or local agencies. Other regulations may also apply in other locations. Always know and follow these regulations when handling batteries.
Batteries that are no longer wanted must be disposed of by an approved battery recycler and must never be thrown in the trash or sent to a landfill.
Batteries that are not part of the vehicle itself, not the battery under the hood, must only be transported on public streets for business purposes via approved hazardous material transportation procedures.
Battery storage, charging and testing facilities in repair shops must meet various requirements for ventilation, safety equipment, material segregation, etc.
The maintenance free battery is standard. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed except for 2 small vent holes in the side. These vent holes allow the small amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape.
The battery has 3 functions as a major source of energy:
- Engine cranking
- Voltage stabilizer
- Alternate source of energy with generator overload
- Battery Low Start Vehicle Message
-
The body control module (BCM) monitors battery positive voltage to determine battery state of charge. If one or more of the BCM battery positive voltage terminals measure less than approximately 11.6V compared to the BCM ground circuits, this message will display and four chimes may sound. Start the vehicle immediately. If the vehicle is not started and the battery continues to discharge, the climate controls, heated seats, and audio systems will shut off and the vehicle may require a jump start. These systems will function again after the vehicle is started.
- Battery Ratings
-
A battery has 2 ratings:
- Cold cranking amperage
- Amperage hours
When a battery is replaced use a battery with similar ratings. See battery specification label on the original battery.
- Amperage Hours
-
The amperage hour rating tells you how much amperage is available when discharged evenly over a 20 hour period. The amperage hour rating is cumulative, so in order to know how many constant amperage the battery will output for 20 h, you have to divide the amperage hour rating by 20. Example: If a battery has an amperage hour rating of 74, dividing by 20 = 3.75. Such a battery can carry a 3.75 A load for 20 hours before dropping to 10.5 V. (10.5 V is the fully discharged level, at which point the battery needs to be recharged.) A battery with an amperage hour rating of 55 will carry a 2.75 A load for 20 hours before dropping to 10.5 V.
- Cold Cranking Amperage
-
The cold cranking amperage is an indication of the ability of the battery to crank the engine at cold temperatures. The cold cranking amperage rating is the minimum amperage the battery must maintain for 30 seconds at −18°C (0°F) while maintaining at least 7.2 V. See battery label for the cold cranking amperage rating of this battery.
Battery Current Sensor Replacement
Removal Procedure
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable
Disconnection and Connection.
Disconnect the battery current sensor from the body ...
Battery Inspection/Test
Diagnostic Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic
procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic a ...
Other materials:
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and
displays the %CHANGE message on the
DIC when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.
Remember, the oil life display must be reset after each oil change. It will not
reset itself.
Resetting the Oil Li ...
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes
tires to slip and lose cornering force.
Acceleration Skid — too muc ...
Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment
Ensure that the steering wheel is set in a straight ahead position.
Loosen the tie rod jam nut (1).
Adjust the toe to specification by turning the inner tie rod (2). Refer
to Wheel Alignment Specifications.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution.
Tighten the t ...
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