General The AGM battery is used in applications with particularly high electrical system loads, depending on equipment and requirements. AGM stands for Absorbent Glass Mat, a battery material consisting of an absorbent glass fiber mat. AGM batteries are installed on models with high electrical loads or on consumers with high power demand. The constantly growing demand for electrical power in modern automotive electrical systems requires increasingly powerful battery solutions. Power consumption is significantly higher, even when the vehicle is parked. The slightly higher price compared to a conventional battery of similar size is fully offset by the following advantages:
Significantly longer service life
Improved starting reliability at low temperatures
100% Free Maintenance
Low risk in the event of an accident (reduced environmental risk)
AGM Battery Charging The battery can be charged using a charger with a constant charging voltage of 14.8 V. If possible, keep the battery temperature within the range of 20 °C to 30 °C during charging. Only voltage-limited chargers (IU or WU characteristic) or IUoU characteristic chargers capable of continuous charging may be used. IU or WU Charging Method Optimized charging voltage for IU or WU: 14.7 V (at 20–30 °C) for approximately 24 hours. Minimum charging voltage at 20 °C: 14.4 V. Maximum charging voltage at 20 °C: 14.8 V. As the charging current, 10% of the battery capacity is recommended (e.g., 60 Ah : 10 = 6.0 A charging current).
Repair Procedures
Removal
Battery
Turn the ignition off.
Disconnect the negative (-) terminal (A) from the battery.
Disconnect the positive (+) terminal (A) from the battery.
Remove the battery mounting bracket (A) after loosening the mounting bolt.
Remove the battery (B).
Remove the battery. (Refer to Charging System - "Battery")
Remove the ECM. (Refer to Engine Control/Fuel System - "Engine Control Module (ECM)")
Remove the battery tray (A) after loosening the mounting bolts.
Battery tray
Installation
Install in the reverse order of removal.
Adjustment
Battery Charging In general, the automotive battery charging system has three forms.
Constant Current Charging: Battery voltage gradually rises during charging at a constant current setting. If the current and charging time are not properly controlled, the battery may be overcharged. Therefore, stop charging after confirming charging is complete.
Normal Charging: Long-term charging of the battery with a small current.
Quick Charging: Short-term charging of the battery with a high current.
Constant Voltage Charging: Battery charging current gradually decreases during constant voltage charging.
Inspection
Battery Voltage and Condition Check the battery voltage and condition with a battery tester. Battery Terminal
Move the battery terminals (A) back and forth to check whether they are loose or damaged by corrosion. Clean any corroded terminals.If the positive battery terminal is loose, disconnect the ground (GND) cable before attempting to remove or tighten the positive connection to prevent injury.
If the battery clamp on the positive (+) battery terminal is not securely fastened:
Turn the ignition switch OFF and disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
Tighten the battery clamp (A) on the positive (+) battery terminal. Positive (+) battery terminal: 7.8–9.8 N·m
If the battery clamp on the negative (-) battery terminal is loose:
Tighten the battery clamp (A) on the negative (-) battery terminal. Negative (-) battery terminal: 4.0–6 N·m
Turn off all electrical devices, then turn the ignition off.
Close all doors except the hood, then lock all doors.
Disconnect the hood switch connector.
Close the liftgate.
Close the doors or remove the door switches.
Wait several minutes until the vehicle electrical systems go into sleep mode.
Connect the ammeter in series between the negative (-) battery terminal and the ground cable, then slowly disconnect the clamp from the negative (-) battery terminal.
Read the ammeter current value.
If the parasitic current exceeds the limit, locate the abnormal circuit by removing the fuses one at a time and checking the parasitic current.
Reconnect only the fuse suspected of parasitic current, and locate the faulty unit by disconnecting the components connected to the circuit one at a time until the parasitic draw drops below the specified limit.
Limit value (after 10–20 min.): below 50 mA.
Turn off all electrical devices, then turn the ignition off.
Close all doors except the hood, then lock all doors.
Disconnect the hood switch connector.
Close the liftgate.
Close the doors or remove the door switches.
Wait several minutes until the vehicle electrical systems go into sleep mode.
Install the clamp-type ammeter on the negative (-) battery terminal.
Read the ammeter current value.
If the parasitic current exceeds the limit, locate the abnormal circuit by removing the fuses one at a time and checking the parasitic current.
Reconnect only the fuse suspected of parasitic current, and locate the faulty unit by disconnecting the components connected to the circuit one at a time until the parasitic draw drops below the specified limit.
Limit value (after 10–20 min.): below 50 mA.
Battery Condition Inspect the battery for damage or deformation. If severe damage, deformation, or leakage is found, replace the battery. Vehicle Parasitic Current Check [Using an Ammeter] [Using a Clamp Ammeter]
Micro 570 Analyzer
The Micro 570 analyzer can test charging and starting systems, including the battery, starter, and alternator.
Keypad Micro 570 keypad buttons perform the following functions:Battery Test Procedure
Connect the tester to the battery.
Connect the red clamp to the battery positive (+) terminal.
Connect the black clamp to the battery negative (-) terminal.
The tester will ask whether the battery is "IN VEHICLE" or "OUT OF VEHICLE". Make your selection using the arrow buttons, then press ENTER.
Select CCA and press the ENTER button.
Set the CCA rating displayed on the screen to match the CCA value marked on the battery label by pressing the up and down arrow buttons and pressing ENTER.
The tester will perform the battery test.
The tester displays the battery test results, including voltage and battery condition. Refer to the following table and perform the actions recommended by the Micro 570.Battery Test Results
Printer Result
Remedy
GOOD BATTERY
No action required.
GOOD - RECHARGE
The battery is in good condition. Charge the battery before use.
Follow the instructions below when charging and retesting the battery, otherwise the test result may be inaccurate. (Refer to "Battery Charging and Retesting" below.)
CHARGE AND RETEST
The battery is not charged properly.
Charge and retest the battery.
Follow the instructions below when charging and retesting the battery, otherwise the test result may be inaccurate. (Refer to "Battery Charging and Retesting" below.)
REPLACE BATTERY
Replace the battery and retest the charging system.
A poor connection between the battery and the vehicle cables may cause the message "REPLACE BATTERY" to appear. Retest the battery after disconnecting the cables and connecting the tester directly to the battery terminals before replacing the battery.
BAD CELL - REPLACE
Charge and retest the battery.
If the message "REPLACE BATTERY" appears on the Micro 570, replace the battery and retest the charging system.
[Charging and Retesting the Battery] Battery Charging: Set the battery charger to "Automatic Mode" (a mode in which the charging current decreases as the battery charges) and charge the battery until the charging current drops almost to zero or the charger gives a warning signal when charging is complete. (Recommended minimum charging time: more than 3 hours in Automatic Mode as described above.)
If the battery is not fully charged, the surface voltage will be high while the cold cranking amps (CCA) capability of the battery is low. If the battery is tested in this condition, the tester may incorrectly determine that the battery is sulfated, because the current capability is too low compared to the battery voltage. * Surface charge: When the battery is charged, the electrolyte temperature rises and the chemical reaction becomes active, causing the battery voltage to increase excessively. It is known that approximately one day is required for this elevated surface charge to fully dissipate.
Battery Retest After Charging: Do not test the battery immediately after charging. Test the battery after the surface voltage of the battery has dropped. Follow the procedure below.
When battery charging is complete, install the battery in the vehicle.
Turn the ignition on, turn on the low beam headlights, and wait 5 minutes. (Discharge for 5 minutes.)
With the ignition on, turn off the headlights and wait 5 minutes.
Disconnect the + and - cables from the battery and test the battery.
Starter Test Procedure
After testing the battery, immediately press ENTER to test the starter.
Start the engine.
The starting voltage and starter test results will be displayed on the screen. Refer to the following table and perform the appropriate actions recommended by the Micro 570.Starter Test Results
Printer Result
Remedy
STARTING VOLTAGE NORMAL
The system indicates a normal starting cranking.
STARTING VOLTAGE LOW
The starting voltage is below the normal level.
Inspect the starter.
CHARGE BATTERY
The battery charge level is too low for testing.
Charge the battery and repeat the test.
REPLACE BATTERY
Replace the battery.
If the vehicle does not start even though "GOOD BATTERY" is displayed, inspect the wiring for open circuits, the battery cable connections, and the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.
If the engine starts, inspect the fuel system.
Charging System Test Procedure
Press ENTER to start the charging system test.
The tester displays the actual alternator voltage. Press ENTER to continue.
Turn off all electrical loads, then start the engine and depress the accelerator pedal for 5 seconds. (Follow the instructions on the screen.)
A message indicating engine speed detection will appear on the screen. Press ENTER to continue.
If engine speed is not detected, press ENTER after increasing the engine speed.
The tester will perform the charging system test with no load applied.
Turn on the electrical loads (air conditioner, lamps, audio system, etc.). Press ENTER to continue.
The tester will perform the charging system test under load.
Increase engine speed by depressing the accelerator pedal for 5 seconds. (Follow the instructions on the screen.)
A message indicating engine speed detection will appear on the screen. Press ENTER to continue.
If engine speed is not detected, press ENTER after increasing the engine speed.
Turn off all electrical loads (air conditioning, lights, audio system, etc.). Turn off the engine.
The charging voltage and charging system test results will be displayed on the screen. Turn off the engine and disconnect the tester clamps from the battery. Refer to the following table and perform the appropriate action as recommended by the Micro 570.Charging System Test Results
Printer Result
Remedy
CHARGING SYSTEM NORMAL / DIODE RIPPLE NORMAL
The charging system is normal.
NO CHARGING VOLTAGE
The alternator is not supplying charging current to the battery.
Inspect the belts and the connection between the alternator and the battery, and replace the belts, cable, or alternator as necessary.
LOW CHARGING VOLTAGE
The alternator is not fully supplying charging current to the battery and electrical load of the system.
Inspect the belts and the alternator, and replace as necessary.
HIGH CHARGING VOLTAGE
The voltage from the alternator to the battery is above the normal limit during voltage regulation.
Inspect the connections and ground, and replace the regulator if necessary.
Check the electrolyte level in the battery.
EXCESSIVE RIPPLE DETECTED
One or more diodes in the alternator are not operating correctly.
Inspect the alternator mounting and belts, and replace as necessary.
MDX-670P Analyzer The MDX-670P tests battery conductance and the electrical system, as well as the vehicle's starting and charging systems. It displays test results within seconds and has a built-in printer for printing results.
Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal and the black clamp to the negative (–) terminal.
Scroll and select IN-VEHICLE or OUT-OF-VEHICLE for a battery not connected to the vehicle.
Scroll and select FLOODED, FLAT PLATE AGM, or SPIRAL AGM, as applicable.
Scroll and select the battery rating system.
CCA: Cold Cranking Amps, specified by SAE, is the most common rating for starting batteries at 0°F (-17.8°C).
EN: European Norm
SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers, European designation of CCA
Set the selected rating value displayed on the screen to the value marked on the battery label by pressing the up and down arrow buttons.
Press ENTER to start the test.
After a few seconds, the tester will display the battery condition and the measured voltage. The tester will also display the battery rating and rating units.Battery Test Results
Printer Result
Remedy
GOOD - RECHARGE
No action required.
GOOD CHARGE
The battery is in good condition. Charge the battery before use.
Follow the instructions below when charging and retesting the battery, otherwise the test result may be inaccurate. (Refer to "Battery Charging and Retesting" below.)
CHARGE AND RETEST
The battery is not charged properly.
Charge and retest the battery.
Follow the instructions below when charging and retesting the battery, otherwise the test result may be inaccurate. (Refer to "Battery Charging and Retesting" below.)
REPLACE BATTERY
Replace the battery and retest the charging system.
A poor connection between the battery and the vehicle cables may cause the message "REPLACE BATTERY" to appear. Retest the battery after disconnecting the cables and connecting the tester directly to the battery terminals before replacing the battery.
BAD CELL - REPLACE
Charge and retest the battery.
If the MDX-670P analyzer displays the message "REPLACE BATTERY", replace the battery and retest the charging system.
[Charging and Retesting the Battery] Battery Charging: Set the battery charger to "Automatic Mode" (a mode in which the charging current decreases as the battery charges) and charge the battery until the charging current drops almost to zero or the charger gives a warning signal when charging is complete. (Recommended minimum charging time: more than 3 hours in Automatic Mode as described above.)
If the battery is not fully charged, the surface voltage will be high while the cold cranking amps (CCA) capability of the battery is low. If the battery is tested in this condition, the tester may incorrectly determine that the battery is sulfated, because the current capability is too low compared to the battery voltage. * Surface charge: When the battery is charged, the electrolyte temperature rises and the chemical reaction becomes active, causing the battery voltage to increase excessively. It is known that approximately one day is required for this elevated surface charge to fully dissipate.
Battery Retest After Charging: Do not test the battery immediately after charging. Test the battery after the surface voltage of the battery has dropped. Follow the procedure below.
When battery charging is complete, install the battery in the vehicle.
Turn the ignition on, turn on the low beam headlights, and wait 5 minutes. (Discharge for 5 minutes.)
With the ignition on, turn off the headlights and wait 5 minutes.
Disconnect the + and - cables from the battery and test the battery.
Press the ENTER button to continue the starter test.
Start the engine when prompted.
The tester displays the starter system condition, cranking voltage, and cranking time in milliseconds.Starter Test Results
Printer Result
Remedy
STARTING VOLTAGE NORMAL
The system indicates a normal starting cranking.
STARTING VOLTAGE LOW
The starting voltage is below the normal level.
Inspect the starter.
CHARGE BATTERY
The battery charge level is too low for testing.
Charge the battery and repeat the test.
REPLACE BATTERY
Replace the battery.
If the vehicle does not start even though "GOOD BATTERY" is displayed, inspect the wiring for open circuits, the battery cable connections, and the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.
If the engine does not start, check the fuel system.
Step 3: Charging System Test
Press the ENTER button to continue the charging test.
Increase the engine speed with no load. (Follow the prompts on the screen.)
A message indicating that engine speed has been detected will appear on the screen. Stop the engine.
Turn on the electrical loads (air conditioner, lamps, audio system, etc.). Press ENTER to continue.
Increase the engine speed with the electrical load switched on.
A message indicating that engine speed has been detected will appear on the screen. Stop the engine.
Turn off the loads and the engine.
The charging system status is displayed at the end of the procedure.
Printer Result
Remedy
NO PROBLEM
The system shows normal generator output.
NO OUTPUT
No generator output detected.
Check all connections to and from the generator, especially the connection to the battery. If a connection is loose or heavily corroded, clean or replace the cable and repeat the check.
If the belts and connections are in good working condition, replace the generator. (On older vehicles that use external voltage regulators, only replacement of the voltage regulator may be required.)
LOW OUTPUT
The alternator is not fully supplying charging current to the battery and electrical load of the system.
Inspect the belts and the alternator, and replace as necessary.
HIGH OUTPUT
The voltage from the alternator to the battery is above the normal limit during voltage regulation.
Inspect the connections and ground, and replace the regulator if necessary.
Check the electrolyte level in the battery.
EXCESSIVE RIPPLE
The voltage from the alternator to the battery is above the normal limit during voltage regulation.
Inspect the alternator mounting and belts, and replace as necessary.
CHARGE BATTERY
Cranking voltage is low, the battery is discharged. Fully charge the battery and repeat the starting system test.
REPLACE BATTERY
The battery must be replaced before the starting system is tested.
Press the BACK/PRINT button to print the test results, or the MENU button to return to the options menu.
Cleaning
Make sure the ignition switch and all accessories are off.
Disconnect the battery cables (negative terminal first).
Remove the battery from the vehicle.
Inspect the battery tray for damage caused by electrolyte leakage. If acid damage is present, clean the area with a solution of clean warm water and baking soda. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and wipe it with a cloth dampened with baking soda and water.
Clean the top of the battery with the same solution described above.
Inspect the battery case and cover for cracks. If cracks are found, the battery must be replaced.
Clean the battery terminals with a suitable tool.
Clean the inside surface of the terminal clamps with a suitable battery terminal cleaning tool. Replace damaged or worn cables and broken terminal clamps.
Install the battery in the vehicle.
Connect the cable terminals to the battery posts, making sure the tops of the terminals are flush with the tops of the posts.
Tighten the terminal nuts securely.
After tightening, apply light mineral grease to all connections.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
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