Land Rover Discovery: Battery Care Requirements

4. BATTERY CARE REQUIREMENTS

4 . 1 RECEIPT OF A NEW VEHICLE

Within 72 hours of receipt of a new vehicle, a battery condition check must be carried out in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure.

NOTES:

• The Midtronics software can be updated; refer to Administration bulletins to ensure the EXP-1080, GRX-3080 and GR1-3080 are upto- date.
• Midtronics WiFi dongles are mandated; refer to special tool release notes titled "Wi-Fi pod upgrade to the EXP-1080 battery tester".

  Ensure dongles are fitted at all times for the system to work correctly.

• The Midtronics code from the tester must be recorded on the form.

Any actions must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure. The details must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

4 . 2 NEW VEHICLE STORAGE

If the vehicle is to be stored, transport mode MUST be programmed into the vehicle with the transit relay fitted as delivered. Certain vehicles do not have a transit relay fitted, these vehicles only need transport mode installed, For additional information, refer to the Transit Relay Installation Summary table for transit relay installation.

Transit relay removal / vehicle placed in normal mode should only be completed a maximum of 72 hours prior to handover to customer For vehicles without either a transit mode or transit relay the battery negative cable must be DISCONNECTED from the battery.

The battery must be tested every 60 days and re-charged if required, in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure.

NOTES:

• Transport mode is required to be set when a transit relay is installed to a vehicle to prevent damage to vehicle electrical modules.
• The Midtronics code from the tester must be recorded on the form.

Any actions must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure. The details must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

4 . 3 PDI / DELIVERY TO CUSTOMER

Before the vehicle is handed over to the customer and as part of the PDI, the condition of the battery needs to be confirmed. The battery condition must be checked in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure.

NOTE:

The Midtronics code from the tester must be recorded on the form.

Any actions must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure. The details must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

4 . 4 REPLACEMENT BATTERIES FOR SERVICE

All service replacement batteries must have the battery condition checked within 72 hours of receipt and controlled on a 'First In First Out' basis to ensure batteries are not allowed to age unnecessarily.

For batteries in storage and not yet fitted to a vehicle, they must be stored in a cool/dry environment, not in direct sunlight or under any direct heat source. Any batteries exhibiting any forms of damage or corrosion must not be fitted to any vehicle. Any batteries which are dropped must be scrapped, this applies even if no external damage is apparent.

The battery must be tested every 60 days and re-charged if required, in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure.

Any actions must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure.The details must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

4 . 5 BATTERY INSTALLED IN VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

• The battery must be tested every 60 days and re-charged if required, in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure
• The battery must always be connected to a battery support unit during any diagnostic sessions, including software updates.

  For additional information, refer to: Battery Support Unit Connection Procedure (414-00 Battery and Charging System - General Information, General Procedures).

4 . 6 BATTERY TEST

Enhancement to the recommended battery test equipment software, has removed the need to physically remove battery surface charge before completing a Battery Test.

The battery may be tested either on a bench or on the vehicle.

NOTE:

Make sure the Ignition is OFF and the vehicle is powered down with the modules entering 'sleep mode' before commencing with the battery test.

Battery Test Types

Flooded Battery Testing

In some markets serviceable flooded Batteries are still in use, to test these correctly check the electrolyte level as outlined in the CONFIRMING ELECTROLYTE LEVEL section 9 in this procedure before any further testing.

These batteries are identified with cell plugs on top of the battery.

All AGM and Flooded Battery Testing

The recommended Battery Tester has three types of Battery Test available for the technician to select:

1. Battery Test - The BATTERY TEST should be used on any battery that has started its warranty life cycle

• The battery is in use and fitted to a vehicle registered to an owner

2. PDI / Storage - The PDI / STORAGE test should be used on any battery that has not yet been entered into the warranty life cycle

• The battery is fitted to a NEW vehicle, but the vehicle has not yet been sold/registered to an owner

3. Battery Storage - The BATT. STORAGE test should be used on any battery that has not yet been entered into the warranty life cycle

• The battery is not in use and is a parts stock battery and has not yet been fitted to a vehicle

NOTE:

When BATT. STORAGE is selected, the technician must enter IDENTIFICATION data or a purchase order reference number for the battery being tested.

The battery condition must be checked in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure.

NOTE:

The Midtronics code from the tester must be recorded on the form.

Any actions must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure. The details must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

CAUTION:

DO NOT connect the tester to any other circuit or chassis point other than the battery negative terminal.

Equipment

5. EQUIPMENT

All equipment used must be functionally capable of meeting the compliance requirements. Please refer to the approved equipment document (JLR 000015).

In the case of batteries fitted to a new vehicle at the retailer, battery condition should be measured using the appropriate hand-held Midtronics tester as follows:

The test results must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

NOTE:

All equipment must be calibrated

6. DETERMINING BATTERY CONDITION

7. BATTERY CHARGING

It is essential that a suitably ventilated defined area exists in each retailer for battery charging.

CAUTION:

It is very important that when charging batteries using the traction charger or other stand-alone chargers that the charger is set for the correct type of battery before charging commences. If the wrong switch is selected the result would be a battery that is not charged fully and / or overheating can occur. Follow the manufacturers operating instructions.

The battery must be tested every 60 days and re-charged if required, in accordance with the battery test process utilizing a JLR approved tester as outlined in the Equipment section (Section 5) of this procedure. It is recommended that retailers always have fully charged batteries ready for use.

CAUTION:

Do not charge AGM batteries with voltages over 14.8 Volts as this will damage the battery.

A designated controlled area must be allocated for scrap batteries and clearly controlled as such.

To bring a discharged but serviceable battery back to a fully charged condition proceed as follows:

• Check and if necessary top-up the battery electrolyte level. (Flooded maintainable batteries only)
• Charge the battery using a JLR approved charger as detailed in the approved equipment document following the manufacturers operating instructions.

NOTE:

When using the Midtronics Diagnostic Charger, automatic mode must always be used. After charging and analysis, the charger may display 'Top-Off Charging', Hit STOP To End. Do not stop charging until the current falls to 5A or less, otherwise the battery will not be fully charged.

Following charging, a post charge battery condition test must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure.

NOTE:

The Midtronics code from the tester must be recorded on the form.

Any actions must be carried out in accordance with the table shown in the Determining Battery Condition section (Section 6) of this procedure. The details must be recorded on the New Vehicle Storage Form which is part of the new vehicle storage document.

For additional information, refer to: New Vehicle Storage Form (100-11 Vehicle Transportation Aids and Vehicle Storage, Description and Operation).

8. BATTERY REPLACEMENT

CAUTION:

AGM and Flooded batteries are NOT interchangeable, only specified batteries must be must. Failure to follow this instruction will result in early battery failure.

If it is determined that a battery requires replacement, always refer to the appropriate section of the workshop manual for instructions on removing and installing the battery from the vehicle.

On in service vehicles fitted with a Battery Monitoring System (BMS), the BMS control module must be reset following the installation of a new battery. The BMS control module reset procedure must be performed using an approved diagnostic system.

9. CONFIRMING ELECTROLYTE LEVEL

WARNINGS:

• BEFORE CHECKING THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL AND TOPPING-UP THE BATTERY WITH DISTILLED WATER, REFER TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SECTION.
• AGM TECHNOLOGY BATTERIES ARE FULLY SEALED FOR LIFE AND NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO CHECK OR TOP UP THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.

NOTES:

• In hot climates more frequent checks of the battery electrolyte level and condition are required. If necessary, the battery cells can be topped up using distilled water.
• Only flooded batteries can have the electrolyte level topped up.

On certain flooded battery types the electrolyte level will need to be checked.

1. Make sure the battery is of a type suitable for topping up. These types of batteries will have cell plugs visible on the top face of the battery or a removable access panel to allow access to the cells.
2. On batteries with a clear or opaque case and level marks, check the electrolyte level by visual inspection of the maximum level indicator mark on the battery casing, indicating adequate level above the battery separators.
3. On batteries with black cases, remove the cell plugs or access panel and ensure the electrolyte level is level with the indicator in the cell hole. A flashlight may be required to see the electrolyte level on this type of battery.
4. f the electrolyte level is low, top-up using distilled water only.
5. Refit the battery cell plugs.
6. Charge the battery for 1 hour using a recommended charger, if a GRX- 3080 is used select manual charging for an hour.
7. Carry out a battery test using the recommended test equipment in line with 4.6 Battery Test & 5 Equipment.

NOTE:

Maintenance free and Valve Regulated (AGM) batteries are sealed and therefore cannot be topped up.

CAUTION:

DO NOT overfill.

General Rules for Battery CareGeneral Information Charging System / Diagnosis and Testing

READ NEXT: