Read this first
Battery
Read the following precautions carefully before using the battery or inspecting to ensure safe and correct handling:
Always wear eye protection when working near the battery:
Working without eye protection is dangerous. Battery fluid contains SULPHURIC ACID which could cause blindness if splashed into your eyes. Also, hydrogen gas produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode.
Wear eye protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with battery fluid:
Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.
Battery fluid contains SULPHURIC ACID which could cause serious injuries if it gets in eyes, or on the skin or clothing. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes with water for 15 minutes or wash your skin thoroughly and get medical attention.
Always keep batteries out of the reach of children:
Allowing children to play near batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid could cause serious injuries if it gets in the eyes or on the skin.
Keep flames and sparks away from open battery cells and do not allow metal tools to contact the positive (
) or negative (
) terminal of the battery when working near a battery. Do not allow the positive () terminal to contact the vehicle body:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including cigarettes and sparks away from open battery cells.
Keep all flames, including cigarettes, and sparks away from open battery cells:
Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries.
Before performing battery maintenance, remove the battery cover.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
-
Keep it securely mounted.
-
Keep the top clean and dry.
-
Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
-
Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
-
If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the battery leads and charge the battery every six weeks.
Inspecting Electrolyte Level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause the battery to discharge quickly.
Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a week. If it is low, remove the caps and add enough distilled water to bring the level between the upper and lower level (illustration).
Do not overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially during cold weather. If it is low, recharge the battery.
Battery Recharging
-
Before performing maintenance or recharging the battery, turn off all accessories and stop the engine.
-
To disconnect the battery, remove the negative lead first. Install it last when connecting the battery.
-
Be sure to remove the caps before recharging the battery.
-
Do not quick-charge the battery.
-
If the battery quickly discharges because, for example, the lights were left on too long with the engine off, slow-charge it as required by battery size and charger capacity.
-
If the battery gradually discharges because of high electric load while the vehicle is being used, recharge it as required by battery size and charger capacity.
Battery Replacement
Contact an Authorised Mazda Repairer for a battery replacement purchase.
