BATTERY MAINTENANCE

[AlabamaDan]

I know this may seem a little low tech for some of us, but let us remember that there are also a lot of people who come around here that are new to car ownership. Also, there are some who just plain overlook the battery. So I give you:

ALL INFINITI VEHICLES BATTERY MAINTENANCE

APPLIED VEHICLES: All Infiniti Vehicles

SERVICE INFORMATION

Low-maintenance batteries used in Infiniti vehicles are not maintenance free and do require periodic inspection and servicing. This is particularly true in areas with hot climates or for vehicles with extended or extreme usage.

It is important to maintain proper electrolyte levels for optimum battery life. In many situations, the electrolyte level in a battery may already be up to the appropriate mark. However, Infiniti recommends that a check of the electrolyte level be done at every scheduled maintenance interval (oil changes, etc.) to verify that the level is correct. If the electrolyte level is low, it is necessary to add distilled water to the battery to bring the level up to the correct height.

It is also important that the top of the battery is clean and terminal connections are clean and tight. Infiniti recommends that the top of the battery and case cover be cleaned and terminal connections cleaned andtightened at each maintenance interval.

This bulletin provides important tips for Genuine Infiniti Original Equipment (OEM) and replacement battery maintenance. A procedure for checking battery electrolyte levels is provided for batteries with black cases and batteries with white cases.

NOTE: Although this bulletin specifically addresses procedures and tips for use on Genuine Infiniti batteries, the procedure provided can and should be applied to low-maintenance batteries of all makes.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

WARNING: Always wear eye protection and gloves when working with batteries. Do not allow battery fluid to come in contact with skin, eyes, fabric, or painted surfaces. After touching a battery, do not touch or rub your eyes until you have thoroughly washed your hands. If the battery acid contacts your clothing or a painted surface, thoroughly wash the area immediately. If the battery acid contacts your eyes or skin, immediately flush with water for 15 minutes and promptly seek medical attention.

1. To minimize self-discharging and prevent contamination of the lectrolyte when removing the cell plugs, use a disposable towel to clean any dirt or oil from the top and cover of the battery. The surface of the battery should be clean and bright.

2. Check the battery electrolyte levels:

A. Batteries With White Cases:

1) Shine a light at the front of the battery case and determine the electrolyte level mark on the face of the battery case.2) Verify that the electrolyte level is up to the "Upper Level" mark.3) If the electrolyte level is below the "Upper Level" mark, remove the cell plugs.4) Add distilled water to the cells to bring the electrolyte up to the "Upper Level" mark.5) Re-install the cell plugs.6) Check that the terminal connections are tight. Clean and tighten the connections as needed.

NOTES: If you cannot see the electrolyte level on the front of the battery case, follow steps 1 through 5 under "Batteries With Black Cases" (below).

 For optimum performance and battery life, fill all cells to the "Upper Level" mark.

 If you remove the battery cables to clean the terminals, record the radio pre-sets before removing.

 Re-set the radio pre-sets and the clock after cables are re-installed.

CAUTIONS: Always use distilled water when adjusting battery fluid levels. DO NOT use tap water or electrolyte (acid).

 DO NOT overfill the battery cells.

B. Batteries With Black Cases:

NOTE: Although Genuine Infiniti OEM batteries are of the white case type, it is possible that a replacement, black case type battery has been installed in the vehicle. The following procedure is provided for those instances.

1) Remove the cell plugs using a suitable tool (a coin or screwdriver).2) Look into each individual cell and verify that the electrolyte covers the lead plates in the battery and is no higher than the bottom of the vent well.3) If necessary, add only distilled water to all cells with low electrolyte levels, bringing the electrolyte levels up to the bottom of the vent well.4) Re-install the cell plugs.5) Check that the terminal connections are tight. Clean and tighten the connections as needed.

NOTES: For optimum performance and battery life, fill all cells to the appropriate level.

 If you remove the battery cables to clean the terminals, record the radio pre-sets before removing.

 Re-set the radio pre-sets and the clock after cables are re-installed.

CAUTIONS:

 Always use distilled water when adjusting battery fluid levels. DO NOT use tap water or electrolyte (acid).

 DO NOT overfill the battery cells.

[goody90q45]

Good stuff Danny. I've been guilty many times (pre-NICO) of not checking my battery's fluid level until the morning my car won't start because the 72 month battery I bought 3 years ago is dead.

I wonder how long a 6 or 7 year battery would really last if you:>maintained it per the TSB you posted, >kept your car's electrical system charging properly- good alternator, no corrosion, etc.>never drained it dead, i.e. leaving lights on while at a ballgame> Mild weather (SoCal) with no hard freezing

I've never had a battery last longer than 4 years. Is the warranty just a marketing strategy to get you to buy a same manufacturer's replacement battery because of the small cash credit you'll get for buying the same brand?

Anyone ever have a 72 or 84 month battery last that long (or longer)?

[96Qowner]

I've never had a battery last longer than 4 years. Is the warranty just a marketing strategy to get you to buy a same manufacturer's replacement battery because of the small cash credit you'll get for buying the same brand?

Anyone ever have a 72 or 84 month battery last that long (or longer)?

Not in the Q, but this is the third battery for the Accord - 17 years and 390K miles.

[goody90q45]

Maybe the cold weather is a good thing for battery life?

[AlabamaDan]

My 1998 QX4 is on the 2nd battery. Last one died about 2 years ago. We leave interior lights on all the time.

I'm not sure how old the battery in my Q was when I got it, but I got 6 years out of it before I let it die this summer. It was my fault when the car set I'd let it run down, charge, run down, charge, etc....

I guess are relatively mild climate helps. I've always gotten good longevity out of batteries. And as far as that goes...I've been buying Wal Mart batteries since 1986.