BATTERY MAINTENANCE

SERVICE INFORMATION
Low-maintenance batteries used in Infiniti/Nissan 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/Nissan 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 and tightened at each maintenance interval.

This bulletin provides important tips for Genuine Infiniti/Nissan 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/Nissan 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 electrolyte 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 (see Figure 1).

2) Verify that the electrolyte level is up to the "Upper Level" mark (see Figure 1).
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 (see Figure 2).

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.