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HOMESERVICE MANUALSGMC1999FORWARD CONTROL 5.7 R, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 632 (BATTERY)DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONBATTERY DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONNOTES
1999 GMC Forward Control 5.7 R, Automatic

Battery Description and Operation: Notes

1999 GMC Forward Control 5.7 R, AutomaticSECTION Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury when working near a battery:
  • Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
  • Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
  • Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help.
  • Follow each step of the jump starting procedure in order.
  • Treat both the booster and the discharged batteries carefully when using the jumper cables.

Important:  Because of the materials used in the manufacture of automotive lead-acid batteries, dealers and service shops that handle them are subject to various regulations issued by OSHA, EPA, DOT, and various state or local agencies. Other regulations may also apply in other locations. Always know and follow these regulations when handling batteries.

Batteries that are no longer wanted must be disposed of by an approved battery recycler and must never be thrown in the trash or sent to a landfill.

Batteries that are not part of the vehicle itself, not the battery under the hood, must only be transported on public streets for business purposes via approved hazardous material transportation procedures.

Battery storage, charging and testing facilities in repair shops must meet various requirements for ventilation, safety equipment, material segregation, etc.

Fig 1: Identifying Battery Precaution Label
G01971937Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The maintenance free Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery is the standard original equipment battery. The battery is completely sealed except for one vent port in the end of the cover. The vent port allows the small amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape when pressures exceed 2 psi. The AGM battery is a lead-acid battery that is similar to current batteries. They use glass mats that absorb electrolyte that are pressed between the plates instead of immersing the plates in electrolyte. This allows a smaller, lighter battery with the same amount of power which is less susceptible to heat.

The battery has three functions as a major source of energy:

  • Engine cranking
  • Voltage stabilizer
  • Alternate source of energy with generator overload.

The battery specification label (see typical figure) contains information about the following:

  • The test ratings
  • The original equipment catalog number
  • The recommended replacement model number
    Fig 2: Identifying Battery Specification Label
    G01971938Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.