Ford Galaxy / Ford S-MAX. Manual — part 718

Alternative Method To Dissipate The Battery Surface Charge

1. 1. Leave the battery to stand for a minimum of six hours without charging or

discharging or remove the surface charge through partial loading as follows:

Turn the ignition key to position II and switch on the headlamps (main beam),
heated windshield (if equipped), heated rear window (if equipped) and the heater
blower motor (position II). Leave the vehicle in this condition for a minimum of 60
seconds to dissipate the battery surface charge.
Turn the ignition key to position 0 and switch off the headlamps, heated windshield
(if equipped), heated rear window (if equipped) and the heater blower motor.
Leave the vehicle in this condition for a minimum of five minutes before testing
battery condition.

Battery Test

NOTE: Using the Micro390 Battery Tester: To fully determine battery condition once the
surface charge has been dissipated, the Micro390 battery tester must be used. For the
Micro390 battery tester to operate, it requires a minimum of 5.5 volts charge to be
present on the test battery. Therefore, if the Micro390 does not operate when connected
to a test battery, then a charge of less than 5.5 volts is present. In this instance, the
battery must be charged in line with the battery charging instructions prior to testing. In
the event of a conflict of results between the charge eye indicator and the battery tester,
the battery tester result must always be used. The charge eye indicator is for guidance
only.

1. 1. Remove the battery.

REFER to:

Battery

(414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, Removal and

Installation).

2. 2. Connect the battery tester to the battery.

Connect the red clip to the battery positive (+) terminal and the black clip to the
battery negative (–) terminal.

3.

NOTE: The label affixed to the top of batteries progressively from 06/1998 identifies
the battery CCA rating. Remove the battery if the label is obscured.

3. Use the ”Arrow” buttons on the battery tester to scroll to the battery’s labelled CCA

rating.

4. 4. Press the ”Test” button that corresponds to the correct battery temperature.

If the battery temperature is above zero degrees centigrade: press the ”sun”
button. If the battery temperature is below zero degrees centigrade: press the
”Ice-crystal” button.

5. 5. Carry out the action based upon the test result displayed and the following table.

1. Charge level bar graph.
2. Test result.
3. Battery voltage.

6. 6. Press the "information" button and carefully note the six-digit "Test Code" on the

job card for claim submission and audit purposes (graphic shows an example of the
code only).

Battery tester results and required actions

Tester Reading

Action

GOOD BATTERY

Return to service

GOOD RECHARGE

Fully charge the battery and return to service*

CHARGE & RETEST

Fully charge the battery and retest

*In addition, it is advisable to check the vehicle electrical system. Check that the generator
is functioning correctly and that all key-off loads (luggage compartment lamps, glove
compartment lamp and interior lamps) are not staying on.

REPLACE BATTERY or

BAD CELL BATTERY

WARNING: Do not recharge the battery.

Make sure that the surface charge was removed. If so, disconnect the

battery from the vehicle and retest. If the result remains after surface

charge removal, install a new battery.

REFER to:

Battery

(414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, Removal and

Installation).

UNABLE TO TEST

Retest the battery.

Charging System - General Information -
Battery Charging

S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (02/2006-)

Print

General Procedures

General Equipment

WARNINGS:

Always observe the battery charger equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not jump/slave start using a battery charging system from another vehicle.

Do not overfill a battery as this can cause acid leakage that will result in damage to

the vehicle and possible personal injury.

CAUTIONS:

Do not rely on the generator to recharge a discharged battery. It would take in

excess of eight hours of continuous driving with no additional loads placed on the
charging system.

Make sure that the battery electrolyte reaches the indicated maximum mark.

Connect the battery charger cables to the battery before switching the battery

charger on.

Switch the battery charger off before disconnecting the battery charger cables from

the battery.
NOTE: Ford batteries generally require no maintenance however, in certain conditions, it
is possible for the electrolyte in a battery to fall below the minimum level.
NOTE: The use of the Midtronics GR-590 Battery Management Center, which has been
specifically designed for use on silver calcium type batteries is recommended. Once
connected to the battery, the battery charger detects the state of battery charge and
then applies the appropriate charge rate and duration. When the battery is fully charged,
the battery charger switches to stand-by, keeping the battery in a fully charged state
preventing excessive gassing and overcharging. The Midtronics GR-590 Battery
Management Center also incorporates a software program that has the capability to assist
in the recovery of deeply discharged (sulphated) batteries.
NOTE: Charging methods and types of battery chargers vary widely. Whichever method is
utilized it must be carried out carefully to avoid damage to the battery and possible
personal injury. Specific instructions accompanying each battery charger and must be
followed exactly. Safeguards provided by the equipment manufacturer should not be
disregarded by the operator.
NOTE: A battery which has been stored in a highly discharged state may be slow to
accept a charge at first. In such cases the initial charging rate may be so low that the
ammeter on some battery testers will not show any indication of charge for 5 to 10
minutes.
NOTE: Automatic battery chargers are also protected against reverse polarity connection
and require no adjustment or monitoring.
NOTE: Slow-charging will readily restore a battery to a full state of charge and, since the
charging current is relatively low, the possibility of overcharging a battery are minimized.
The charge rate used should be approximately equal to 5% of the reserve capacity of the
battery being charged (approximately three to six Amps depending on battery size). The
charging current should be adjusted 10 minutes after initial setting and again after 1 hour
before being left to charge the battery for between 8 and 12 hours.
NOTE: A constant voltage battery charger will charge a battery at a set maximum
voltage. The voltage used depends upon the design and condition of the battery charger

Midtronics GR-590 Battery Management Center

Battery Charger