Mercury BXT-96R-590 Battery

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First of all, maintenance of the battery is essential to avoid its failure. The things you will need are safety gear, baking soda, petroleum jelly, as well as a battery post, and a cable cleaner. Turn off your engine and disconnect the negative battery cable. You can check the electrolyte level and inspect the condition of the battery. Clean terminals of any dirt and apply petroleum jelly. Also, tighten the hold-down clamp and remove corrosion.

It is wise to remove the key from the ignition and keep it with you to prevent it from getting locked inside if the power door locks engage accidentally when the battery is reconnected.

Maintenance-free batteries are tested using a battery condition indicator or voltmeter.

Visually inspect the indicator eye on the top of the battery. If it is dark in color, charge the battery. If the battery has removable caps, check the electrolyte level, which should be above the upper edge of the plates. If low, add distilled water without overfilling. Test the specific gravity of the electrolyte using a hydrometer.

To remove corrosion, use a solution of water and baking soda. Cover damaged metal parts with zinc-based primer and paint.

Connect the positive cable first and the negative cable last.

When servicing the battery, it's important to take safety precautions, including: Turn off the engine and all accessories. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal first. Avoid creating sparks, smoking, or using matches near the battery due to the production of hydrogen gas. Conduct battery charging in a well-ventilated area. Prevent contact with the corrosive sulfuric acid in the electrolyte. Wear protective safety glasses and keep children away from the battery.

Start by disconnecting the ground cable first, then clean the cable clamps and terminals using a brush and a solution of warm water and baking soda. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Using a digital voltmeter, connect the black probe to the negative terminal and the red probe to the positive terminal of the battery. If the battery is fully charged, the voltmeter should indicate about 12.5 volts.

Avoid creating sparks, smoking, or lighting matches near the battery since it produces hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.