OEM Battery Caps

[ROADWARRIOR]

Is it safe to open the vent caps on the OEM batteries? I wanted to check the water level, but these caps seem much tighter than others I have removed, so I backed off. Oh and then there was the big sticker warning not to open the vents. I thought I read on here about others doings this.



Thanks, Dan

 

[illflem]

I had to cut the edges of the caps on my 95's OEM batteries with a sharp wood chisel to remove, the caps had webs molded to the battery top. OEM batteries lasted 5 years by servicing, they definitely weren't maintenance free. I know several different styles of batteries have been used over the years, not sure if the caps all come off the same way.

 

[redneckdr]

batteries

i can't remember who or when, but at least one tdr member posted having removed the caps and topping the cells off with distilled water. he made the comment that he was convinced it extended the life of his oem batteries--5 years, i think he said... .

 

[chuck3]

Caps.

I took mine off with a screwdriver, they are glued on in one area and it takes some prying to get them loose. I was glad I did some cells were low on water after only two years.

 

[Joe G.]

I used a small piece of plywood and a claw hammer to pry loose the caps on my OEM batteries. The ply wood was layed on the battery to support the back of the hammer so it would not damage the battery. They lasted over five years because I kept them topped up with distilled water. I learned the lie about maintenance free ( ) batteries long ago.

 

[nibranam]

I was able to pry the caps off of my OEM batteries. It was a little scary though because it seemed for a while as if the top of the battery might come off first. Once the caps are off, the locking clips were easy to trim off with a utility knife. The caps then functioned like normal caps. I was happy that I did this because the batteries need water more often out here in arizona.

 

[15w40]

Years ago someone wrote that you can check the acid level by holding a flashlight against the white battery case and by jiggling the truck, the level can be seen as it slouches. I have tried this and it works but some of the cells are tough to see.

 

[Ram_Kowboy]

Be careful not to overfill those batteries. I made the mistake of filling my OEM batteries to the top. When I went on a long road trip after that, the batteries boiled over and spilled out onto the front fender of my truck and boiled up the paint. USE CAUTION!!!

 

[TXRam]

Tried this yesterday while flushing and changing the coolant - they seemed pretty tough so I stopped. I think I'll DO it today - how full do you fill them (have to admit I've never done it before because I've never kept a vehicle over 2 years)?

 

[redneckdr]

how full

there should a "fill ring", even on the "maintenance free" batteries. i'm going to look at mine later today. if no ring, bring level up to 1--1 1/2 inch from the opening. better to run a little low than too full, 'cause they will boil over, if too full!

 

[nibranam]

I fill mine up until the water meets the plastic. This is where the fill ring is on mine. The water level is well below the top of the battery. I have read that you should charge the battery then fill because (to make a long story short) the water level could be higher after a charge. Especially if it really needed a charge. The battery should never be charged though, unless the water level is above the plates. Remember to leave the caps on loose or cover the battery with something to prevent acid damage to paint etc.

 

[Extreme1]

If there is no fill ring, make sure the plates are well covered. Uncovered plates oxidize more quickly and don't hold a charge as well.

 

[FAllen]

Battery Fill Ring

Just took the caps of both batteries in my 99 today (24k miles).



Levels in all cells were above the plates and I noticed that there are no fill rings in these batteries.



Setting a fill level on these batteries would be an estimate at best with the lack of fill rings.