Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA
Manila Educat ion Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila

TVL/Industrial Arts

AUTOMOTIVE
SERVICING
Grade 12
1ST Quarter – Module 1 (Week 1)
Servicing Automotive Battery (SAB)

Most Essential Learning Competency

Explain the operation and safe handling of different types of batteries.

CODE: TLE_IAAUS912SAB-Ia-b-1

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 HOW DO YOU USE THIS MODULE?
Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will
disturb you while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to
successfully enjoy the objectives of this kit. Have fun!
1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of this
module.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning, that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer keycard.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

 Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing
the lessons in the module.
 Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.
 Brief Introduction- This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
 Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
 Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of
the lessons.
 Check your Understanding- It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
 Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire
module.

LESSON 1 – Explain the operation and safe handling of different types of

batteries.

EXPECTATION:
Identify main components of batteries.
Classify types of batteries.
Observe proper safe handling of batteries.to ensure maximum adhesion or seal

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 PRE – TEST
Direction: Read the questions carefully and encircle the letter of the correct
answer.

1. The battery in an electro chemical device, this means the battery

A. makes chemicals by electronic means
B. uses chemicals to provide electricity
C. has non-chemical plates
D. does not use an electrolyte
2. The battery performs the following EXCEPT
A. supplies current to crank the engine
B. supplies current when the charging system cannot handle the lead
C. supplies current to the ignition system with the engine is off.
D. supplies current to the ECM while the engine is off
3. When working around the battery be sure to;
A. Disconnect the negative first
B. Disconnect the positive first
C. Never disconnect the terminals
D. A and B
4. A type of battery which do not have removable caps.
A. maintenance free battery
B. battery with caps
C. 3A battery
D. B and C
5. This type of hydrometer which is similar to ball type coolant hydrometer.
A. ball hydrometer B. flat hydrometer
B. flat hydrometer D. A and B
6. A type of hydrometer which the state of charge marks on the float stem to show
electrolyte specific gravity.
A. ball type hydrometer
B. float hydrometer
C. A and B
D. None of the above
7. The indication if the battery is in full charge in using ball hydrometer.
A. all balls float
B. no balls float
C. A and B
D. None of the above
8. The more fully charge the battery is, the higher the float is indicating the state of
charge of.
A. float hydrometer
B. ball hydrometer
C. A and B
D. All of the above
9. The more balls float, the higher the state of charge is.
A. ball hydrometer
B. float hydrometer
C. A and B
D. None of the above
10. In disconnecting the battery the correct tools used are__ .
A. box wrench (12x13)
B. open wrench
C. battery pliers
D.. A and C
 LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON
Name the following system:

1. 3. 2.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
An automotive battery is a type of rechargeable battery that supplies
electric energy to an automobile. Usually this refers to an SLI battery (starting,
lighting, ignition) to power the starter motor, the lights, and the ignition system
of a vehicle’s engine. An automotive battery may also be a traction battery used for
the main power source of an electric vehicle therefore; preventive maintenance
procedures must be performed frequently to avoid automobile malfunctions.

TOPIC: BATTERY CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION

Objectives
 Identify main components of batteries.
 Classify types of batteries.
 Observe proper safe handling of batteries.to ensure maximum adhesion
or seal.

LEARNING CONTENT
Battery Construction and Operation
An automotive battery is a type of rechargeable battery that supplies electric
energy to an automobile. Usually this refers to an SLI battery (starting, lighting,
ignition) to power the starter motor, the lights, and the ignition system of a
vehicle’s engine. An automotive battery may also be attraction battery used as the
main power source of an electric vehicle.
Automotive SLI batteries are usually lead-acid type, and are made of
six galvanic cells in series to provide a 12 volt system. Each cell provides 2.1 volts
for a total of 12.6 volt at full charge. Heavy vehicles, like highway trucks or tractors,
often equipped with diesel engines, may have two batteries in series for a 24-volt
system, or may have parallel strings of batteries.
Lead-acid batteries are made of plates of lead and separate plates of lead
dioxide, which are submerged in electrolyte solution of 35% sulfuric acid and
65% water. This composition causes a chemical reaction that releases electrons
which flow through conductors to produce electricity. When the battery discharges,
the acid of the electrolyte reacts with the materials of the plates, changing their
surface to lead sulfate. When the battery is recharged, the chemical reaction is
reversed: the lead sulfate converted into lead oxide and lead.
Recycling automotive batteries reduce resources required to manufacture new
batteries. It also prevents improper disposal of toxic waste.

TYPES OF BATTERY

The following are two types of automotive batteries. The battery on left has
removable caps so the battery state of charge can be checked; adding water if needed.
The battery is a "Maintenance Free" battery (lead acid or alkaline) which is sealed
and does not require adding with distilled water because the electrolyte level does
not change because they do not produce much gas. The charge indicator in the top
shows the state of change.

Fig. 1 Two types of Automotive Battery (left) ordinary wet battery (right) maintenance free battery. (www. google.
com.ph.)

BATTERY CONSTRUCTION
The battery case is molded plastic. The plates are molded to plate straps to
form plate groups. To make a battery cell, a positive plate group fits into a negative
plate group. Porous separators are placed between the plates.
This make-up prevents positive and negative plates from touching one another
while allowing electrolyte to circulate between the plates.
The assembly of plate groups and separators is an element. The elements fit
into compartments in the battery case to form cells. Heavy lead connectors are
attached to the cell terminals that connect the cells in series. A plastic cover forms
the top of the battery.
Some batteries have openings in their cover with filler plugs or vent caps that
are removable for adding water. Maintenance-free batteries do not have removable
caps.

Fig. 2. Parts of Automotive Battery. (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.)

 WORKING SAFELY ON BATTERIES
Observe the following safety measures when working with batteries, testing or
charging.
1. The sulfuric acid in the electrolyte is very corrosive. It can make holes in cloth. It
can cause serious burns on human skin. It can cause blindness if it gets into the
eyes. Wear eye protector when testing or charging a battery. If you get battery
acid on your skin, flush it off at once with water. If you get battery acid (electrolyte)
into your eyes, flush them with water at once then go to the school nurse, doctor
or hospital emergency room.
2. When disconnecting a battery, always disconnect the negative or ground cable
first.
3. If the battery has vent caps, make sure the vent holes are open before charging.
Cover the caps with a damp cloth. Discard the cloth after the battery is charged.
4. Never lean over a charging battery.
5. Do not charge a frozen maintenance-free battery because when the charge
indicator dot shows light yellow or clear the battery could explode.

Activity 1

Activity 2
Give at least three (3) differences between the two types of battery.

Ordinary Wet Battery Maintenance Free

1. 1.
2.
VS 2.

3. 3.

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TOPIC: TESTING THE BATTERY
Objectives
 Select appropriate test equipment.
 Test different types of batteries.
 Analyze test results

TWO WAYS OF TESTING THE BATTERY

Batteries are tested in two ways: the state of charge and performance. The
state of charge of a vent–cap battery is determined by a hydrometer. The built-in
battery provides this information. The battery load test is performed to determine
the serviceability of the battery.

HYDROMETER TEST
Two types of hydrometer:
1. Ball hydrometer
2. Float hydrometer
Ball hydrometer is similar to the ball type coolant hydrometer. To perform
hydrometer testing using ball hydrometer, insert the rubber tube into the vent hole
of the battery, then squeeze and release the bulb. Electrolyte will be drawn into the
tube. If all balls float, the battery is fully charged. If none, the battery is discharged.
The more balls that floats, the higher the battery state of charge.
The float hydrometer is used in the same way as the ball hydrometer. it will
float as the electrolyte is drawn from the battery. Marks on the float stem show the
electrolyte specific gravity. This indicates the battery state of charge. The more fully
charged the battery, the higher the float.
As a precaution, make sure no electrolyte drips on the car or on you.
Electrolyte will damage the car paint or your clothes.
The following table shows the relationship between specific gravity and state
of charge.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY STAGE OF CHARGE
1.265 -1.299 Fully charged battery
1.235 -1.265 Three – fourths charged
1.205 -1.235 One-half charged
1.170 -1.205 One-fourth charged
1.140-1.170 Barely Operative
1.110-1.140 Completely discharged

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 While the next table provides the specific gravities and freezing temperatures
for battery electrolytes.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY STAGE OF CHARGE
1.100 18 [-8.2]
1.160 1 [-7.2]
1.200 -17 [-27.3]
1.220 -31 [-35]
1.260 -75 [-59.4]
1.300 -95 [-70.5]

Activity 1
Determine the state of charge of the following specific gravity reading from
hydrometer.

Specific Gravity Reading State of Charge

1.287
1.243
1.128
1.290
1.220

REMEMBER
An automotive battery is a type of rechargeable battery that supplies
electric energy to an automobile. Usually this refers to an SLI battery (starting,
lighting, ignition) to power the starter motor, the lights, and the ignition system of
a vehicle’s engine. An automotive battery may also be attraction battery used as
the main power source of an electric vehicle.
There are two types of battery, ordinary wet battery and maintenance free.
Batteries are made of six galvanic cells in series to provide a 12 volt system.
Each cell provides 2.1 volts for a total of 12.6 volt at full charge.

Batteries are tested in two ways: the state of charge and performance. The state
of charge of a vent–cap battery is determined by a hydrometer.
Ball hydrometer is similar to the ball type coolant hydrometer. To perform
hydrometer testing using ball hydrometer, insert the rubber tube into the vent
hole of the battery, then squeeze and release the bulb. Electrolyte will be drawn
into the tube.
The float hydrometer is used in the same way as the ball hydrometer. it
will float as the electrolyte is drawn from the battery.
 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Write the correct letter of your choice on the blank provided for.
1. The battery in an electro chemical device, this means the battery
A. makes chemicals by electronic means
B. uses chemicals to provide electricity
C. has non-chemical plates
D. does not use an electrolyte
2. The battery performs the following EXCEPT
A. supplies current to crank the engine
B. supplies current when the charging system cannot handle the lead
C. supplies current to the ignition system with the engine is off.
D. supplies current to the ECM while the engine is off
3. The indication if the battery is fully charged using a ball hydrometer.
A. all balls float
B. no balls float
C. a and b
D. none of the above
4. The more fully charged the battery is, the higher the float is indicating
the state of charge.
A. float hydrometer
B. ball hydrometer
C. a and b
D. all of the above
5. The more balls float, the higher the battery state of charge.
A. ball hydrometer
B. float hydrometer
C. a and b
D. None of the above

POST – TEST
Direction: Read the questions carefully and encircle the letter of the correct
answer

1. The battery in an electro chemical device, this means the battery

A. makes chemicals by electronic means
B. uses chemicals to provide electricity
C. has non-chemical plates
D. does not use an electrolyte
2. The battery performs the following EXCEPT
A. supplies current to crank the engine
B. supplies current when the charging system cannot handle the lead
C. supplies current to the ignition system with the engine is off.
D. supplies current to the ECM while the engine is off
3. When working around the battery be sure to;
A. Disconnect the negative first
B. Disconnect the positive first
C. Never disconnect the terminals
D. A and B
4. A type of battery which do not have removable caps.
A. maintenance free battery
B. battery with caps
C. 3A battery
D. B and C
5. This type of hydrometer which is similar to ball type coolant hydrometer.
A. ball hydrometer
B. flat hydrometer
C. barometer
D. A and B
6. A type of hydrometer which the state of charge marks on the float stem to show
electrolyte specific gravity.
A. ball type hydrometer
B. float hydrometer
C. A and B
D. None of the above
7. The indication if the battery is in full charge in using ball hydrometer.
A. all balls float
B. no balls float
C. A and B
D. None of the above
8. The more fully charge the battery is, the higher the float is indicating the state of
charge of.
A. float hydrometer
B. ball hydrometer
C. A and B
D. All of the above
9. The more balls float, the higher the state of charge is.
A. ball hydrometer
B. float hydrometer
C. A and B
D. None of the above
10. In disconnecting the battery the correct tools used are__ .
A. A and C
B. battery pliers
C. box wrench (12x13)
D. open wrench
 Key to correct
Pre-test and Post test
1. b
2. c
3. a
4. a
5. a
6. b
7. a
8. a
9. a
10. c

REFERENCES:
 STVEP CBLM Second Year Automotive Servicing NCI
 Hyundai-Enercell-2SMF-Maintenance-Free-Automotive-Battery
 engg-learning.blogspot.com/2011/03/font-definitions-font-face-font.html

ement Team: Maria Magdalena M. Lim-Schools Division Superintendent-Manila, Aida H. Rondilla-Chief Education