Process for Communicating an Incident with a Battery{1401} Caterpillar

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Introduction

The problem that is identified below does not have a known permanent solution. Until a permanent solution is known, use the solution that is identified below.

Problem

An adequate process has not been established in order for a customer to communicate an incident with a battery.

Solution

Customers should complete the checklist below. The checklist should be returned to your Technical Communicator for your Dealership. Reference Technical Information Bulletin, TIBU5504 in the Service Request.

The form will be submitted by the Dealership to the Dealer Solution Network.

Checklist

This checklist should be completed by the customer whenever there is a battery failure of any significant degree. Completing this checklist will enable a thorough inspection of the battery.

Note: Batteries that are being returned for failure analysis must be identified in a unique manner.

Note: The complete set of batteries should be kept in case the batteries are returned to Caterpillar for inspection.

1. Indicate the model of the machine and the model of the engine.

2. Identify the part number of the battery.

3. Identify the date of shipment of the battery.

   This information can be found on the sticker that is located near the positive post of the battery. The first letter in the code specifies the month of the shipment of the battery. The second letter indicates the year of the shipment of the battery. For example, a code of "B7" indicates that the battery was shipped in February 2007.

4. Indicate the condition of the battery. State if the battery is clean or dirty. Include a photo of the battery, when possible.

5. Indicate the total number of batteries that are used in the system.

6. Indicate the part number or the brand name of other batteries that are in the system.

7. Indicate the age of other batteries that are in the system. List the date code of each battery. Use the part number or the brand name of the battery in order to identify each battery.

8. Verify the levels of the electrolytes if the levels can be seen.

9. State if all of the vent caps are in place and properly mounted. Include a photo of the battery, when possible.

10. Indicate if the vents are free of foreign materials.

11. State if there are signs of stress to the battery.

    Stress is indicated when the sides of the battery are bulging. State the possible cause of the stress. Stress can be caused by high temperatures or by overcharging. Include a photo of the battery, when possible.

12. Indicate the type of system that is used to charge the battery. Systems include an alternator or a charger.

13. State if the charging system has temperature compensation. List the voltage setting.

14. Indicate the location of the battery at the time of the incident. Examples include Ohio, Canada, and Australia.

15. State the ambient temperature at the time of the incident.

16. State the temperature of the battery compartment at the time of the incident.

17. Describe the location of the battery on the machine. Include a photo of the battery, when possible.

18. Describe the ventilation of the battery compartment.

19. Indicate if any device that could cause a spark or a discharge of electricity is located within the battery compartment.

20. State if the battery is located near any source of high heat.

21. Describe the conditions that were present at the time of the incident. Some examples are the following: charging, jump starting, engine cranking, engine starting, cleaning and normal conditions.

Guidelines for Determining the Return of the Battery

Refer to Table 1 in order to determine if the battery should be returned to Caterpillar.

Guidelines for Cleaning or Preparing the Battery for Shipment

Show/hide table

Personal injury can result from battery fumes or explosion. Batteries give off flammable fumes that can explode. Electrolyte is an acid and can cause personal injury if it contacts the skin or eyes. Prevent sparks near the batteries. They can cause vapors to explode. Do not allow jumper cable ends to contact each other or the engine. Improper jumper cable connections can cause an explosion. Always wear protective glasses when working with batteries. The power switch must be in the OFF position when connecting the 5P-7366 Power Cable .

1. Determine if the battery system should be shipped. Refer to Table 1.

2. Do not wash the battery or clean the battery or any of the components of the battery.

3. Drain all of the electrolyte from the battery that failed. Do not drain the electrolyte from a battery that did not fail.

   Note: Follow all local guidelines and regulations for disposal of hazardous materials.

4. Place all pieces of the battery into a plastic bag.

5. Place the bag into a container that is approved for shipment of hazardous materials.

6. Bring the container to your Dealership.