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How to Inspect and Clean Cat® Batteries
Estimated read time: 2 minutes
Taking care of the Cat® batteries in your equipment is a quick and easy way to get ahead of unexpected battery failures. And we want you to feel empowered to do it yourself.
If you need new batteries, you can find them at Parts.Cat.com. Enter your machine’s serial number to see which parts you need for your specific equipment.
Before doing any maintenance, remember to check your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for proper safety procedures. And always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Check out this video to see how to inspect and clean your batteries, and then read on for the written instructions:
Prepare for Service
Whenever possible, it’s best to conduct maintenance in a clean environment. So, move your machine to a dry, level surface. Lower implements to the ground, lock out the hydraulics and turn off the engine.
Inspecting Your Battery
Your Cat battery inspection doesn’t immediately start with the battery. You’ll begin by checking the battery box or compartment that houses it. Look around for cracks or electrolyte leaks. Also check the battery hold-down, if equipped. If it's too tight, it'll damage the battery case.
Now onto the battery itself. Look for signs of overcharging such as electrolyte pooling on top or leaking down the sides. Feel the terminals to determine whether they are secure. Your Cat dealer can tell you about proper torque values.
And every 1,000 hours, you’ll need to check the battery’s fluid level. To do this, just screw off the cap and look inside. If it’s low, add distilled water till the internal lead plates are submerged.
Cleaning Your Battery
To clean your Cat batteries, start by getting rid of dirt and debris. But don’t use compressed air. It causes static electricity, which could cause an explosion.
Disconnect the cables, negative first. Next, use a baking soda or ammonia solution to clean the battery. Once you’re done, be sure to remove the rest of the cleaning solution from the battery.
If there’s corrosion on the posts, use a small bristle brush to remove it. If that’s not enough, try using fine-grit sandpaper.
Finally, reassemble the terminals to the posts and apply a bit of Cat dielectric grease over the connections if needed.
Now that you have inspected and cleaned your battery, you may want to check out how to test and charge your battery. And we also have instructions for how to install a new battery and how to find its date code.
For more information and support, contact your Cat dealer. And always check your Operation and Maintenance Manual for specific instruction and safety procedures.
