Certain electronic devices on the vehicle maintain a small continuous current drain (parasitic load) on the battery. A battery that is not used for an extended period of time will discharge. Eventually permanent damage will result. Discharged batteries will also freeze in cold weather. Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot .

Battery Protection During Vehicle Storage

In order to maintain the battery state of charge while storing the vehicle for more than 30 days:

1. Make sure that the green dot is visible in the built-in hydrometer.
2. Disconnect the battery ground (negative) cable to protect the battery from discharge by parasitic current drains.

When the battery cannot be disconnected:

1. Maintain a high state of charge.
2. Establish a regular schedule for recharging the battery every 20-45 days.
3. When a battery is found without a green dot visible in the hydrometer refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot .

A battery that has remained in a discharged state for a long period of time is difficult to recharge or may be permanently damaged.