rate discharge test (see page 266) to determine whether the cell is
defective or whether electrolyte has been lost due to flooding caused
by over-filling and has been replaced by water or higher gravity
electrolyte. If any defect shows up during the high rate test, the
battery should be opened for inspection. If no defect shows up, put
the battery on charge.

(d) When the lamps burn dimly while the engine is running.

(e) When the lamps become very dim when the starting switch is closed.

If a battery is tested by turning on the lights and then closing the
starting switch, make sure that there is no short-circuit or ground in
the starting motor circuits. Such trouble will cause a very heavy
current to be drawn from the battery, resulting in a drop in the
voltage of the battery.

(f) When the voltage of the battery has fallen below 1.7 volts per
cell, measured while all the lights are turned on.

(g) When the owner has neglected to add water to the cells regularly,
and the electrolyte has fallen below the tops of the plates.

(h) When a battery has been doped by the addition of electrolyte or
acid instead of water, or when one of the "dope" electrolytes which
are advertised to make old, worn out batteries charge up in a
ridiculously short time and show as much life and power as a new
battery. Use nothing but a mixture of distilled water and sulphuric
acid for electrolyte. The "dope" solutions are not only worthless, but
they damage a battery considerably and shorten its life. Such a
"doped" battery may give high gravity *readings and yet the lamps will
become very dim when the starting motor cranks the car, the voltage
per cell will be low when the lights are burning, or low voltage
readings (1.50 per cell) will be obtained if a high rate discharge
test is made.

Every battery which comes in for any reason whatsoever, or any battery
which is given a bench charge whenever necessary should also be
examined for other defects, such as poorly burned on connectors and
terminals, rotted case, handles pulled off, sealing compound cracked,
or a poor sealing job between the covers and jars, or covers and
posts. A slight leakage of electrolyte through cracks or imperfect
joints between the covers and jars or covers and posts is very often
present without causing any considerable trouble. If any of the other
troubles are found, however, the battery needs repairing.

Arrangement of Batteries on Charging Bench. If a battery